What are megalomania signs? Treatment of delusions of grandeur

In a society in which a person is assessed by the results achieved, delusions of grandeur are a common and completely logical phenomenon. Every person begins to evaluate himself and others quite early. However, some people often exaggerate greatly. They brag about what they have done or are about to do, or are proud of acquiring new things, openly showing them off. Braggers are very unlikable people. If a person calls someone a braggart, then his feelings are almost always negative. In addition, boasting is often associated with dishonesty and often develops into delusions of grandeur. The fact is that when boasting, it is easy to cross the line separating the identified qualities good people and their embellished demonstration.

Even if a person has personal reasons for boasting (for example, he wants to achieve best results, to acquire something, hoping to earn the attention of others), other people most often evaluate this emphasized identification of personal success very skeptically.

The painful desire to stand out among others - this is frequent and intense efforts to do something special and be the center of attention of everyone - is the “heaviest” form of boasting and is characteristic of the hysterical personality type.

Delusions of grandeur are different from boasting and a morbid desire to stand out. Essentially, it is a symptom characteristic of some mental or organic disease that needs to be treated. Delusions of grandeur - a morbid desire to be important, necessary condition- belief (inconsistent with reality) that you are special because of your power, strength, wealth, famous ancestors, special social status or rare abilities. Such mania is characterized by a complete loss of perception of reality. However, patients do not realize that their created opinion does not correspond to reality, and therefore do not seek help. Most often, other people bring such a patient to the doctor.

Causes

The causes of megalomania can be different. First of all, it can manifest itself as a result of progressive paralysis. This syndrome is characteristic symptom late syphilis, which used to be called softening of the brain. Patients suffering from this disease are euphoric, they develop symptoms of megalomania - they seem to themselves to be the most important, rich, smart, powerful. True, these symptoms appear in 5% of people with syphilis and most often after the disease has not manifested itself in any way for 8-15 years. Clear delusions may be a symptom of paranoid type schizophrenia. Sometimes delusions manifest themselves as mania, in which case patients imagine themselves to be unusually important or feel as if they are being persecuted.

A painful desire to stand out can also manifest itself when affective psychosis. The patient constantly has new ideas, he is talkative and reacts to every external stimulus, for example, the patient wants to buy every car he sees on the street, having noticed a traffic jam, he is ready to immediately take up traffic control himself, etc.

Is it possible to treat such mania?

Delusions of grandeur cannot be cured. Since it most often manifests itself in manic-depressive psychosis or schizophrenia, only treatment of the underlying disease helps.

To alleviate symptoms mental disorder Patients are most often prescribed antipsychotics. Lithium preparations are used to prevent manic-depressive psychosis.

Does bragging depend on gender?

Men are more prone to boasting than women. For example, women rarely brag about their personal victories in life or the amount of alcohol they drink. On the contrary, men are openly proud of it. One of the most frequent topics for men to brag - a car, for example, how fast they drove a new car. Of course, women brag too, but they do it much more subtly than men.

Bragging by age

Children and young people often like to show off. Young people are trying to find their place in society and establish themselves in it. In this case, boasting is a kind of duel with peers. During bragging, competition, competition and an understanding of one's individuality are partly manifested. Young people, having learned to believe in themselves, over time grow out of this state of boasting.

Many persistent stereotypes have developed around megalomania. People who consider themselves Napoleon, Suvorov and other famous historical figures are mistakenly perceived as suffering from delusions of grandeur. However, in reality, this symptom is a manifestation of delusional-hallucinatory disorder. Delusions of grandeur itself belong to the category of complex mental disorders, which manifest themselves in the form of excessive exaggeration of various qualities and characteristics of a person. This symptom accompanies the development of many mental illnesses. It is important to note that most patients deny the fact of an unnatural condition, since they are firmly convinced of the exclusivity of their personality and the presence of an important purpose in society . Let's look at what megalomania is and how it manifests itself in more detail.

Delusions of grandeur are a feature of self-awareness and behavior of an individual, characterized by an extremely pronounced overestimation of one’s importance

Emergence pathological changes in the patient’s personality, lead to the concentration of all thoughts on their exclusivity and importance for the social environment. This feature in the perception of the surrounding world leads to the fact that all actions performed pursue only one goal - universal recognition of the value of the individual. Man in similar condition wishes that as much as possible more people learned that he is unique.

