If a client presents with grandiose thoughts and actions, what condition might they be experiencing?

The presence of grandiose thoughts and actions is a hallmark symptom of mania, which is characterized by an excessively elevated mood, increased energy, and often impulsive behavior. This condition is specifically associated with bipolar disorder during its manic phase. Individuals experiencing mania may have an inflated sense of self-importance, exhibit risky or reckless behavior, and show a decreased need for sleep, all of which stem from their grandiose thinking.

While other conditions like schizophrenia can include grandiosity, they typically present with a broader range of symptoms, including delusions or hallucinations that may not specifically reflect the elevated mood associated with mania. Major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder generally manifest with symptoms that include feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or excessive worry, rather than the heightened self-esteem and impulsive behaviors seen in mania. Therefore, when a client demonstrates grandiose thoughts and actions, it strongly indicates they may be experiencing a manic episode within the context of bipolar disorder.