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RamblerNash

RamblerNash



For those, who have been following Jerzy, and his "Insightful Imbeciles", you should of noticed by now that they seem to have a moderate to severe "Intellectual Disability".

Finding alternate means to receive his "Humanitarian Projects Funding" escapes these "Marvellous Minds", with their "Delusions Of Grandeur", for a reason. It doesn't exist!

http://www.oom2.com/t53156-office-of-proofness-zap-jerzy-funding-in-review


Jerzy's altruistic claims only feed into his egotism, especially when his refrigerator gets constantly refilled. Seen any receipts, or pictures, floating around his website, or in his emails to Hobie?

Jerzy's "Narcissistic Personality Disorder", and that of his "Megalomaniac's", wont allow them to address the simplest of questions, asking for one shred of proof.

Anyone funding "Projects", doing their due diligence and proper vetting, wouldn't select Jerzy, who eats cat food, makes ketchup soup and sandwiches, mismanages his income, fabricates stories, lives in squalor, to be in any leadership role.

Jerzy's credentials, for the last five years, was to send emails, to an obscure news website, in order to solicit funds from folks, well...Let's just say that they are just a little bit off, and leave it there.


There is help and medication available for Jerzy, but his dementia wont allow it.

Do you think that Jerzy moved from British Columbia, due to "Adult Protective Services" being available there, but not in Alberta? Can't have the self proclaimed "Protector of Humanity" doing work from a rubber room, can we?


-----

What a dilemma for Hobie. Stop enabling Jerzy, so he can get the much needed help he requires, or continuing, and keep creating his "Click-Bait" revenue.

PurpleSkyz

PurpleSkyz
Admin

Narcissistic personality disorder


  • Symptoms & causes
  • Diagnosis & treatment


Print

Diagnosis

Some features of narcissistic personality disorder are similar to those of other personality disorders. Also, it's possible to be diagnosed with more than one personality disorder at the same time. This can make diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder more challenging.
Diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder typically is based on:

  • Signs and symptoms
  • A physical exam to make sure you don't have a physical problem causing your symptoms
  • A thorough psychological evaluation that may include filling out questionnaires
  • Criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment

Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder is talk therapy (psychotherapy). Medications may be included in your treatment if you have other mental health conditions.

Psychotherapy

Narcissistic personality disorder treatment is centered around talk therapy, also called psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help you:

  • Learn to relate better with others so your relationships are more intimate, enjoyable and rewarding
  • Understand the causes of your emotions and what drives you to compete, to distrust others, and perhaps to despise yourself and others

Areas of change are directed at helping you accept responsibility and learning to:

  • Accept and maintain real personal relationships and collaboration with co-workers
  • Recognize and accept your actual competence and potential so you can tolerate criticisms or failures
  • Increase your ability to understand and regulate your feelings
  • Understand and tolerate the impact of issues related to your self-esteem
  • Release your desire for unattainable goals and ideal conditions and gain an acceptance of what's attainable and what you can accomplish

Therapy can be short term to help you manage during times of stress or crisis, or can be provided on an ongoing basis to help you achieve and maintain your goals. Often, including family members or significant others in therapy can be helpful.

Medications

There are no medications specifically used to treat narcissistic personality disorder. However, if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other conditions, medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may be helpful.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic

Lifestyle and home remedies

You may feel defensive about treatment or think it's unnecessary. The nature of narcissistic personality disorder can also leave you feeling that therapy is not worth your time and attention, and you may be tempted to quit. But it's important to:

  • Keep an open mind. Focus on the rewards of treatment.
  • Stick to your treatment plan. Attend scheduled therapy sessions and take any medications as directed. Remember, it can be hard work and you may have occasional setbacks.
  • Get treatment for alcohol or drug misuse or other mental health problems. Your addictions, depression, anxiety and stress can feed off each other, leading to a cycle of emotional pain and unhealthy behavior.
  • Stay focused on your goal. Stay motivated by keeping your goals in mind and reminding yourself that you can work to repair damaged relationships and become more content with your life.