Being under the power of pathology, a person cannot accept the simple fact that people do not even suspect his existence. Many patients claim that thoughts are born in their minds that can turn them upside down. modern performance about the structure of the world. Such a person thinks that everyone around him should adhere to his views on life and spread his “teachings”. It is important to pay attention to the fact that it is almost impossible to convince a person with delusions of grandeur that real world all their undertakings are not of exceptional importance. Such people try to strengthen their power and influence over others as much as possible.

Clinical picture

Of course, delusions of grandeur are not so clearly manifested in all cases. Severe delirium and obsessive attempts to instill one’s worldview in others are characteristic only of complex forms of the disease. Symptoms and signs of megalomania include:

1. Frequent changes in mood. Psychomotor agitation may alternate with emotional stupor, bouts of euphoria with depressive disorder, and active physical activity can turn into passivity. According to experts, these changes in mood are not controlled by the patient, which often provokes the occurrence of various complications.
2. Increased physical activity. Delusions of grandeur often manifest as manic episodes of bipolar personality disorder. The symptoms of these conditions are highly interrelated. One manifestation of this connection is attempts to promote one's ideas in combination with increased energy and lack of fatigue.
3. Excessively high level of self-esteem. When combined with incredible ideas, patients often elevate their social and personal status. This leads to the emergence of demands for respectful attitude towards one’s own personality. According to experts, such people suffer from a thirst for power and demand a servile attitude towards themselves.
4. Sleep problems. The occurrence of insomnia and other sleep quality disorders can be explained by excessive physical activity. An influx of crazy ideas and thoughts can disrupt the process of falling asleep. In addition, excessive energy implies less need for rest.
5. Negative attitude towards criticism. Comments made about the patient's ideas and personality may cause negative reaction. Such attempts can be either ignored or rudely suppressed at the very beginning of the dialogue.
6. Problems with perceiving someone else's point of view. Most patients have a negative attitude not only towards criticism and comments, but also towards the presence of their own point of view among people around them. Most of them try to avoid other people's advice, even in cases where the actions taken may cause danger to the patient's health.

Delusion of grandeur is a mental disorder, one of the forms of delusion

Symptoms of megalomania in men manifest themselves in the form of excessive aggression. Constructive criticism may result in physical rudeness and violence in response. According to experts, the pathology in question in men manifests itself in the form of excessive activity, persistence and an expansive expansion of the circle of influence. In an effort to take a dominant role, such men use any means to neutralize their rivals.

The pathology in question, which occurs in the fair sex, is characterized by a milder manifestation, which is expressed in complete absence aggression. A feature of this form of the disease is the desire to reach certain heights in various fields life. Quite often, the pathology takes the form of erotomanic delusion, which manifests itself in the form of statements that famous person was in love with this woman. It is important to pay attention to the fact that during the course of the disease there are episodes during which depressive disorder is so severe that it leads to thoughts of suicide.

Causes and risk group

Research by scientists has revealed that there are certain factors that increase the risk of developing delusions of grandeur. According to scientists, there is a high likelihood of the disease occurring in people suffering from schizophrenia and manic-depressive psychosis.

In addition, the risk of developing pathology increases in the presence of narcotic and alcohol addiction, as well as traumatic brain injuries suffered in childhood. A history of syphilis also puts a person at risk, predisposed to delusions of grandeur. In addition to all of the above, the development of the disease can be provoked by vivid psychotraumatic situations.

As independent disease, delusions of grandeur have certain features in their course. These features include alternation of the following signs:
In the first stages of development, the symptoms of the disease are mild, due to which the pathology is similar to character accentuation.

In more acute form delusional thoughts appear, where ideas about greatness are clearly visible.
At the stage of decompensation, the predominant depressive symptoms, accompanied by signs of depletion of the body’s mental and physical resources.

A person suffering from this mental disorder is characterized by a painful desire to stand out from others. general environment, be exceptional, important

Certain forms of mental disorder

There are several individual species delusional states that manifest themselves in the form of delusions of grandeur. In psychiatry, these types of delusional states are distinguished into separate forms.

Paraphrenic form of delirium. This type of pathology manifests itself in the form of fantastic ideas, which are combined with delusions of influence and persecution. This form of pathology is characterized by depersonalization and mental automatism, arising from a state of euphoria and manic affect.

