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Having a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-worth is great, but an exaggerated, unrealistic perception of your own importance can be problematic. Here we look at grandiose self-image and the treatment that is available.
What is a grandiose self-image?
A grandiose self-image means that you have an exaggerated sense of your own importance or value. A healthy sense of self-esteem and self-worth is fundamental to well-being, but a grandiose self-image not based on reality or actual situations can lead to problems for everyone involved.
A grandiose self-image can be part of other psychiatric diagnoses such as severe bipolar disorder and is one of the key features of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). It can also be part of delusions in psychotic illness. These problems require specialised psychiatric care.
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What is a personality disorder?
Personality disorders are complex conditions that affect an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours in ways that often differ markedly from societal norms and expectations.
As people with personality disorders may have difficulty relating to others, this can lead to problems in both personal and professional relationships.
How common are personality disorders?
It is difficult to give exact figures, as many people with personality disorders go undiagnosed and untreated, but estimates are that 1 in 20 people in the UK have some form of personality disorder.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition with alternating periods of depression and mania or a mixture of the two. These fluctuations can be so extreme that they interfere with a person’s daily life and functioning. The condition comes in different forms with type 1 being the more severe form with mania while type 2 is milder with more hypomanic and depressive symptoms.
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How common is bipolar disorder?
About 2% of UK adults suffer from bipolar disorder.
What is psychotic illness?
Psychotic illness, often just called psychosis, is a psychiatric condition in which a person has difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not. It is characterised by changes in thought processes, perception and behaviour. Psychosis is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom that can occur in various mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or as a result of certain medical conditions or substance use. It is possible to have a grandiose self-image if you have psychosis.
Treatment for grandiose self-image
Treatment for a grandiose self-image initially involves an assessment by a licensed professional to ensure that the right care is given. As a grandiose self-image can be part of different types of mental illness and disease, this needs to be assessed first. There can be significant differences in treatment between narcissism, bipolar disorder and other psychotic disorders.
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Treatment of narcissistic personality disorder
The treatment of narcissism, especially in the case of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), can be longer but there is room for improvement. There is no specific medication that cures NPS so psychotherapy is the primary method of treatment. Treatment goals often include helping the individual to better understand their feelings and behaviours, develop healthier relationships, and manage any co-occurring mental health issues. There are various treatment methods that can be helpful such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, schema therapy, group therapy, family therapy and medication. Treatment for personality disorders is mainly in specialist psychiatry.
Treatment of bipolar disorder and other psychotic disorders
Bipolar and psychotic disorders are treated in specialist psychiatry and are not something we do at Lavendla. Treatment usually includes medication and psychological treatment. Family members can also receive support as part of the treatment. In addition, it is important that the therapy is adapted to the individual’s specific needs and situation. As these conditions can be severe, it is not uncommon for people with acute illnesses to be admitted to inpatient care. If you or someone you know is experiencing manic or delusional behaviour, you can call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
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When you feel it’s time to talk to a psychologist or therapist, it is easy to book a session with us. Whenever you are ready to take that first step, our experienced team is always ready to help you or your loved ones. If the situation is urgent, call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk immediately.
12 frequently asked questions about grandiose self-image
What is a grandiose self-image?
A grandiose self-image refers to an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or value. Having a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-worth is fundamental to well-being, but a grandiose self-image is not based on realistic situations, nor is it functional, which can lead to problems both for you and those around you.
What is a personality disorder?
A personality disorder is an enduring pattern of behaviour, worldview and inner experience that is markedly different from what is expected of those around you. This is because personality disorders can affect one’s ability to relate to others and function effectively in everyday life.
Is narcissism a type of personality disorder?
Yes, narcissistic personality disorder is one of several types. Individuals with narcissism have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy towards other people.
How is narcissism diagnosed?
A diagnosis is usually carried out by a psychiatrist or psychologist and involves in-depth interviews with family members. This is usually done in specialist psychiatry.
What treatment options are available for personality disorders?
Treatment can vary depending on the type of disorder and the individual’s unique needs, but usually involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. A care plan involving several different therapists or psychologists is often recommended.
How can I help someone close to me who has a grandiose self-image?
The most important step is to encourage the person to seek professional help. You can also offer emotional support, but remember that you are not a substitute for qualified care.
Can grandiose self-image occur in other mental health conditions?
Grandiose self-image can occur in conditions such as during mania in bipolar disorders or as part of psychosis in other psychotic disorders. If you have symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Can you force someone to go to therapy?
No, you cannot force someone to undergo therapeutic treatment, but in the case of more severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and other psychotic disorders, compulsory inpatient treatment can be used to prevent self-harm.
How to treat a grandiose self-image?
First, an assessment by a licensed professional, often a specialist psychiatrist, is needed. Treatment then often includes medication and therapy.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition with alternating periods of depression and mania or a mixture of the two. These alternations can be so extreme that they disrupt a person’s daily life and functioning.
How common is bipolar disorder?
About 2% of UK adults suffer from bipolar disorder.
What is psychosis?
Psychotic illness, often just called psychosis, is a psychiatric condition in which a person has difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not. Psychosis is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom that can occur in various mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or as a result of certain medical conditions or substance use.
Where can I go if I or someone I know has symptoms of grandiose self-image?
To get help, you should contact your GP for a referral to specialist psychiatry.