Preparing for your appointment

You may start by seeing your doctor, or your doctor may refer you to a mental health provider, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

  • Any symptoms you're experiencing and for how long, to help determine what kinds of events are likely to make you feel angry or upset
  • Key personal information, including traumatic events in your past and any current major stressors
  • Your medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions with which you've been diagnosed
  • Any medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements you're taking, and the dosages
  • Questions to ask your mental health provider so that you can make the most of your appointment

Take a trusted family member or friend along, if possible, to help remember the details. In addition, someone who has known you for a long time may be able to ask helpful questions or share important information.
Some basic questions to ask your mental health provider include:

  • What type of disorder do you think I have?
  • Could I have other mental health conditions?
  • What is the goal of treatment?
  • What treatments are most likely to be effective for me?
  • How much do you expect my quality of life may improve with treatment?
  • How often will I need therapy sessions, and for how long?
  • Would family or group therapy be helpful in my case?
  • Are there medications that can help my symptoms?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • Are there any brochures or other printed materials that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your mental health provider

To better understand your symptoms and how they're affecting your life, your mental health provider may ask:

  • What are your symptoms?
  • When do these symptoms occur, and how long do they last?
  • How do your symptoms affect your life, including school, work and personal relationships?
  • How do you feel — and act — when others seem to criticize or reject you?
  • Do you have any close personal relationships? If not, why do you think that is?
  • What are your major accomplishments?
  • What are your major goals for the future?
  • How do you feel when someone needs your help?
  • How do you feel when someone expresses difficult feelings, such as fear or sadness, to you?
  • How would you describe your childhood, including your relationship with your parents?
  • Have any of your close relatives been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, such as a personality disorder?
  • Have you been treated for any other mental health problems? If yes, what treatments were most effective?
  • Do you use alcohol or street drugs? How often?
  • Are you currently being treated for any other medical conditions?

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Thanks to: https://www.mayoclinic.org



  

PurpleSkyz

PurpleSkyz
Admin

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A Guide to Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment

By Christina Gregory PhD
Jump to: Signs & Symptoms Causes Treatment

The Background

It’s a nice feeling to be admired. It naturally makes us feel good and feel important. And, yes, we sometimes boast and brag on ourselves as well. But, if people start describing you as cocky, manipulative, and demanding, you might be suffering from a more serious condition. Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population1, with a greater prevalence in men than women. It is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a great need for admiration. The hallmark definition of narcissistic personality disorder is grandiosity – the exaggerated sense of self-importance.  If you are living with this disorder, you may be preoccupied with power, prestige, vanity, and may think you deserve special treatment and fame.
Narcissistic personality disorder should not be confused with high self-confidence and self-esteem. Those with high self-esteem are still humble. If you are living with narcissistic personality disorder, you are likely selfish, boastful, and ignore others’ feelings and needs.  It was once thought that individuals suffering from narcissistic personality disorder have high self-esteem on the surface, but deep down are insecure. This theory was supported by the defensive state these individuals enter when provoked. Recent research discounts the earlier theory and now indicates that if you are suffering from narcissistic personality disorder, you likely also have high self-esteem – both on the surface and below the surface.
If you are living with narcissistic personality disorder, it is probably affecting your everyday life. . . in a negative way. In general, you may be unhappy with life in general and disappointed when others are not admiring you or giving you special treatment and attention. Your work, personal, and social relationships are likely suffering, though, you are unable to see your own role in these occurrences. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder are unable to realize the damaging effects their behavior is causing themselves and others. If you have this condition, people likely will not enjoy being around you and you may feel unfulfilled at work, home, and in your social life.

What are the Symptoms?

Monopolizing conversations? Feelings of entitlement? Belittling others? These are all classic signs of narcissistic personality disorder. Do you know of someone who knows the “right” way and all other ways are wrong? Are they cocky, lack empathy, and think they are largely important? Then it’s possible they might be suffering from this condition.

Signs & Symptoms

Included below is a list of some well-recognized symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder.

  • Preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success
  • Belief of great self-importance; only understood and should only associate with individuals of high-status
  • Expectations of being realized as superior
  • In need of and requiring constant admiration
  • Exaggeration of achievements and talents
  • Possessing a sense of entitlement
  • Being envious of others and the exaggerated belief that others are envious of you
  • Thinking about oneself the majority of the time and talking about oneself a lot; self-promotion
  • Setting of unrealistic goals
  • Expectation that others should do special favors for you
  • Belief that nobody should question your motives and should have unwavering compliance with your requests
  • Taking advantage of others to move forward in life and/or to get what you want, with no remorse toward the ones you stepped on to get there
  • Arrogance, haughtiness
  • Easily rejected, hurt
  • Unemotional
  • Power seeking
  • Demonstrates superiority
  • Responds to criticism with shame, anger, and humiliation
  • Easily jealous

Oftentimes, individuals are initially attracted toward people with narcissistic personality disorder. You may find yourself attracted to the confidence, assertiveness, and excitement that surrounds a person with narcissistic personality disorder. However, getting to know the person in depth, you may start to despise the very same traits that initially attracted you to the person. This, of course, after realizing their unemotional response to relationships, the unattractiveness of their lack of empathy for others, and the grandiose belief they are greatly important and you should treat them as such.

What Causes Narcissistic Personality Disorder and How is it Diagnosed?

There is not a single defined cause of narcissistic personality disorder. But, researchers agree that both genetic and environmental causes are at play. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder have been found to have less volume of gray matter in the left anterior insula, the part of the brain related to empathy, emotional regulation, compassion, and cognitive functioning.
Many of the traits of narcissistic personality disorder occur during normal stages of development. Scientists believe that full onset of narcissistic personality disorder may occur when interpersonal development during these phases is conflicted. Examples of types of negative or destructive interpersonal environments interacting with developmental phases include:

  • Being born with an oversensitive temperament
  • Learning manipulative behavior from parents or peers
  • Being excessively praised for good behaviors and excessively criticized for bad behaviors
  • Suffering from severe childhood abuse
  • Inconsistent parental care giving – unreliable or unpredictable care
  • Being overindulged by parents, peers, or family members
  • Being excessively admired with no realistic feedback to balance you with reality
  • Receiving excessive praise from parents or others over your looks or abilities

If you are suffering from narcissistic personality disorder, you might never head to the doctor for a diagnosis. Studies have shown that people suffering from this condition rarely enter treatment. If you do enter treatment, progress will be slow. However, if you or a loved one is suffering from narcissistic personality disorder, it’s important to get treatment. Prepare for your appointment by taking note of symptoms, personal experiences, medications, and your medical history. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination to rule out any underlying conditions and will then refer you to a mental health provider. A mental health provider will ask you a number of questions to gather information about your symptoms and the effects they are having on your life.

What are the Treatment Options?

Psychotherapy is the key approach in the treatment of narcissistic personality disorder.  Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is used to help you learn how to relate to others better to encourage more functional interpersonal relationships and to gain a better understanding of your emotions and why you feel the way you do.
As noted above, the treatment prevalence for individuals living with narcissistic personality disorder is low and slow going. Because treatment is focused on personality traits, which are pretty steady over time, it may take many years of psychotherapy before realizing a break through. Change behaviors are focused on accepting responsibility for your actions and learning ways to engage inter personally in a more appropriate manner. These include:

  • Accepting and maintaining relationships with co-workers and family
  • Tolerating criticisms and failures
  • Understanding and regulating your feelings
  • Minimizing your desire to attain unrealistic goals and ideal conditions

There are no known medications to treat narcissistic personality disorder. But, oftentimes if you are living with this condition, you might also be living with depression and anxiety. Medications are helpful for these conditions and may be used to treat those. Individuals living with narcissistic personality disorder are also at a greater likelihood of abusing drugs and alcohol – so treatment for addiction problems is also beneficial in treating this condition.
Keep an open mind toward treatment, stick to treatment plans, educate yourself about your condition, and stay focused on your goal. You may feel negative toward treatment, but know that it can help.
Article Sources

Thanks to: https://www.psycom.net



  

RamblerNash

RamblerNash

Delusions Of Grandeur: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Delusions of grandeur are false beliefs held by an individual in which they believe with full conviction that they are a celebrity, person of high rank, omnipotent, and/or a powerful entity – despite significant evidence to the contrary.  Imagine waking up one day thinking that you’re the president of the United States, despite the fact that you’re homeless and living on the streets.  This would be an example of a grandiose delusion – your perceived sense of importance becomes inflated for no legitimate reason.

The grandiose delusions are often associated with fictional, religious, or supernatural themes.  A person suffering from delusions of grandeur may believe that they deserve public recognition as the human incarnation of Jesus Christ.  Individuals afflicted with these types of delusions often have diagnosable psychiatric conditions such as: bipolar disorder, delusional disorder, or schizophrenia.

