Psychotic behaviors during COVID-19: Should conspiracist ideation be included within the continuum model of psychosis?

Abstract

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Magical ideation has been studied within the context of schizotypal personality disorder and paranormal beliefs. It often includes experiences like telepathy or perceptual anomalies, which may be associated with psychosis. The continuum model of psychosis suggests that individuals with such perceptions may be at an increased risk of developing psychotic conditions, even without a psychiatric history. Sociocultural factors also shape these beliefs, and trends like the COVID-19 crisis have led to a rise in conspiracy ideation, which is characterized by paranoid content. While magical and conspiracy beliefs differ, they share irrational and implausible elements, raising questions about their place on the psychosis spectrum. There is a need for more research to understand whether conspiracy ideation should be considered part of the psychotic phenotype, especially given its potential impact on mental health in crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.