Ideas Expansive

Expansive ideas are a psychopathological symptom described by German psychiatrist Karl Wernicke. It is characterized by the appearance in the patient of ridiculous, unrealistic ideas of greatness that do not correspond to his real capabilities and achievements.

With expansive ideas, the patient may declare his non-existent talents, achievements, wealth, influential connections, etc. He considers himself a genius, inventor, reformer, savior of humanity, although in fact he has no real merits and achievements. These crazy ideas are often absurd, ridiculous and impracticable.

Expansive ideas are found in some mental illnesses, in particular in manic-depressive psychosis in the manic phase. They reflect a disorder of thinking and a violation of criticism of one’s condition and capabilities. Treatment for expansive ideas includes drug therapy for the underlying disease.