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

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

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

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

• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Delusion of grandeur
• God complex
• Superiority complex

External links

• Definition of megalomania at Merriam-Webster
• Definition of megalomania at The Free Dictionary