Grandiosity

Grandiosity refers to an inflated sense of one’s own worth, importance, power, knowledge, or identity that is not commensurate with reality. It can be a personality trait or a symptom in psychiatric disorders. People with grandiosity may overestimate their abilities, claim exceptional status, or insist on special treatment.

Grandiosity may occur in normal mood states or creativity, but becomes clinically relevant when persistent and impairing. It differs from high self-esteem or confidence by its distortions, the persistence of delusion-like beliefs, and the way it shapes behavior and judgment despite contrary evidence.

In clinical contexts, grandiosity is a common feature of manic episodes in bipolar disorder and of certain psychotic disorders where fixed delusions of grandeur center on extraordinary talents or fame. It is also a core feature of narcissistic personality disorder when an enduring pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy is present.

Assessment and treatment focus on underlying causes. Mood stabilizers or antipsychotic medications may be used for mood or psychotic symptoms, while psychotherapy—such as cognitive-behavioral or metacognitive approaches—aims to reality-test beliefs and reduce harmful risk-taking. Treatment plans emphasize managing impairment, improving insight, and addressing functional consequences.

Origin of the term: grandiosity derives from the Latin grandis, meaning large, via French grandiose, meaning impressive or pompous.