What are delusions of grandeur? Definition.


Below is a technical breakdown of the terms “delusion,” “grandeur” and the phrase “delusions of grandeur.”  By defining each term separately from the phrase, it may help some people realize that grandeur is not always associated with delusions.

Delusion
: This is a term used to describe a false belief that is held with full conviction, despite significant contradictory evidence.  In other words, it is a belief held despite irrefutable logical, rational, and/or scientific evidence in opposition to a particular belief.


Grandeur: This is a term that signifies being impressive, awesome, or magnificent.  A professional athlete may be described as “grandiose” in regards to being of significant talent.  In reference to a professional athlete, highly-skilled person, celebrity, or president – the associated grandeur is not delusional.

Delusions of grandeur
: This is phrase that is utilized to describe a specific delusion (“false belief despite significant contradictory evidence”) in which a person believes they are grandiose (“impressive, high ranking, or superior to others”).


What causes delusions of grandeur?


It is difficult to pinpoint a specific cause for delusions of grandeur.  There is significant evidence associated with brain lesions, specifically to the frontal lobe and grandiose delusions.  That said, a variety of other factors may play a role including: drug use, genetics, medical conditions, neurotransmitter concentrations, and receptor density.

Brain anatomy
: Delusions may be a result of anatomical abnormalities in the brain.  Research has suggested that the amygdala, fronto-striatal circuits, and parietal cortices are most likely to play a role in the development of delusions.  Anatomical abnormalities can lead to processing errors in these regions, which can perception and make an individual more prone to delusions.


Brain injuries
: Those that have endured a brain injury or multiple brain injuries may be more prone to delusions.  Although injuries to any area of the brain may increase delusional susceptibility, the frontal lobes are most commonly linked to delusions of grandeur.



  • Frontal lobes: Individuals that have lesions in the frontal lobes are known to be increasingly susceptible to delusions of grandeur.

  • Temporal lobes: Those with lesions of the temporal lobes may be more likely to experience delusions of grandeur.


Drugs: Those that have used or abused drugs may experience delusions of grandeur as a side effect.  This is particularly common in cases of drug-induced psychosis.  Those that experience delusions of grandeur upon ingestion of drugs often have taken a stimulatory agent that affects dopamine.  The drastic increase of dopamine may provoke a stimulant-psychosis characterized by elevated mood and grandiose delusions.
It should also be mentioned that some individuals may be susceptible to experiencing grandiose delusions during drug withdrawal.  An example of a drug that is known to induce mania is that of levodopa (L-Dopa), a medication utilized among those with Parkinson’s to treat cognitive impairment.  Most drugs that cause delusions of grandeur tend to simultaneously induce a manic or hypomanic state.

Encephalitis
: Those experiencing Japanese encephalitis, a condition characterized by brain inflammation, have been reported as exhibiting delusions of grandeur.  These delusions were accompanied by other symptoms including: euphoria, assaultive behaviors, and sometimes seizures.  It is possible that other cases of encephalitis may also result in delusions of grandeur.


Genetics
: It has been suggested that certain genetic polymorphisms may result in delusions of grandeur.  In particular, researchers believe that polymorphisms of genes related to dopamine receptors are the culprit.  Some studies point out that paranoid schizophrenia and delusional disorders may stem from HLA (human leukocyte antigen) genes, which could influence grandiose delusions.


Hemispheric activation
: In early studies of individuals with delusions, it was believed that the delusions were caused by overactivation or underactivation of a particular hemisphere.  First, researchers speculated that right hemisphere impairment was the predominant cause of delusions.  Upon further analysis, it appears that the actual cause of delusions stems from excessive activity in the left hemisphere.


Neurotransmitter concentrations
: Those with abnormally high concentrations of certain neurotransmitters may result in delusions of grandeur.  It is believed that high dopamine levels are responsible for causing delusions, especially among individuals with schizophrenia.  For this reason, professionals administer atypical antipsychotics which act as dopamine antagonists.


Receptor density
: The densities of receptors for neurotransmitters may play a role in facilitating delusional states.  One theory is that certain regions of the brain lack adequate dopaminergic receptors, thus leading to an overabundance of dopamine and causing delusions and/or hallucinations.  Those with reductions in receptor density, particularly of dopamine may be increasingly susceptible to delusions of grandeur.


