What characterizes a delusion of grandeur?

A delusion of grandeur is characterized by a belief in one's importance, power, or abilities that are significantly exaggerated. Individuals experiencing this type of delusion may see themselves as possessing extraordinary capabilities or as having a special status, such as believing they are famous, have divine qualities, or are destined to achieve great things. This belief is not supported by evidence and often reflects a disconnect from reality.

The other options refer to different forms of delusions. A belief in persecution pertains to paranoid delusions, where individuals believe they are being targeted or harassed. The belief in external control over one's actions relates to delusions of control, suggesting that an outside force is manipulating their behavior. Lastly, the belief that one is receiving special messages describes a different type of delusion, often associated with grandiosity but instead focusing on the belief in being the recipient of specific and often significant communications from the universe or a higher power.