Megalomania: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

La megalomania is a term that is often used. The megalomaniac is boastful, vain, full of himself. This character trait is quite problematic in some people. So how do you deal with a megalomaniac?

What is Megalomania?

The definition of megalomania in psychiatry is that of a psychological state where the individual will overestimate his abilities. This will lead to a desire to impose oneself on others. More simply, a strong feeling of superiority will therefore emerge. A megalomaniac person, what is it concretely? Well, the megalomaniac is quite simply a person who suffers from a huge superiority complex.

• La ordinary megalomania ou infant, which is a strong character trait focusing on pride. This can be seen in the etymology of the term megalomania, which means delusions of grandeur as shown in the def of Larousse.
• La delusional megalomania is considered a sign of mental illness in psychoanalysis. It is distinguished by the fact that the individual is totally disconnected from reality. We could thus bring it closer to the mythomania in this direction.

What is the difference between Megalomania and Narcissism?

Megalomania although reaching a certain threshold of paranoia, it cannot be assimilated to narcissism. The narcissist also reflects excessive desire for admiration from others. However, this recognition often hides a low self-confidence in the individual. While the megalomaniac simply owns him a strong mistaken belief in one’s superiority. We can say that he has a false perception of his real skills, while a narcissist is aware of his limits.

Megalomania – Is it a disease?

In general, we cannot say that megalomania is a disease in itself. The latter is rather qualified as being a character trait in an individual. This is why to designate the megalomania its synonym superiority complex is often used.

Nevertheless, it happens that this feeling of seeking recognition can reach a certain threshold. So if the person fails to satisfy this need, it can degenerate into a serious mental disorder. In the present case, the bipolar megalomania is an example or else of schizophrenia. In any case, the appearance of a very strong toxic personality indicates the severity of the pathology.

What Causes Megalomania?

Psychology has made it possible to identify the various causes of megalomania. This allows you to see certain clues to perform a test to detect megalomania in an individual. Here are the different factors:

• A psychic and mental disorder during the person’s childhood may be related to the onset of this disorder. It can be emotional conflict or emotional shock. Following this developed a way of thinking to show off. It is therefore a form of protection for himself.
• The presence of a particular environment. This is mainly the case for children growing up in privileged families. His ego being flattered from a young age, it is normal that in some people his perception of his skills is affected in return.
• It can also be caused by bipolar disorder. This is particularly the case of delusional megalomania. This is the most dangerous form of this disorder. In his madness he can turn into a emotional manipulator.
• Narcissistic personality disorder can also be a factor that can lead to this disorder.

What are the symptoms of megalomania?

It can have different symptoms, however the main one remains the fact that the person is full of himself. The others are more or less related to it in some way. Here are some of them:

• The tendency to overvalue themselves in everything they do and to devalue others.
• The perpetual search for compliments, recognition and glory.
• The absence of questioning of the individual on these acts. And he’s never going to belittle himself or engage in self-criticism.
• He most often brings the discussion back to their person to show off in the middle of the discussions.
• He will display a haughty and arrogant face. This will be accompanied by a deep antisocial character. He is too good for this world and for those around him, no one deserves him.

What treatment is recommended for Megalomania?

Generally, this character is only a symptom of a much more serious pathological disorder. It is therefore necessary to combine different treatments to overcome this disorder. The aim of the treatment being to fight against the maintenance of the so-called manic phases in the megalomaniac as toxic personality.

Here is the combination of treatment used:

• Psychotherapeutic treatment through a psychiatrist or psychologist.
• Drug treatment with the use of antidepressants or antipsychotics.

What to do with a Megalomaniac?

In the presence of a megalomaniac you have to act in a certain way. This is to protect you, but it can also help him to some extent.

• Show your approval only when it’s really deserved. He must not be allowed to comfort himself in his illusory world.
• Allow yourself to criticize his behavior when it crosses the line. Focus on his behavior, not his person. Avoid personal attacks.
• Always be on your guard against his attempts to manipulate. This will save you from narcissistic perverse manipulator.
• Don’t expect anything from him. It does not operate on a give-and-take basis. Contrary to savior syndrome who gives to receive more in return, the megalomaniac is there only to receive.