What Are Delusions of Grandeur?
Delusions of grandeur are the manifestation of a psychopathological condition in which a person has fantasies of power, wealth, and omnipotence. These people often also have an inflated sense of self-esteem, and may hold an obsession with grandiose or extravagant things or actions. Even when presented with evidence contradicting their delusions, they will still cling to their erroneous beliefs. The term is sometimes used by people to refer to someone who exaggerates the amount of power and importance that he or she has, but this downplays the seriousness of an actual medical diagnosis.
Characteristics
When a person has delusions of grandeur, he may believe that he has extraordinary powers or is famous. Some people with this condition think they are famous historical figures; the mentally ill person who thinks he is Napoleon may be one of the most common media references to this delusion. Patients who firmly possess such unrealistic beliefs may eventually harm themselves physically, mentally, or emotionally. A person who thinks he has special powers, for example, might jump off a building because he genuinely believes he can fly.
Causes
In clinical terms, delusions of grandeur can be a symptom of a number of different psychological conditions. Also called megalomania, it is frequently associated with narcissistic personality disorder, a condition in which a person is extremely preoccupied with himself and has inflated feelings of self-importance. These delusions are also sometimes found in patients with varying degrees of dementia and psychotic or depressive disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In some cases, delusions of grandeur are accompanied by other delusions, including those of persecution, in which the patient thinks others are out to get him, and of control, in which the patient believes an outside force is controlling his thoughts or actions.
Some drugs, especially phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines, may also contribute to episodes of delusions of grandeur. This is especially dangerous because users who are high may believe they have powers that will enable them to perform dangerous feats that a normal human being could not, such as flying off a tall building or stopping an oncoming train with one hand. In such cases, delusions of grandeur could result in serious injuries or even death.
Treatment
Delusions of grandeur cannot be treated directly as they are typically a symptom of a larger illness rather than a condition in and of themselves. In order to treat delusions caused by a mental illness, a professional must diagnose the underlying condition and treat that, and the delusions may fade over time. Talk therapy is used in many cases, although people with this condition often feel they do not need the help. When caused by drug use, delusions and other psychological effects usually disappear over time after the drug wears off.
Public perception
Like other clinical terms, such as "anti-social," the term "delusions of grandeur" is often used non-technically and incorrectly. It is sometimes used to describe people who are disliked dictators of countries, prominent businessmen, or celebrities, since they may be seen as selfish and egotistical. Misusing the term in this way could mask situations in which actual delusions of grandeur present a very real psychopathological threat to a person's health.
Written by Y. Chen
