Delusional disorder is typically a chronic (ongoing) condition, but when properly treated, many people can find relief from their symptoms. Some recover completely, while others have bouts of delusional beliefs with periods of remission (lack of symptoms). Unfortunately, many people with this disorder don’t seek help.

Delusions are fixed and false personal beliefs that are resistant to change in the light of conflicting evidence. Delusions are the extreme case of irrational beliefs. These beliefs are obsessive and cause emotional distress. The delusional belief is something very important for those who hold them.

A delusional attachment (DA) is a term that psychotics have coined to describe the type of delusion of grandeur where someone believes they’re a fictional character. Like most delusions, this is an experience exclusive to psychotic people!

Delusions of grandeur, also called grandiose delusions, often accompany other mental health symptoms, including other delusions. The may be related to mental or physical health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or some types of dementia.

Grandiosity rarely occurs on its own in people with BD and requires medications, psychotherapy, and social support to effectively resolve the symptoms. If you have symptoms of bipolar mania, your doctor may treat you with a mood stabilizer and sometimes an antipsychotic drug to control your symptoms.

Grandiosity is the defining characteristic of narcissism. More than just arrogance or vanity, grandiosity is an unrealistic sense of superiority. Narcissists believe they are unique or “special” and can only be understood by other special people. What’s more, they are too good for anything average or ordinary.

A delusion of grandeur is easier to spot if it occurs with other mental health symptoms. Delusions of grandeur are more common with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. If a person has a history of bipolar disorder and has had delusional thoughts in the past, delusions are more likely to happen again.

Delusions, or false beliefs, comes in several types. Delusions of grandeur are one of the more common ones. It’s when you believe that you have more power, wealth, smarts, or other grand traits than is true. Some people mistakenly call it “illusions” of grandeur.

More in line with cultural perceptions, grandiose thinking is typically a defining characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder. Instead of the typical vanity, grandiosity is a delusional sense of superiority that leads narcissists to believe that they are unique and cannot be understood by average people.

Tips for Caring for Someone With Delusional Disorder

1. Be aware of vocal tone. When speaking to someone who has delusional disorder, be conscious of tone and word choice.
2. Stay neutral.
3. Give space.
4. Give help and support.
5. Educate yourself.
6. Be Encouraging.
7. Crisis management.

Delusions of Grandeur Grandiosity can be an effect of some psychoactive drugs, most notably cocaine and crystal meth. This crosses over into delusion if the person is unable to see himself objectively, and develops an exaggerated sense of his importance, specialness or self-worth.

What are some types of mental disorders?

• Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias.
• Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders.
• Eating disorders.
• Personality disorders.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia.