grandiose delusions
False beliefs involving inflated self-worth, power, knowledge, or identity, often including special relationships with famous figures or divine beings.
Full Definition
Grandiose delusions are fixed false beliefs characterized by fantastical content involving inflated self-esteem, power, knowledge, identity, or special relationships. Common themes include beliefs about being a famous person, having special powers or abilities, being chosen by God, or having solved major world problems. These delusions occur in various psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder during manic episodes, schizophrenia, delusional disorder grandiose type, and sometimes major depression with psychotic features. In clinical documentation, grandiose delusions are recorded under thought content in the mental status examination, with specific details about the nature and extent of the delusional beliefs.
Usage
Usage note: Document specific content of delusions; distinguish from temporary grandiosity in mania
In Context
- "The patient's grandiose delusions included believing he was the CEO of Microsoft and had invented the internet." — Psychiatric evaluation
- "Grandiose delusions resolved after mood stabilization with lithium therapy." — Progress note