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Grandiose delusions or delusions of grandeur are principally a subtype of delusional disorder but could possibly feature as a symptom of schizophrenia and manic episodes of bipolar disorder.^[1] Grandiose delusions are characterized by fantastical beliefs that one is famous, omnipotent, or otherwise very powerful. The delusions are generally fantastic, often with a supernatural, science-fictional, or religious bent (for example, belief that one is an incarnation of Jesus Christ).

Grandiose delusions are distinct from grandiosity, in that the sufferer does not have insight into his loss of touch with reality.

In colloquial usage, one who is said to have 'delusions of grandeur' is considered to be one who overestimates ones own abilities, talents or situation. This is generally due to excessive pride, rather than any actual delusions.

[edit] Megalomania

Megalomania (from the Greek word μεγαλομανία; megalo-, meaning large, and mania) is a historical term for grandiose delusions and was referred to by psychiatrists such as Freud and Jung. The first attested use of the word "megalomania" is in 1890 as a translation of the French word "mégalomanie".

The word is still often used by the non-medical public.

[edit] References

1. ^ Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) American Psychiatric Association (2000)

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