THE NUCLEUS Issue 2 Spring 2024

G R A N D I O S E D E L U S I O N S

Whataredelusionsof grandeur? Delusions are defined as unreasonable and incorrect beliefs. Delusions of grandeur causes a belief that one is better than others, feeling as though one is above the law, making unreasonable demands on others, as well as having a sense of entitlement. Around 50% of people with schizophrenia may experience grandiose delusions, and during Carroll’s time of writing, it was also believed that there was a correlation between one’s intelligence and their chances of experiencing delusions, in which those of higher intelligence were more likely to become ‘mad’. A delusion of grandeur may seem like very high self-esteem and an inflated sense of self-importance, but it is a much stronger disconnection from reality. Healthy people can hold unreasonably high opinions of themselves, but unlike them, those with delusions of grandeur hold unshakable conviction that their delusions are true. Currently, no test can confirm a delusional disorder. However, detailed mental history, substance usage, mania episodes and obviously bizarre behaviour would be taken into account to make a diagnosis.

symptons

Although grandiose delusions can result in harm and distress to the person’s physical, social, emotional well-being (such as believing one is immortal and walking across a highway), grandiose delusions can also be highly meaningful as they provide a sense of purpose, belonging, or self-identity, so that the person can make sense of unusual or difficult events. Grandiose delusions can manifest in many beliefs such as that one is immortal, famous or a religious leader. In addition, there may be other symptoms such as difficulty in getting along with others, persistent belief (despite contrary evidence) and anger at people who refuse to accept their delusional beliefs. Delusions of grandeur often accompany other delusions (such as fear of persecution or unusual religious beliefs), which can be related to conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and dementia. The cultural context that the person is brought up in also plays a significant role in shaping these delusions as culture affects one’s knowledge and what they believe. Something that is considered a delusion in one culture may not be in another. Since delusions of grandeur are typically related to a mental health condition, most people may also experience other symptoms.

A 2006 study shows that other mental health factors can alter the content of a person’s schizophrenic delusions. Those with high self-esteem and less depression were more likely to have grandiose delusions, whereas those with low self-esteem and more depression were more likely to have delusions of persecution. Schizoaffective disorder (described by DSM-5 as a condition with shared symptoms between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia) can also cause delusions and hallucinations. 2 out of 3 of those with bipolar disorder may also experience delusions of grandeur manifested at times of mania when they experience a highly inflated sense of self. Other causes include narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), dementia, drugs (using cannabis increases risk by 40%), brain injury (related to the lesions of the frontal lobe, or imbalance of neurotransmitters) and delusional disorder (similar to schizophrenic delusions).