A delusion of grandeur is when you believe you are something you are not like a celebrity or a supernatural figure as well as having supernatural powers. These delusions are the result of psychosis or a break from reality. Psychosis is often a defining symptom of severe mental health disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, people with dementia or depression can also experience episodes of psychosis.
In order to return back to reality, mental illness treatment can give you or your loved one coping skills to manage delusions of grandeur and other types of psychosis.
Types of Delusions of Grandeur
A person dealing with delusions of grandeur could believe they have a secret talent, object, or ability no one else has. Another example is believing themselves to be a celebrity and that the celebrity everyone else knows is actually a decoy. This person could believe they have a secret connection to someone like being a spy or responsible for sending messages to a world leader. Some even believe themselves to be religious leaders. The strength of a delusion is based on how much the person believes it.
How to Spot Symptoms
It can be hard to spot a delusion of grandeur since the person truly believes that delusion to be true. A delusion is not related to real life. It can mean believing you can fly or that you are the star of a TV show when you are not.
According to an article on Healthline’s website, delusions of grandeur can be easier to spot if that person has a history of mental illness and has had delusions in the past. When you notice other mental health symptoms along with delusions of grandeur, it is easier to tell that the person has delusions. It is also important to keep a close watch on someone with a delusion of grandeur when they change their life or daily activities.
Treatment Options
If you have any concerns about your thoughts, it is important to see a doctor to learn about the right course of treatment. Depending on the underlying mental health condition, cognitive behavioral therapy can change your unhealthy thoughts into positive ones. You will be able to see your life for how it really is.
If you witness anyone having delusions of grandeur and might hurt themselves or others, contact emergency services immediately. Looking into treatment options for delusions of grandeur can bring you back into reality with a better mental health outlook.
Delusions of grandeur are when you believe something about yourself that is far-fetched. You could believe yourself to be on an important mission, a celebrity, or have a supernatural ability. If these delusions are causing you to change your lifestyle, it is important to look into treatment options. At Alta Loma, we understand that mental illnesses can come with life-impacting symptoms and we are here to help you. Located in Georgetown, Texas, our services include individualized therapy, life and coping skills education, a long-term continuum of care, and more. Please give us a call at (866) 457-3843 to learn more.
