Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a persistent pattern of inner experiences and behaviors characterized by self-centeredness, lack of empathy, and exaggerated sense of self-importance.
It is one of several different types of personality disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and is used by many mental health professionals to diagnose this and other disorders.
This disorder causes severe impairment of personality function, accompanied by several other pathological personality traits.
Like other personality disorders, this condition can negatively affect various areas of life, including social, family, and work relationships.
Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder
The five common signs of narcissism include an inflated sense of self, a constant need for attention, self-centeredness, a lack of empathy, and a focus on power and success. Some of the symptoms associated with NPD include:
Believing that a person is unique or special and can only associate with others of equal status.
There is a constant need for attention, affirmation, and praise.
Exaggerate your abilities and achievements.
Exploiting others for personal gain.
Feeling jealous of others, or believing that others are jealous of them.
Lack of empathy for others.
Constant fantasies about success and power.
Focus on power or success.
A sense of entitlement and the expectation of special treatment.
By looking for some of these signs, you may be able to identify if someone has NPD.
People with narcissistic personality disorder are often described as arrogant, conceited, self-centered, and arrogant.
Because they believe they are superior to others, they often insist on having items that reflect a successful lifestyle.
Despite their exaggerated self-image, they still rely on constant praise and attention to boost their self-esteem.
As a result, people with narcissistic personality disorder are often very sensitive to criticism, which is often seen as a personal attack.
Diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder
A formal diagnosis can only be made by a qualified mental health professional and requires the individual to demonstrate personality dysfunction in a variety of areas, including exaggerated feelings of self-importance and interpersonal difficulties in seeking attention, empathy, and intimacy.
Various questionnaires and personality tests can be used to help gain a deeper understanding of a person's symptoms.
Tests commonly used to diagnose narcissistic personality disorder include the International Personality Disorders Examination (IPDE) and the Narcissistic Personality Scale (NPI).
Impairment of personality function and expression of personality traits must also remain stable over time and under different circumstances;Must not be typical of the individual's culture, environment, or stage of development;and must not be due to substance use or a direct effect of a general medical condition.
Prevalence of NPD
The National Institute of Mental Health shows that about 91% of U.S. adults experience at least one type of personality disorder in any given year.
Earlier estimates suggest that as many as 6Narcissistic personality disorder occurs in 2% of U.S. adults, and recent data suggest that the prevalence may be lower than previously thought.
Narcissistic personality disorder is thought to be more common than other personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder.
Causes of narcissistic personality disorder
While the exact cause is unknown, researchers have identified some factors that may contribute to the disease.
Some early life experiences are thought to contribute to narcissistic personality disorder, including:
Abuse or trauma.
Excessive praise. Lack of an environment for true validation.
Parents are overly spoiled.
Unreliable parenting styles.
Although the exact causes can be complex and varied, genetics and biology are also thought to play a considerable role.
Types of narcissistic personality disorder
Although the DSM-5 does not distinguish between different disease changes, there is evidence that the presentation of symptoms can vary widely.
Some researchers have proposed that there are at least two distinguishable subtypes of NPD:
1) Exaggerated, overtly narcissistic traits are bold, arrogant, and pompous personality traits. People with this type of NPD are more likely to lack empathy, show aggression, exploit others, and exhibit exhibitionist behavior.
2) Vulnerable, covert narcissism is characterized by being overly sensitive and defensive. People with this type of NPD may seek recognition but withdraw socially if they don't. They may also feel inferior.
Other proposed subtypes include hypervigilance and high-functioning narcissism.
Hyper-vigilant people are described as people who feel ashamed, overly sensitive, and easily hurt.
High-functioning types of people are described as looking mostly normal, but the problem centers on a lack of empathy, a sense of entitlement, and self-centeredness.
Narcissistic personality disorder**
It is important to note that people with this condition rarely seek **.
Individuals usually begin symptoms caused by illnesses such as depression at the urging of family members.
This is especially challenging for people with NPD, who are often reluctant to admit they have the disease.
Insurance companies tend to pay for short-term expenses that focus only on alleviating symptoms rather than addressing underlying personality issues, which often exacerbates the hardships.
There are ways to help people gain a deeper understanding of their behavior, build a more coherent sense of self, and better manage their behavior. These include:
1) Individual psychodynamic psychology can be effectively used for narcissistic personality disorder, although the process can be difficult and lengthy.
2) Cognitive-behavioral** (CBT) is often effective in helping individuals change disruptive patterns of thought and behavior. 1 The goal is to change distorted thoughts and create a more realistic self-image.
3) Psychotropic medications are usually ineffective for long-term changes, but are sometimes used for anxiety or depressive symptoms.
Coping with narcissistic personality disorder
People who are in a relationship with someone with narcissistic personality disorder may have difficulty coping with the behavior of their loved ones.
People with NPD do not have a coherent sense of self, so they often engage in harmful or exploitative behaviors aimed at gaining attention, respect, or love from others.
If someone you know has NPD, there are steps you can take to more easily understand and cope with their behavior.
1) Learn to recognize narcissistic behavior.
People with NPD may engage in abusive behavior, such as gaslighting manipulating other people's feelings and behaviors.
Understanding how to identify these behaviors is the first step to dealing with them more effectively.
2) Set clear boundaries.
Don't let the other person act angrily, abusively, or in extreme ways towards you.
Set limits and be willing to enforce them, even if it means ending the relationship.
3) Talk to others.
Sometimes, when abusive behaviors become regular in your relationship, it can be difficult to identify them.
Having a friend, family member, or mentor help you understand the dynamics of your relationship can help you better learn to recognize when someone with narcissistic personality disorder crosses the line.
Encourage your loved one to seek out for their condition.
However, it is important to recognize that many people with NPD never seek**.
If the other person refuses to ask for help, consider speaking with a doctor or mental health professional in person.
* Teachers can help you rebuild your self-esteem that has been damaged by relationships.
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