Does The Acceptance Of Conspiracy Theories Indicate A Mental Illness?

Conspiracy theory beliefs are not associated with mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. However, new research suggests that global events are nurturing underlying emotions that make people more willing to believe in conspiracies. This “conspiracy mentality” correlates with personality traits such as low levels of trust, an increased need for closure, and feelings of superiority. People can be prone to believe in conspiracy theories due to a combination of personality traits and motivations, including relying strongly on intuition and feeling a sense of antagonism and superiority.

Conspiration theories are consequential as they have a real impact on people’s health, relationships, and safety. A national survey of 2021 U.S. adults asked about 15 psychological and political characteristics and beliefs in 39 different conspiracy theories. Two psychiatrists offer advice on distinguishing between belief in conspiracies and outright delusions.

A study reported in JAMA estimated that about half of Americans believe at least one medical conspiracy theory, such as those relating to cancer cures, vaccines, or other issues. Baseless theories threaten our safety and democracy. Specific emotions make people prone to such thinking.

For mental health practitioners, it is important to understand and mitigate the vulnerability that a mental disorder creates to extremists. Conspiracy beliefs typically flourish in threatening situations that evoke negative emotions.