BONUS: Delusions: When False Beliefs Become Reality

Send us Fan Mail What are delusions, how do they differ from hallucinations, and what happens when someone acts on a belief that feels completely real—but isn't? In this episode of Pretty Evil: Side Notes, we're exploring the psychology of delusions, psychosis, and the complicated relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior. Following our two-part investigation into Richard Chase, the infamous Vampire of Sacramento, we're taking a closer look at one of the most misunderstood concepts in criminal psychology: what it actually means to lose touch with reality. We'll examine the different types of delusions—including persecutory, grandiose, somatic, and erotomanic delusions—and explore how they differ from conspiracy beliefs, paranoia, obsessive thoughts, and hallucinations. Along the way, we'll revisit Richard Chase's documented psychosis and examine real criminal cases involving delusional beliefs, stalking, and perceived threats. We'll also look at what psychological research actually tells us about schizophrenia, psychosis, and violence, including why most people experiencing psychosis are not violent and why factors like substance use, previous behavior, emotional state, and treatment history matter when assessing risk. Ultimately, we're asking a question that comes up often in true crime: When someone commits a crime while experiencing delusions, how much does their distorted perception of reality actually explain their behavior? Side Notes is a shorter, more relaxed category from Pretty Evil, exploring fascinating psychological concepts, criminal behavior, and cases that deserve a closer look. Topics covered: Delusions explained, delusions vs. hallucinations, types of delusions, psychosis, schizophrenia, persecutory delusions, erotomania, somatic delusions, delusional disorder, obsessive thoughts vs. delusions, Richard Chase, Vampire of Sacramento, mental illness and violence, criminal psychology, forensic psychology, true crime psychology. Support the show Some details don't make it into the episode. For source material, research files, episode extras, and more to the story, visit prettyevilpodcast.com.