According to experts, this type of pathology is one of the complications of paranoid disorder, which is characterized by thoughts about external influence. Among the symptoms of the disease, one should highlight crazy ideas based on the exclusivity of the individual and the tendency to interpret various facts in the direction of one’s own exclusivity. Many people suffering from this disorder often make up various facts in their biography. It is important to understand that such fantasies are wide-ranging and implausible. At certain stages, delusions of persecution can transform into other forms that are based on ideas associated with greatness.

According to patients, their task is to save humanity by exploring space or finding cures for all diseases. Some patients are firmly convinced that they are familiar to every person, and even to vehicles or trees growing on the street. They can offer them assistance in completing various actions and beginnings. In parallel with this, delusions of persecution arise, which is expressed in the form of confidence about surveillance from space, influence unknown to science radiation and other methods of negative impact.

Messianic form of delirium. A less common disease, the carriers of which often became the subject of general discussion. Many people suffering from this type of pathology are firmly convinced that they are one of the forms of reincarnation of pagan deities or new form incarnation of Jesus Christ. Such individuals often found various sects and gathered around them admirers of their own teachings.

Manichaean form of delirium. This pathology can be characterized as a struggle between good and evil in the patient’s mind. People can try on these roles and evil spirits, angels and demons, or representatives of different political movements. The result of this struggle could be the complete destruction of our planet. According to the patient, his task is to counter this “war”. This form has pathologies characteristic resemblance With acute stage course of schizophrenia. Patients with this form of mental disorder present high level danger to both yourself and those around you.

Patients with delusions of grandeur consider themselves special, possessing rare talents, power, wealth, etc.

Complications of megalomania

One of the most common complications of the pathology is the development depressive disorder combined with suicidal tendencies. According to psychiatrists, there are several factors that provoke the occurrence of this condition. One of the main factors in the development of depression is manic episode for bipolar disorder. The severity of mania has negative impact on the severity of perception and a decrease in energy reserves in the body.

The emergence of depression may be facilitated by the disappearance of reasons for further development delusions of grandeur. After a certain period of time, the patient realizes the fantastic nature of his ideas and actions. Women suffering from delusions of grandeur, which manifests itself in the form of confidence in their own appearance, begin to notice that they are less and less popular among men. Awareness of the fact of one’s mediocrity and low significance leads to thoughts about ending one’s life through suicide.

In addition to all of the above, a negative contribution to the development of depression is made by wasteful use of internal energy resources. Upon completion active period manic disorder, the patient experiences sharp decline strength This period is characterized by disappointment in one’s own beliefs, which leads to the appearance of signs of “inside out” mania. This condition manifests itself in the form of decreased self-esteem, a feeling of uselessness and little significance to others.

The final stage of depressive disorder leads to attempts to commit suicide, which indicates the importance of timely medical intervention during the course of the disease.

Patients are not aware of their mental problems and therefore do not seek medical help

Treatment methods

Delusions of grandeur pose a high risk to the patient's health due to high probability development of depressive disorder and the emergence of suicidal tendencies. It is important to note that this pathology almost impossible to completely cure. Selected for each patient individual approach, where the treatment strategy is aimed at reducing the severity of symptoms of the pathology.

To select correction methods mental state, it is very important to identify the cause of delusional thoughts. Complex therapy includes the use of drugs from the category sedatives and neuroleptics, in combination with tranquilizers and methods of mental correction.

Since most patients are unable to recognize the presence of mental problems, in the case of this disease, compulsory treatment is required. If the need arises, the patient is placed in a psychoneurological hospital, where mental disorders are corrected.

Delusions of grandeur are an everyday concept. Its meaning is that a person “upgrades” his rights and teaches others about life. Such people are usually treated negatively.

In medicine, such inflated self-esteem - “the best!” - called delusions of grandeur, megalomania or expansive delusions, implying deviations in the individual’s mental activity.

The disease is difficult to diagnose, since a person suffering from megalomania will never turn to a psychologist on his own. Only in the as a last resort, when such a person has really “annoyed” everyone, he may be persuaded to see a specialist. The one after thorough examination will deliver its “guilty verdict”, let’s assume that this is really delusion of grandeur and the patient needs medical care.

