A delusion is a false belief held by a person. It contradicts reality or what is commonly considered true. The strength of a delusion is based on how much the person believes it.
Specifically, 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.
A delusion of grandeur may also be a belief that they have special abilities, possessions, or powers.
Delusions are generally the result of a mental health disorder. 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. These include:
schizophrenia
bipolar disorder
dementia
delirium
major depressive disorder with psychotic features
Psychotic disorders can change a person’s sense of reality. They may be unable to tell what is real and what is not.
Types of delusions of grandeur
Any delusion has four main characteristics:
The person having the belief believes it to be true, even when the existing norm and other people know it to be untrue.
The person having the delusion will not listen to any other viewpoints about 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 the delusion may believe that they have a secret talent, object, or ability that no one else has or even knows about. For example, they may believe 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 actually believe that they are a famous person and that the real famous person is an imposter or decoy.
Having a secret connection
This delusion involves believing in a special and sometimes secret connection or relationship with someone or something important. For example, a person with this delusion of grandeur may believe they are a spy or that they alone 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 religious leader.