Everything You Need to Know About Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Did you hear the term narcissist on a TV show? Or was someone accused of being a narcissist at your workplace today? In either scenario, the term narcissist has been used widely lately. People accuse anyone with higher-than-average confidence or lack of care for others’ feelings of being a narcissist. However, in the light of clinical psychology, a narcissistic personality disorder is serious mental illness that requires clinical diagnostic criteria and treatment, so we at Positive Reset Mental Health Clinic have a primer for you.

The word narcissism is derived from a Greek myth where a man named Narcissus falls in love with his reflection.

Overview of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

In our celebrity-obsessed, selfie-obsessed culture, the word “narcissism” is frequently used to describe people who come across as overly vain or full of themselves. However, in psychological terms, narcissism does not imply self-love, at least not a genuine kind. It’s more accurate to say that people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are in love with an exaggerated, grandiose view of themselves. And they’re in love with their inflated self-image because it protects them from intense insecurities. However, it takes a lot of effort to maintain their delusions of grandeur, which is where dysfunctional attitudes and actions come into play.

An excessive need for admiration, a lack of empathy and consideration for others, and a pattern of self-centered, arrogant thinking and behavior characterize a narcissistic personality disorder. Others frequently characterize those who have NPD as arrogant, cunning, selfish, condescending, and demanding. Every aspect of a narcissist’s life exhibits this way of thinking and acting, from work and friendships to family and romantic relationships. A thorough psychiatric evaluation is needed to diagnose this properly.

Narcissistic personality disorder symptoms and signs

A narcissistic personality disorder may cause someone to:

   Frequently irritate others

   Maintaining relationships is difficult

   Put themselves first

   They believe they know the “correct” way

   The majority of their thoughts and conversations are about themselves

   Hanker after admiration and attention

   Exaggerate their abilities and successes

   Feel special about them

   Set improbable objectives

   Have rapid, wide-ranging mood swings

   Take others’ feelings lightly

   Do whatever it takes to succeed

   Imagine having unlimited power, wealth, and success

Issues reported by others:

   Easily offended

   Overreacts

   Unable to tolerate criticism

   Tries to cover up one’s shortcomings or flaws

   Refuses to accept accountability

   Making an effort to influence or manipulate others

   Hypercompetitive

   This relates to only those who are deemed to be “on their level.”

   Flares up in response

   Insults other people

   Neglectful on the emotional front

   Not attentive

   Frequently makes interruptions

   Have a high sense of self-worth, but occasionally the opposite is true

Risk Factors for the Development of NPD

Under the grand facade, there might be a deep sense of insecurity. Even without the disorder, a person can be narcissistic. They may be arrogant and competitive, but not to the point where it interferes with their daily activities.

It has been demonstrated that narcissists frequently draw people to them because they are alluring, charismatic, and exciting. It’s attractive to have confidence. The traits of narcissistic leaders are frequently present.

The exact cause is unknown. Like most mental disorders and personality disorders, it can be caused by a complex combination of factors, including:

   Gene

   Environment, including parent-child relationships

   Neurobiology (the connection between your behavior and the nervous system)

A recent study found that those praised and constantly praised by their parents may be at greater risk of developing NPD. Again, the opposite. In neglected or abused children, NPD can develop almost as a survival instinct. They may feel they must care for themselves because no one else will.

NPD is more common in men than in women. It usually occurs in teenagers or young adults.

Common personality traits of NPD

1. There is an inflated sense of self-worth and entitlement. Deep down, you feel the best, the most successful, and capable [insert compliment here] in any situation. Constant admiration is required.                                                                                       
2. Your self-esteem is like a knotless balloon that needs constant attention, approval, and validation to keep it inflated. No matter how much someone tells you they love or respect you, it never seems enough.                                                                                                                           
3. Expect preferential treatment. Whether it’s a favor or an apology you want, you think you deserve it – because you’re superior to everyone around you; they know it and should obey.                             
4. Exaggerate achievements and talents. You have no problem embellishing facts about your life, CV, and experience – even outright lies.

5. Respond negatively to criticism. Although you crave control and take full credit when things go well, you’re quick to blame others when things don’t go as planned. It’s extremely difficult to accept criticism or admit mistakes because it’s always someone else’s fault, not yours. Indulge in fantasies of power, success, and beauty.                                                                                                                                              
6. Inability or consciously unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others. You are very sensitive to how people treat you and respond to your needs and feelings, but on the other hand, you can’t put yourself in other people’s shoes or empathize with their experiences. You may belittle or even bully others into making yourself feel better. You’re also never really “deep” in any of your relationships; honestly, it doesn’t bother you all that much.                                                                                       
7. Act arrogantly. Because of self-aggrandizement, a sense of superiority and entitlement, you may insist on having the best of everything – the best car, office, designer clothes – monopolize conversations, belittle people you consider “inferior” and associate only with people you think you are just as special, successful and talented.

Treatment

Like other personality disorders, NPD requires an extensive treatment plan. It is hard because the patient doesn’t admit that he needs any treatment. However, someone who influences the patient might convince them to seek treatment.

Conclusion

A narcissistic personality disorder is a serious disorder. It is deeply rooted in the person’s thought process. However, with timely recognition and treatment, the person will start to show some betterment. Contact us now to learn more.