Megalomaniac: meaning in psychology

George Alvarez 18-10-2023
George Alvarez

From time to time we come across overconfident people, whose self-esteem is high and who have a security that we can see in their posture. However, many of them exaggerate and start to rave about a power they do not possess. Therefore, learn the meaning of megalomaniac how it acts, and some of its characteristics.

What is megalomaniac?

A megalomaniac is someone who has an exaggerated appreciation, admiration for his own image For the megalomaniac, power is the only goal that can motivate one to do anything.

According to psychology, megalomania is a delusional personality disorder of grandeur, meaning that the sufferer fantasizes about events in which he or she is seen by all as the savior and adored. In more popular language, he or she behaves like a superstar or untouchable diva who lives to enjoy the adoration of all.

Back to the origins, megalomaniac comes from mégalo large, and maniac Thus, it translates into obsessions linked to a psychic fixation on certain things.

Causes

Based on psychiatric studies, the megalomaniac behaves this way because he or she has some mental disorder rooted in a manic-depressive psychosis. Not to mention that schizophrenia and other neuroses can imply the emergence of the problem Going further, a brain injury or progressive general paralysis.

Some risk factors, such as heredity, can contribute to the problem. But not only that, those who have it:

  • chemical dependency;
  • who has had cerebral syphilis
  • childhood brain trauma;
  • and other psychic problems.

It's all a front

The megalomaniac's greatest secret is the daily fear that accompanies him, and he tries at all costs to hide it. There is a great chance that you did not grow up with love and security in your life to create beneficial references That is why he uses verbal aggression and imposition to protect the false omnipotence he sustains.

From then on he starts ridiculing anyone who makes him feel threatened so that he won't be outdone. The problem happens when he doesn't mind harming anyone capable of hurting his big ego. With this, we get a clear picture of his lack of ability to make his conquests in a genuine way without affecting himself.

Finally, your low esteem is covered by impulsive drama and exaggeration about your achievements. Imagining yourself to be greater than you really are contributes to not dealing with your frustration.

Characteristics of the megalomaniac

Since you love to be the center of attention, it is very easy to recognize a megalomaniac anywhere. This is because there is a pleasure in dominating and making others your subordinates. In other words, being more specific, you can recognize the mania for grandeur from:

  • Extreme presumption, in believing that their presence is essential in any place and on any occasion;
  • He watches how others behave in relation to him and when he is rejected he shrugs off any blame;
  • gigantic ego, by making his vanity despise anyone;
  • invulnerability, nurturing the belief that nothing can shake him;
  • likes to evaluate others, to find their limitations so he can brag about them;
  • Even if you make mistakes, you don't learn from your mistakes and don't bother to correct them;
  • narcissism, in order to make a supreme idealization of oneself.

Glass Ceiling

Those who have a mania for grandeur have the flaw of thinking they are better than everyone else, so their attitude is toxic to others as well as to themselves, and their absurd delusions and fantasies of power get out of control and assume greater proportions than they should.

Obviously, his blind narcissism eliminates any importance that the closest others carry. Thus, the point is that this delusion fueled by his delusion leads him to believe that there are no limits to what he can do. At this point the damage and harm it can cause to the social environment may prove to be greater than we thought .

Consequences

By striving to mask his weaknesses, the offensive behavior of the megalomaniac is negatively rewarded. Even if he claims not to care about it, he certainly feels the effects it has on him. For example:

Also read: CFP: Federal Council of Psychology

Solitude

Since no one can stand his arrogance, he is usually isolated and has no support or company Internally, the narcissistic feeling defends itself by asserting that others are not important and not worth it.

Instability

This is even more evident when you are subjected to criticism that, when not ignored, is aggressively reciprocated. There is no concrete pillar in your psyche for you to lean on and make more rational and thoughtful decisions.

Emotional emptiness

The loneliness he feels gradually turns into a very sensitive emotional emptiness. The problem is that your psychological problems tend to increase as your discomfort grows Not only has he created a barrier with others, but also with himself, having problems living with his own image.

See_also: What is Hysteria? Concepts and Treatments

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

Treatment

In itself, the megalomaniac problem does not have a cure to completely eliminate the problem. What is done through therapy is to decrease the problems of the disorder through components of psychotherapy and medication If there are any diseases feeding this, they will be duly attended to in order to contribute to the overall purpose of the reconditioning.

See_also: How not to feel jealous: 5 tips from psychology

Unfortunately, megalomaniacs do not understand their limitations or accept the need for treatment. From here, close friends and relatives need to intervene and, if necessary, trigger compulsory treatment if it is too severe.

Final remarks about megalomaniac

Although it is common to value oneself, the megalomaniac exaggerates and sees himself as a deity As such, he may want followers and subordinates to exert his strength and show himself superior. It turns out that in the real world his attitude is quite unpleasant, toxic and almost impossible to live with.

One must keep in mind that no one can be the center of the world and no one is above the other for any reason. If this is the case, one must seek help to condition these impulses and have a healthier and more accessible life.

An accessible way out to questions like this is to enroll in our online course on Clinical Psychoanalysis, through which you will have a tool to reformulate your posture, work on your self-knowledge, and find the limit of your potential. Psychoanalysis can give you the answers you need to understand yourself and others, especially a megalomaniac .

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.