The roots of megalomania have not been studied in detail, and therefore it is impossible to say definitely why delusional ideas of superiority over others develop. It is believed that this may be associated with a disease of the central nervous system and sensory organs, when in the part of the brain responsible for thinking, cognitive (cognitive) processes through which a person understands himself and the world around him are disrupted.

Expansive delusions are characteristic of some mental illnesses. Paranoid schizophrenia, when thought processes are disrupted, is an example of this. A schizophrenic looks down on everyone, not even allowing the thought that someone disagrees with his opinion and might contradict him. Such patients can be aggressive, and therefore present serious threat for others.

An advanced form of syphilis, when the brain is affected, is often accompanied by a delusion of over-importance of one’s person, which can reach the point of madness.

Some experts consider megalomania a type of affective syndrome, when, due to deep nervous excitement thoughts become disordered and delusional ideas appear. Often in such a state a person extols himself to the skies: “I am the most important person in the world!” Other people are just pawns in his mind. A megalomaniac cannot descend to the “sinful earth” to objectively assess himself and his capabilities. For those around him, this becomes unbearable; such “titans of thought” are not liked.

According to some estimates, a third of drug addicts in the world suffer from delusions of grandeur. Manic-depressive individuals are less susceptible to “genius.” This syndrome occurs in up to 75% of young people of both sexes under 20 years of age. For older people, the risk of becoming a “genius” is reduced by almost half (to 40%).

A pattern has been noticed between the level of education and the development of megalomania. The more enlightened are more likely to fall into the power of “high ideas” and often treat others condescendingly. On the other hand, such people love life very much and are practically not susceptible to suicidal thoughts.

The mechanism of development of megalomania goes through three stages:

• The first, harmless to others, is characterized by the desire to stand out from the “crowd” and prove the significance of one’s ideas and actions.
• At the second stage, signs of “genius” increase, even to the point of antisocial behavior due to the refusal of relatives and friends to recognize the outstanding “abilities” of the megalomaniac.
• The third and final phase is the clinical stage, when depression develops with all the ensuing consequences of this condition. This requires drug treatment.

Important to know! Megalomania is not considered a pathology, but should only be considered a warning that there may be a serious mental illness.

Causes of megalomania

Psychiatrists do not consider megalomania as an underlying disease. In enthusiastic delirium, when a person talks about her “genius,” experts see evidence of a serious mental illness. However, quite often mental deviations are not painful, but on the “brink”, when a person seems to think sensibly, but considers himself a genius. Expansive delirium in equally Both sexes are affected.

It should be noted that delusions of grandeur in men are more pronounced than in women. Let’s say that in a conversation a young man interrupts everyone, always trying to show that his opinion is the most correct. People notice this, some may get angry, while others just chuckle. But everyone thinks the guy has an inflated ego.

Delusions of grandeur do not manifest themselves as strongly in women. Not every representative of the fairer sex strives to show in public that she is more beautiful and better than all other ladies. Often such thoughts take the form of erotomania, when alone you can dream that “if Prince Charles saw me, he would definitely fall in love with me.”

Among the factors influencing the emergence and development of megalomania in both women and men, a significant role is played by:

1. Genetic predisposition. If the parents suffered from delusions of grandeur, there is a high probability that the children will be like this.
2. Diseases of the central nervous system. When it is disrupted in the body normal operation nervous processes, there is a malfunction in the functioning of the psyche and a disorder of thought processes in the brain.
3. Manic-depressive psychosis. When you are susceptible to sudden mood swings. For example, melancholy is combined with excitement, and with an elevated state of mind, a person becomes inhibited.
4. Paranoid schizophrenia. Almost half of such patients are obsessed with delusions of grandeur; there are even more of them when the illness is burdened by other disorders, for example, narcissism.
5. Syphilis. The advanced form of the disease decomposes the psyche and brain. Problems with thinking arise.
6. Addiction. Taking drugs leads to euphoria, when it often seems that a person is flying; in the literal sense, he feels “above everyone else.” This state, experienced more than once, makes the drug addict confident that he is thinking correctly. Such a concept is fixed in the consciousness, and this is already delirium of grandeur.
7. Heavy depressive state . A person with a weak psyche, due to constant failures in life, often remains in a depressed mood and cannot get out of it. She becomes withdrawn and plays out her troubles alone. In his dreams he becomes Superman. He fantasizes about how he will fearlessly deal with his enemies. So, unbeknownst to himself and those around him, a person is seized by delusions of grandeur.
8. Neurotic and psychopathic state. Severe emotional shock can lead to nervous breakdown and a seizure. If this is repeated frequently, the functioning of the central nervous system and psyche is disrupted. Mental activity is disrupted, and there is a possibility of developing megalomania.
9. Head injuries. Skull injuries can cause brain damage and disruption of brain function. Often a person begins to think inadequately, which manifests itself as delusions of grandeur.
10. Moral humiliation. If a person is in childhood or an adult has been constantly humiliated, in his dreams he is “strong”. Over time, this condition can develop into expansive delirium.
11. Narcissism. Self-love of such a good person is already a reason for the development of delusions of grandeur.
12. Inappropriate praise. Let’s say that a child has always been encouraged since childhood, although in some cases this should not have been done. The child grew up with a high opinion of himself.