  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20198522

  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16786814

  • Source: http://www.springer.com/us/book/9781493910700


Do delusions of grandeur serve a functional purpose?


Some believe that delusions of grandeur may serve a functional purpose such as helping a person cope with severely damaged self-esteem and/or depressive feelings.  In most cases of grandiose delusions, an individual is not suicidal, thus it should be speculated that the delusions may be helping protect a person’s (potentially damaged) ego.  In other cases, the delusions may not have a functional purpose, rather they may be a manifestation of a particular mood or a byproduct of hallucinations.

Defense mechanism: It is though that some people may experience grandiose delusions to protect their ego from severely low self-esteem and/or major depression.  Those experiencing delusions of grandeur tend to experience a temporarily inflated sense of self-importance, thus counteracting the severely low self esteem or depressive emotions.  For this reason, many therapists are warned to weigh the pros and cons associated with eliminating the grandiose delusions, as elimination may result in severe depression.

Expansive delusions
: In some cases, the grandiose delusions may be a byproduct of hallucinatory experiences.  In cases of schizophrenia, the delusions may not be mood-congruent, but may be related to the hallucination.  These are classified as “expansive” due to the fact that they expand upon the hallucination such as hearing voices.  An example would be a person experiencing paranoid schizophrenia and hearing a voice that tells them they are really Jesus Christ.


Mood-induced
: Those with exaggerated emotions, such as an individual exhibiting bipolar mania may experience mood-induced delusions.  In this case, the delusions are thought to be a direct result of the person’s mood, and may serve to express the euphoria that the individual is feeling.  Someone experiencing grandiose delusions as a result of an inflated mood would be classified as exhibiting “mood-congruent” delusions.


Conditions associated with delusions of grandeur


There are a variety of psychiatric conditions associated with grandiose delusions.  Predominantly, delusions of grandeur are exhibited among individuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.  It is speculated that any conditions associated with mania (or hypomania) can induce delusions of grandeur.

Bipolar disorder
: It is estimated that up to 3/5 individuals with bipolar disorder will experience delusions of grandeur.  Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by transitions from a “high” mood (mania) to a low mood (depression).  During the manic phase, individuals may feel a heightened sense of self-worth accompanied by delusions of grandeur.

In the case of bipolar disorder, grandiose delusions are considered “mood-congruent delusions” in that they manifest from the manic (or hypomanic) state.  During manic or hypomanic phases, it is believed that brain activity changes, brain waves speed up, and neurotransmitter concentrations change; particularly levels of dopamine.

Delusional disorder
: This is a psychiatric condition in which a person experiences delusions, but doesn’t have a mood disorder, psychosis, or a thought disorder.  Additionally, the individual experiences these delusions without consumption of alcohol or ingestion of drugs.  While not everyone with delusional disorder experiences delusions of grandeur, some individuals do.


Depression
: Some individuals with major depressive disorder may end up experiencing delusions of grandeur.  In fact, an estimated 21% of those diagnosed with major depression are thought to experience grandiose delusions.  The grandiose delusions may be short-lived and/or related to neurochemistry and possibly medications.


Drug abuse
: Those that abuse drugs may end up with delusions of grandeur as a result of drug-induced brain alterations.  Many drugs are capable of altering concentrations of neurotransmitters, regional activity, and receptor densities.  Long-term abuse may result in death of brain cells and/or a prolonged recovery period during which delusions of grandeur are experienced.


Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
: This is a personality disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-worth and/or feel inherently superior to others.  Not all individuals diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder experience delusions of grandeur.  Although many narcissists have grandiose fantasies or an obsession with power over others (megalomania) – this is not the same as a delusion.  That said, it is still possible for someone with a narcissistic personality to exhibit grandiose delusions.


Neurodegenerative diseases
: Those with neurodegenerative diseases such as: Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and (a related condition) Wilson’s disease, may experience delusions of grandeur.  Although the percentage of individuals that experience grandiose delusions as a result of neurodegenerative diseases is relatively small, it can occur.  It is believed that circuitry damage, loss of brain volume, and neurotransmitter deficiencies play a role in causing these delusions among those with neurodegeneration.


