Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Understanding Narcissistic Personality
Disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an

unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and
want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or
care about the feelings of others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence, they are not
sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism.
A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships,
work, school or financial matters. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be generally
unhappy and disappointed when they're not given the special favors or admiration that they
believe they deserve. They may find their relationships troubled and unfulfilling, and other
people may not enjoy being around them.
Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder centers around talk therapy, also called
psychotherapy.
Narcissistic personality disorder affects more males than females, and it often begins in the
teens or early adulthood. Some children may show traits of narcissism, but this is often typical
for their age and doesn't mean they'll go on to develop narcissistic personality disorder.
Symptoms
Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and how severe they are can vary. People with
the disorder can:
 Have an unreasonably high sense of self-importance and require constant, excessive

admiration.
 Feel that they deserve privileges and special treatment.
 Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements.
 Make achievements and talents seem bigger than they are.
 Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect
mate.
 Believe they are superior to others and can only spend time with or be understood by
equally special people.
 Be critical of and look down on people they feel are not important.
 Expect special favors and expect other people to do what they want without questioning
them.
 Take advantage of others to get what they want.
 Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others.
 Be envious of others and believe others envy them.
 Behave in an arrogant way, brag a lot and come across as conceited.
 Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best car or office.
At the same time, people with narcissistic personality disorder have trouble handling anything
they view as criticism. They can:
 Become impatient or angry when they don't receive special recognition or treatment.
 Have major problems interacting with others and easily feel slighted.
 React with rage or contempt and try to belittle other people to make themselves appear
superior.
 Have difficulty managing their emotions and behavior.
 Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change.
 Withdraw from or avoid situations in which they might fail.
 Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection.
 Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, humiliation and fear of being exposed as a
failure.
Causes
It's not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder. The cause is likely complex.
Narcissistic personality disorder may be linked to:
 Environment — parent-child relationships with either too much adoration or too much
criticism that don't match the child's actual experiences and achievements.
 Genetics — inherited characteristics, such as certain personality traits.
 Neurobiology — the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking.
Risk factors
Although the cause of narcissistic personality disorder isn't known, some researchers think that
overprotective or neglectful parenting may have an impact on children who are born with a
tendency to develop the disorder. Genetics and other factors also may play a role in the
development of narcissistic personality disorder.
Complications
Complications of narcissistic personality disorder, and other conditions that can occur along
with it include:
 Relationship difficulties
 Problems at work or school
 Depression and anxiety
 Other personality disorders
 An eating disorder called anorexia
 Physical health problems
 Drug or alcohol misuse
 Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Prevention
Because the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown, there's no known way to
prevent the condition. But it may help to:
 Get treatment as soon as possible for childhood mental health problems.

 Participate in family therapy to learn healthy ways to communicate or to cope with
conflicts or emotional distress.
 Attend parenting classes and seek guidance from a therapist or social worker if needed.
Common Narcissist Characteristics

 Inflated Ego
 Lack of Empathy
 Need for Attention
 Repressed Insecurities
 Lack Boundaries
Many people may suspect someone they care about of narcissism, but the general population is
unsure of what this term specifically entails. Narcissistic personality disorder is an official and
recognized mental health condition that affects primarily males. In today's society, it tends to
be thrown about rather freely and can often be misunderstood. Because of its prevalent and
damaging nature, it is important that there is an understanding of the traits involved in
someone with this type of personality, though. Let's take a look at five of the most common
characteristics of a narcissist in order to create awareness.
1. Inflated Ego
Those who suffer from narcissism usually seem themselves as superior to others. Their sense of
self relies on setting themselves apart from the crowd. They will take purposeful steps in order
to make sure they remain on top. These types of people tend to strive to be the best, most
accomplished and beyond competent in their field. It's not unusual for them to be highly
successful professionals. They also exhibit this tendency in their personal relationships. They
need to be right, to have the last word and to always be in control. It's also possible for
narcissists to shift this need for superiority to something negative. If they are experiencing
difficulties or feel emotionally wounded, their situation suddenly becomes the worst. No one
else's suffering compares.
2. Lack of Empathy
Empathy is the ability to see things from another's point of view. A key characteristic of
narcissism is the lack of this ability. Narcissists only see things from their view. Their feelings
and comfort are of most importance. These folks tend to think that others are only capable of
feeling or seeing things in the exact same was as they do. It doesn't occur to them that other
perspectives may exist. They often lack remorse or guilt due to this trait.
3. Need for Attention
Remember that big ego of the narcissist? Well, it must constantly be fed by others. They look
outside themselves for validation. These individuals will soak up praise and affirmation
whenever possible. If they aren't receiving the approval they seek, they will create scenarios in
order to elicit it. It's not unusual for a narcissistic individual to ask those around them countless
questions in order to keep the attention focused on them or to create unnecessary drama for
that purpose.
4. Repressed Insecurities
The person with narcissism often feels deep insecurity of some sort at their core. It's these
insecurities that are the cause for the attention seeking behavior and the inflated ego. Such
insecurities can play out in a number of ways, most of which are rarely healthy. Their
underlying fear, anxiety, and shame leads them to seek excessive control in all situations. They
rarely display vulnerability and tend to see things in black or white terms. Something is either
entirely good or it's a complete failure.
5. Few Boundaries
Narcissists have a hard time respecting boundaries. The line between themselves and others is
blurred. They see themselves as being entitled to everything. These folks will frequently use
manipulative tactics such as demanding, pouting, gaslighting or tricking to obtain the means to
their end. Narcissists find it incredibly insulting to be told no.
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition that wreaks havoc on
relationships. Those dealing with narcissism, both the narcissist and the people around them,
tend to have lives filled with much chaos.

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Understanding Narcissistic Personality

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an

 Have an unreasonably high sense of self-importance and require constant, excessive

 Get treatment as soon as possible for childhood mental health problems.

Common Narcissist Characteristics

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