Megalomania
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Megalomania, or delusion of grandeur, is a psychiatric symptom characterized by grandiose beliefs about one's wealth, social status, or supernatural powers. According to this 1930s encyclopedia article, it occurs primarily in progressive paralysis, paranoid schizophrenia, and manic phases of manic-depressive psychosis.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
MEGALOMANIA (from Greek megas, great, and mania, madness), delusion of grandeur, termed "proud insanity" in older terminology. Patients consider themselves possessors of untold wealth, occupying a high social position, endowed with supernatural powers, and the like. This delusional symptom complex occurs chiefly in progressive paralysis, in the paranoid form of schizophrenia, and in the manic phases of manic-depressive psychosis (see corresponding articles).
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“Megalomania.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/megalomania/