PTSD
: It is known that some people with PTSD experience manic and/or hypomanic symptoms that mimic those of bipolar disorder.  These manic and hypomanic symptoms are a result of an overactivated sympathetic nervous system in which the stimulatory response inhibits the body’s ability to relax (i.e. the parasympathetic nervous system).  It is already well-documented that psychotic symptoms (such as delusions) can manifest as a result of PTSD.  It is totally feasible for delusions of grandeur to occur among individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.


Schizophrenia
: It is estimated that up to 50% of all individuals with schizophrenia have experienced delusions of grandeur.  Schizophrenia is a condition characterized by loss of contact with reality.  Both hallucinations and delusions are characterized as positive symptoms of schizophrenia or experiences that don’t occur in normal, healthy individuals.

The delusions of grandeur experienced among those with schizophrenia are often related directly to the hallucinations that they report.  If they hear a voice(auditory hallucination) or see an entity (visual hallucination), they may claim that they just talked to Jesus Christ.  Of all diagnosable types of schizophrenia, delusions of grandeur tend to occur most frequently among those with paranoid schizophrenia.
A person with the paranoid subtype may believe that they are the CEO of a company, extremely rich, were sent on a special mission from Jesus Christ, is a celebrity, or ruler of a country.  The more common delusions of grandeur among those with paranoid schizophrenia tend to have religious themes.

Delusions of Grandeur Symptoms


Below is a list of symptoms associated with grandiose delusions.  Keep in mind that these are the symptoms as defined by the DSM-IV.
Grossly exaggerated belief of the following:

  • Identity: Those with delusional grandiosity believe that everyone should know them and that they are famous.  They may expect complete strangers to recognize them publicly or friends to treat them special due to the fact that they’re famous.

  • Knowledge: A person believes that they have more knowledge or insight than other people.  They may believe that they were blessed with this knowledge from a particular deity, or that they were born with genius level intelligence.

  • Power: A person believes that they hold more power than others, even those in high ranking positions.  Those with power-based grandiose delusions may believe that they are the king of a particular country, the president, or CEO of a large corporation.  Some cases may involve the individual thinking that they possess supernatural powers such as the ability to change the weather with their thoughts.

  • Self-worth: A person exhibits exaggerated self-worth, and believes that they are of higher rank or superior to others.  They may act as if they should be first-in-line at a restaurant or should be given top priority over others due to their high degree of worth.

  • Relationship (to Iconic Entities): An individual believes that they are related to someone of celebrity status (e.g. the son of Brad Pitt) or is related to a deity (e.g. the son of Jesus Christ).  They may believe that they are related to famous people or are directly related to a spiritual leader.


Examples of delusions of grandeur


There are substantial differences in the degree of grandiosity linked with grandiose delusions in different patients.  The delusional perceptions may be directly related to cumulative environmental stimuli.  In other words, if a person watches a particular show a lot, they may think that they’re the host.  If a person reads books about presidents, they may believe that they are in charge of a particular country.

  • Celebrities: Some people may believe that they are famous celebrities such as actors, musicians, or TV show hosts.

  • CEO of a company: In other cases, a person may believe that they’re the CEO of a large corporation and that they have millions of dollars in their bank account.

  • Deities: Certain people may believe that they are a deity, sent from a deity to Earth with a special mission, or directly related to a deity.  A common example is when people think that they are Jesus Christ.

  • Fictional characters: A person may believe that they were blessed with the same powers as a comic book character like Superman or Batman.

  • Inventor: There have also been some cases in which people thought they were famous inventors (e.g. Thomas Edison).

  • Professional athlete: Some cases of grandiose delusions involve people believing that they are a professional athlete (e.g. Michael Jordan).

  • Royalty: Experiencing grandiose delusions may make someone believe that they are a famous king, queen, prince, or princess.  In other cases, a person may think that they just deserve to be treated like royalty.

  • Ruler: Someone may believe that they are the president or ruler of a particular country.


Who is most likely to experience delusions of grandeur?


Some data has been compiled in regards to which conditions are most associated with delusions of grandeur.  Understand that the list below does not include the percentage of individuals diagnosed with “delusional disorder.”

Mental Disorders


  • Bipolar disorder: (59%) Approximately 3/5 individuals with bipolar disorder are thought to experience delusions of grandeur.  There appears to be an association based on a person’s age.  Nearly 3/4 individuals under the age of 21 diagnosed with bipolar disorder experienced delusions of grandeur upon onset, while only 2/5 individuals over the age of 30 have this experience during onset of the disorder.

