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What are delusions of grandeur?
A delusion of grandeur is a person’s belief that they are someone other than who they are, such as a supernatural figure or a celebrity. It may also be a belief that they have special abilities, possessions, or powers.
It is a false belief in one’s power or importance. It may be a symptom of a mental health disorder and can cause confusion between what is real and what is not. However, not all people with delusions meet the full diagnostic criteria for any mental health disorder.
Many types of mental health disorders, classified as psychotic disorders, can lead to delusions. They include:
1. Schizophrenia
2. Bipolar disorder
3. Dementia
4. Delirium
5. Major depressive disorder with psychotic features
A psychotic disorder can change a person’s sense of reality. The individual may be unable to tell what is real and what is not.
Types of delusions of grandeur
The person believes it is true, even when the existing norm and others know it is false.
The person with the delusion may not listen to any other perspective on the belief and will not consider change when evidence challenges the delusion.
The content of the delusion is impossible or implausible.
The delusion impacts the person’s daily life. Delusions of grandeur can take many forms, such as beliefs of having a special ability, object, or talent. The person with delusion may believe they have a secret talent, object, or ability that no one else has or knows about. For example, they may think they possess a secret record from Elvis Presley that no one else knows about.
Being a famous person: A person with a delusion of grandeur may believe that they are a famous person and that the famous person is an impostor or decoy.
Having a secret connection: This delusion believes in a special and sometimes secret connection or relationship with someone or something important. For example, a person with this delusion of grandeur may think they’re a spy or are responsible for relaying messages to the president or other world leaders.
Religious grandeur: A person with a religious-themed delusion of grandeur may believe that they are a spiritual leader.
A delusion of grandeur is easy to spot it occurs with other mental health symptoms. Delusions of grandeur are more familiar with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
If a person has a history of bipolar disorder and has had delusional thoughts in the past, delusions are more likely to happen again.
Delusions can also be brought using substances such as alcohol or marijuana.