Important to know! The causes of megalomania in men and women are basically the same. Some differences in their manifestation are insignificant. Therefore, representatives of both sexes suffer equally from delusions of “genius.”

The main symptoms of megalomania in humans

At the first stage of the disease, the symptoms of megalomania are invisible and therefore quite safe for others. At the second and third stages, the deep signs of “majestic” delirium appear externally and become symptoms, when by behavior and conversation it can be determined that a person is infected with the “bacillus” of genius.

Based on this fact, symptoms of delusions of grandeur may include:

• Chronic mental illness. Can be inherited from parents. Another option: a person has paranoid schizophrenia or has manic-depressive psychosis.
• Invariably Bad mood . Depressed well-being, for example, due to failures at work, is compensated by thoughts about their exclusivity and genius, “they just don’t understand me.”
• Unimportant dream. I can’t sleep and have bad thoughts. So called appears cognitive dissonance- mental discomfort when mutually exclusive thoughts and emotions “get stuck”. They compensate by trying to “get” themselves into high topics. Such a restructuring of thinking can become the prologue to delusions of grandeur.
• Emotional instability. When mood swings are frequent: from twilight to outbursts of anger. Indifference, melancholy, loss of strength are replaced by a sharp elation and euphoria from lofty, rosy thoughts. The speech of such people is confused, and their thoughts often jump at random.
• Inflated self-esteem. It often happens physically developed men, because it seems to them that they are stronger than others, and therefore better. Women can consider themselves the most beautiful and sexy. All men must show them signs of attention.
• Temperament. Explosive activity, strong excitability, agility and efficiency in business, when by his behavior a person shows that he is not like everyone else.
• Reluctance to accept other people's opinions. Let's say a person thinks that only he has the ultimate truth. Everyone else is talking nonsense; they do not and cannot have anything constructive. They are no match for him! On this basis, scandals develop that develop into hostility. Such aggressive intransigence poses a threat to loved ones.
• Egocentrism. When objective analysis of one’s behavior disappears and a person strives with all his might to be in the center of attention. All honors belong to him, he must be admired, he must be loved. Any other way of treating him is unacceptable. Young people are especially self-centered, trying by hook or by crook to become “people.”
• Vanity and bragging. The desire for fame and belief in one's own invulnerability, coupled with uncontrollable boasting, are all manifestations of delusions of grandeur.

Important to know! If a person exhibits at least one of the symptoms of megalomania, he must be persuaded to see a psychotherapist or psychiatrist.

Ways to combat delusions of grandeur

Only a specialist can tell you how to get rid of delusions of grandeur. Excessive self-confidence cannot be cured at home. In a hospital setting, achieve full recovery It’s also impossible, but it’s quite possible to stop delusional mania. To achieve stable remission, combine medicinal methods healing with psychotherapy sessions. Let's look at these two options in more detail.

Drug treatment for delusions of grandeur

Relatives need to persuade the patient to go to the hospital, although this is quite difficult, since megalomaniacs do not consider themselves sick. After a thorough study of the patient’s medical history, observations and examination, the psychiatrist will prescribe the necessary course of treatment. It lies in the localization of the main mental illness, against the background of which the delusion of “genius” arose.

To diagnose the severity expansive delirium Young's rating scale is often used. The doctor fills it out. Most of the eleven questions concern the patient's mental state. Answers to seven of them are allowed in five variations.

