What does it mean to have narcissistic personality disorder? Is it the same as having just narcissistic tendencies?
This guide will help you understand what narcissistic personality disorder is, how it can impact your life, and how you can deal with it.
What is narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)?
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder that is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
People with this disorder often seek out positions of power and can be very manipulative. If you think you might be dealing with someone with narcissistic personality disorder, it’s important to be patient and understand that this is a difficult condition to deal with.
They’ll always have moments where they’re incredibly charming and delightful, but then they’ll switch in an instant. In the end, people with NPD will only ever care about themselves and their own needs.
They’ll try to manipulate everyone around them into doing what they want. Be firm but kind when speaking to them about boundaries or rules — never give up on setting these boundaries because if you do, the person will get more and more demanding as time goes on.
Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)?
Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder may exhibit symptoms such as a lack of empathy, an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, or a preoccupation with success or power.
Additionally, these individuals may often take advantage of others, be uninterested in the feelings or problems of others, or be excessively concerned with their own appearance.
If you think you may be dealing with someone who has narcissistic personality disorder, it is important to be patient and understanding while also setting boundaries as needed.
What causes NPD?
While the cause of narcissistic personality disorder isn’t fully known, it’s thought to be a combination of nature (genetics) and nurture (environmental factors).
Researchers believe that certain genes may make people more susceptible to developing NPD. And it’s also thought that early childhood experiences play a role in the development of the disorder.
For example, children who are excessively praised for their looks or abilities and who are never criticized may be more likely to develop NPD.
Children whose parents set unrealistic expectations, place all their focus on the child, and don’t allow them to explore new things are also at risk.
When these children don’t live up to those expectations as adults, they may have trouble adapting because they lack other interests and skills.
A person with NPD will usually have difficulty dealing with criticism or rejection from others because they’re so focused on themselves and what others think of them.
Treatments for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD):
While there is no cure for NPD, there are treatments that can help. Psychotherapy is often the first line of defense, as it can help patients understand their disorder and learn how to manage their symptoms.
In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help with associated anxiety or depression. It’s important to find a treatment team that you trust and feel comfortable with, as NPD can be a difficult disorder to deal with.
For example, therapists should never tell patients they have this disorder if they don’t believe they do.
Instead, they should work together to find a diagnosis based on the patient’s presenting symptoms. If a therapist is certain that the person does in fact have NPD, then they will refer them to a specialist.
A therapist who suspects narcissism but isn’t certain should explore whether the person has other mental health issues before diagnosing them with NPD.
Sometimes people confuse narcissism with healthy self-confidence, so it’s helpful for people who might suffer from NPD to know what distinguishes the two conditions.
The following list contains a few examples of signs that someone may have narcissistic personality disorder:
- Selfishness — Narcissists often see themselves as better than others, which leads to behaviors like taking advantage of other people. They want things done their way at all times and usually only think about themselves when making decisions.
- Lack of empathy — Narcissists lack compassion for those around them, including friends and family members. They’re only concerned about themselves and rarely take responsibility for any wrongdoing they’ve committed against others.
- Highly manipulative — Narcissists will do anything to get what they want, even if it means hurting another person. They’ll use guilt trips or make up lies to convince people into doing something for them.
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits — People with NPD tend to neglect their own physical and emotional needs while striving towards perfection in all aspects of life.
- Addictions — Many narcissists struggle with substance abuse or addictive behaviors in order to numb their pain and cope with stress.
- Emotional instability — Narcissists are always trying to prove themselves, which can lead to outbursts of anger when they don’t get what they want. When somebody disagrees with them, they lash out in frustration.
- Inability to maintain long-term relationships — Narcissists are unable to show love and concern for anyone other than themselves. They act entitled when receiving support or gifts and need constant praise from others in order to feel satisfied.
- Constant need for attention — Narcissists crave validation and recognition from those around them, which can lead to risky behavior such as driving recklessly or spending money excessively just to impress others.
- Entitlement — Narcissists come to expect special treatment and are convinced that everyone owes them. This can manifest itself in rude behavior, like refusing to pay for services rendered or expecting favors without reciprocating.
So, are you a narcissist?
Chances are, you know someone who is a narcissist. But what exactly is narcissistic personality disorder?
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder that is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
People with this disorder often require constant validation and approval from others and can become easily angered or upset when they don’t get it.
For example, if people refuse their requests for help or ignore them in social settings, the person might lash out with rage and aggression.
There are three types of narcissists — those who believe themselves to be superior beings; those who fantasize about power, success, intelligence; and those who seek attention through dramatic displays like emotional outbursts.
Conclusion
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder that is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. The National Institute of Mental Health states that approximately 1% of the population will suffer from this disorder in their lifetime. For those who are married or have children with someone who has narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), it can be very challenging. A narcissist needs constant validation and might not show empathy if they are criticized or they don’t get what they want.
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