Megalomania
Megalomania is a psychopathology that is characterized by fantasies of power, relevance, omnipotence, and by inflated self-esteem. Historically it was used as a name for narcissistic personality disorder prior to the latter's first use by Heinz Kohut in 1968, and is used these days as a non-clinical equivalent. It is not mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD).
History[edit | edit source]
The word megalomania is derived from the Ancient Greek words megalos (μεγάλος), meaning large, and mania (μανία), meaning madness. It was first used in 1890, to describe a condition where patients overestimated their powers and resources, something that was typical in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. The term was later used by Sigmund Freud as a symptom of certain kinds of psychoanalytic behavior.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Megalomania is characterized by an inflated sense of self-esteem and overestimation by persons of their powers and beliefs. Individuals with megalomania have a strong conviction of their own importance that is not commensurate with their actual achievements. They feel they have a special relationship with high-status people or institutions, and they often believe they have special powers or abilities.
In popular culture[edit | edit source]
Megalomania is often used in literature and popular culture to describe a character with an inflated self-view or who believes they have superior abilities. It is a common trait of characters in fiction, particularly in works of fantasy and science fiction.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
- Definition of megalomania at Merriam-Webster
- Definition of megalomania at The Free Dictionary
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