Let’s say the item “thought disturbances” has the following gradation:

• 0 - absent;
• 1 - thorough, moderate distractibility, accelerated thinking;
• 2 - distracted, thinking unfocused, topics change quickly, thoughts run;
• 3 - jumps of ideas, confusion, it is difficult to follow the train of thoughts;
• 4 - incoherence, communication is impossible.

For four other questions, for example, such as “the content of thinking,” notes should be in two versions: the patient thinks normally, but if not, comments are written down.

Based on this test, medications are prescribed psychotropic effect, they calm down nervous system, stabilize emotions, normalize sleep, relieve delusional ideas. As a rule, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and other medications are used latest generation.

Their use is harmful side effect minimal. Suppose the patient does not have hand tremors, he does not experience stiffness and anxiety, other unwanted reactions body. To such medicines include Risperidone, Quetiapine, Clopixol-depot, Leponex and others.

Psychological assistance in the treatment of megalomania

The psychotherapist, depending on which scientific school he adheres to, chooses a technique in working with the patient. These could be sessions of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, gestalt therapy or, say, hypnosis.

The whole essence of working with a patient comes down to ridding him of old bad habits, development of new positive attitudes of thinking and behavior. They should be reinforced, for example, in conversations or special games. For example, at a collective psychotherapy session, patients take turns sharing their experiences.

Such “family” therapy develops in patients a sincere desire to “get over” their problem and live a normal life. healthy life. Naturally, under the only condition that they themselves really want it, and their loved ones support them in this endeavor.

During hypnosis sessions, the patient does not need to strain his will to get rid of his sore of “greatness.” He has all his hope in the hypnologist, they say, he will help. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Only tireless work on oneself will help a person get rid of bad behavioral attitudes. However, this is only if they were not provoked by any chronic disease.

How to get rid of megalomania - watch the video:

Megalomania is an inadequate functioning of the psyche, when an individual, without objective reasons for this, suddenly “soared in the skies.” I began to think too highly of myself. It’s very bad if self-esteem is low, but it’s no better when it’s high. For someone who considers himself the “navel” of the Earth, everyone around him is simply ignorant, they don’t really know anything and don’t know how to appreciate his “genius.” Such people cause rejection, they are unpleasant in society, and people try to communicate with them less. It’s good if the “genius” sooner or later begins to understand this. Then all is not lost for him; after visiting a psychologist, he will be able to change his attitude towards the world and people. When delusions of grandeur arise against the background of a mental illness, one cannot do without a psychiatrist. This serious pathology, which will accompany a person throughout his life, subsiding after treatment and returning again. It's good to be a genius, but it's bad to rave about it!

There is a world huge amount various diseases. However, today mental illnesses, various diseases and deviations are still very little studied. In this article I would like to talk about exactly what

Illness or...?

When trying to define a concept, you may encounter many problems. After all modern man This phrase - “delusions of grandeur” - is used quite often in everyday life. It can be applied to bosses, show business people and other individuals whose behavior causes indignation among others. But in addition to its everyday use, such a phrase also exists in medicine. And it has a very clear designation.

About the concept

So, first of all, it’s worth understanding the concept itself. What is megalomania? If we consider the etymology of the word, then translated from Greek language it is “too big”, “exaggerated”. Only after this can you draw certain conclusions for yourself.

If you strictly follow medical dictionary, then it says that megalomania is a type of behavior, a person’s consciousness, when he exaggerates his importance too much, mental abilities, talents, importance and power. As for science, this disorder is dealt with in the branch of mental pathology, which most often determines this state as part of paranoia or symptom

Where does the disease come from?

The reasons should also be considered. When does megalomania occur? It runs the risk of appearing if a person has progressive paralysis (or Bayle's disease), as well as cerebral syphilis. These diseases have several stages: from onset to development of the disease (from general weakness organism to the point of complete madness or even insanity).

Megalomania is a symptom that can either manifest itself or go unnoticed. This is especially true for syphilis. Here this disorder manifests itself if the disease does not make itself felt for several years due to the fact that it occurs in a special, more mild form(however, this happens in only 5% of patients). An interesting fact is that this state of the brain can occur when a person begins to suddenly have new ideas, and an extremely painful reaction to various external stimuli, excessive eloquence may occur.

A few words about schizophrenia

Quite often, this disorder is a symptom of a disease such as paranoid schizophrenia. Delusions of grandeur in such a situation are peculiar obsession. The role in this situation is excessive selfishness and exaltation of one’s own “I”. Most often, a person is haunted by this mental disorder precisely during moments of hallucinations or a delusional state. It is then that the patient feels like an extremely important person.

Most common cases

However, more often than not, in addition to the options described above, such a mental disorder can arise as a result of a person’s strong dissatisfaction with his own person. The irritant may be appearance, lack of education or unsatisfactory place of work, as well as many other factors. In such a situation, a person tries to correct the situation himself using the methods available to him: go to study, change jobs and improve his appearance. However, all this will already be accompanied by a certain overestimation of one’s own importance and too sharp exaltation of what was recently a disadvantage.

In this case, it is worth noting that delusions of grandeur are difficult to distinguish, it is almost impossible to identify it unless you seek help. medical assistance(which happens extremely rarely). But even after definition, this disorder (if we talk only about its presence) is not considered some kind of special disorder that deserves a lot of attention in the section on mental disorders.

Clinical picture

When considering this mental disorder, it is also important to find out what signs of megalomania exist. As has already been said, this state of mind is difficult to discern. However, beacons to its definition can be following symptoms: bad mood, witticisms that the patient throws at others.

To determine this disorder in the early stages of its occurrence, it takes quite a lot of time. To do this, you will need several tests, as well as observation by a specialist who will do it through certain time necessary conclusions. Most often, this deviation manifests itself with a sharp change in mood, as well as if a person is almost always in an anxious state.

The following symptoms may also be characteristic of patients: talkativeness, increased activity and even sexual preoccupation. At the same time, such people have a pronounced concentration on their ideas and positive aspects. They completely reject and are not even interested in other people's opinions about themselves. It is also worth noting that with such a mental disorder a person may experience aggression. It is directed mainly at close people. The patient becomes a tyrant at home, not embarrassed by assault and other manifestations of his “importance.”

Treatment

What treatment can a person with delusions of grandeur receive? You will not be able to get rid of this mental disorder on your own; for this you will need the help of a specialist. To do this, a person must seek help from a psychologist, who in some cases can redirect for treatment to another doctor - a psychiatrist.

It is worth noting that you can cope with this disorder if you carefully follow all the recommendations of your doctor and complete all sessions on time. In such a situation, drug treatment is simply not required, and there will also be no need to admit the patient to a hospital. However, if delusions of grandeur are part of a more complex disease, antipsychotics may be prescribed or the patient will most likely be admitted to a hospital where he will receive complex treatment not only delusions of grandeur, but also the disease that led to the appearance of this disorder.

Delusions of grandeur are very unpleasant for others psychological disorder. It consists in a person’s excessive exaltation of his person.

People with delusions of grandeur need to be admired or appreciated. Only an experienced psychologist can identify delusions of grandeur in a person; to others, such people usually seem absolutely normal.

What are the signs

There are certain signs of megalomania. A person can be very active compared to others. Characterized by excessive energy, little sleep and increased libido. In a conversation, a person does not accept anyone’s opinion, because he considers himself too important, better than others. Frequent mood swings are also characteristic of such people. Attacks of aggression may suddenly occur.

A person with delusions of grandeur may feel an uncontrollable desire to succeed, to be better than others at all costs. Pathological desire being better than everyone around you leads your loved ones to bewilderment. A person can try to master as much information as possible, and then, in a conversation, he will definitely try to show off them. At the same time, the interlocutor’s interest in this topic does not interest him.

The origins of the feeling of super importance

Delusions of grandeur appear in connection with many serious psychological problems. Usually such people are not happy with their appearance or life. And these complexes push them into an unbridled desire to surpass everyone around them.

All people have complexes, but they manifest themselves in varying degrees. People with severe disabilities need help experienced specialist psychologist.

How to cope

People with delusions of grandeur are excellent manipulators. Those around him must stop reacting to pressure from him. Not giving in and not indulging the whims of the manipulator is what loved ones should do in order to stop the development of the disease. In addition, the person himself must accept his shortcoming and begin to fight it. Without a person’s desire, those around him will not be able to help. Need work on self-esteem. First you need to fully accept yourself. Talk to a loved one and listen to his observations and advice regarding behavior. After all, from the outside you can see what the person himself does not notice.