  • Schizophrenia: (49%) Nearly 1/2 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia experience grandiose delusions.  These delusions are most likely to occur among those with the paranoid subtype of schizophrenia.

  • Drug abuse: (30%) Among those that have abused drugs, nearly 1/3 individuals has experienced delusions of grandeur.  These delusions may have occurred while intoxicated or upon discontinuation (withdrawal) from a particular drug.

  • Depression: (21%) Some statistics demonstrate that nearly 2/5 individuals with major depressive disorder may be prone to delusions of grandeur.  While it would seem unlikely that a person could feel an inflated sense of self worth during a depressive phase, it has been reported.

  • General population: (10%) Among the general population, it is thought that nearly 1/10 people experience thoughts of grandiosity, but these do not fit the DSM-IV criteria for delusions of grandeur.


Other Factors

In addition to specific mental illnesses, delusions of grandeur tend to be more likely based on socioeconomic status, educational advancement, marital status, and eldest siblings.

  • Socioeconomic status: Grandiose delusions with supernatural or religious themes tend to occur more often among those of high socioeconomic status.  Some reports suggest that all types of grandiose delusions are more likely to occur among individuals of higher social status.

  • Educational advancement: In addition to social status, delusions of grandeur were found to occur at greater rates based on educational advancement.  The more an individual has progressed through the educational system, the greater likelihood of grandiose delusions.

  • Marital status: Those who are single tend to experience grandiose delusions at a greater rate compared to those who are married or in relationships.

  • Older siblings: Research shows that the eldest siblings are most likely to experience grandiose delusions compared to the youngest ones.

  • Men vs. Women: Rates of grandiose delusions are thought to be equal based on sex (male vs. female).


Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21482326
Source: http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/108/457/747


Delusions of Grandeur Treatment


Those that experience grandiose delusions may be treated with medication, therapy, and/or other medical intervention.  If there is a specific condition that is causing the delusions (e.g. Parkinson’s), steps are generally taken to treat that condition rather than the delusional symptoms.  Therapy is thought to be more effective for some individuals than others.

  • Antipsychotics: Among those with schizophrenia, antipsychotics may be the preferred option for treating delusions of grandeur.  These drugs work as dopamine antagonists, decreasing dopaminergic activation in the brain.  In many cases, these will simultaneously minimize both delusions and any associated hallucinations.

  • CBT: In some cases, CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy is used to help individuals cope with grandiose delusions.  In a therapy session, a psychotherapist may use a technique known as “inference chaining.”  This is a questioning tool that uses rationality and logic to help combat the delusional perception.  Another technique known as “thought linkage” involves a therapist continuously asking a patient to explain jumping from thought-to-thought.

  • Hospitalization: In cases where an individual may experience grandiose delusions as a result of drug abuse, hospitalization may be required to address physical symptoms.  During this time a professional psychotherapist may attempt to address some of the delusions that are experienced until the individual comes down from their “high.”

  • Mood stabilizers: Drugs that stabilize mood may be effective to treat delusions of grandeur among those with bipolar disorder.  An example of a mood stabilizer is that of Lithium – a drug that works to prevent manic highs and depressive lows.  By stabilizing the mood, an individual is less prone to experiencing mania induced grandiosity.

  • Treating underlying medical condition:  Any other medical condition such as a neurodegenerative disease, vitamin deficiency, tumor, or thyroid problem may contribute to delusions of grandeur.  Once the medical condition is effectively treated, the delusions generally subside.


Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10665619

Have you (or someone you know) experienced delusions of grandeur?


If you or someone you know has experienced delusions of grandeur, feel free to share the experience and/or observation in the comments section below.  Delusions of grandeur are the second most common type of delusion reported (to persecutory delusions), and thus are fairly common.  To help others get an idea of the experience, you could mention the specifics of the grandiose delusion (e.g. I was the King of England). Also mention what you think may have caused the delusion of grandeur and how it was treated or overcome.


https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/05/12/delusions-of-grandeur-causes-symptoms-treatment/

PurpleSkyz

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Have you (or someone you know) experienced delusions of grandeur?


YES!!!

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