What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

When people think of the term “narcissist,” they first think of a person with a significant sense of self-importance. Narcissism is usually associated with arrogance and selfishness without considering the other symptoms. While it is true that people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) seem arrogant, we must understand that NPD is a lifelong, incurable mental health disorder that needs diagnosis and treatment. NPD becomes increasingly severe when it affects a person’s daily life by causing various problems not only for the individual but also for those around them. People with NPD may even cause injury to themselves or others when not adequately treated.

WHAT IS NPD?

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder in which a person has an exaggerated sense of self-worth and value. This involves a lack of empathy, disregard for others, and a constant need for attention and approval from their peers. This attention can come in special treatment, compliments, sympathy, pity, etc. When confronted about their behavior, they may try to blame someone else and victimize themselves by coming up with excuses for their behavior and insisting they are true. Those living with NPD believe they deserve this special treatment for a variety of reasons spanning from “birthright” to the belief that their decisions in life led to this moment. They simply believe that they are superior to everyone else. This thought process is unable to change and becomes so extreme that they cannot maintain personal relationships with others.

NPD is part of cluster B of a list of ten personality disorders. Those placed in cluster B are described as being “dramatic and erratic.” This means that the personality disorders in cluster B, including NPD, are overly emotional and unpredictable in behavior and thought processes.

The self-image those struggling with NPD have for themselves is a romanticized version which they do not understand is distorted at all. Instead, they see it as the truth that others should be seeing as well. When disapproved of or scolded, they may completely and utterly fall apart. This may seem odd to some because those with NPD have an enlarged sense of self-worth, don’t they? But, as mentioned earlier, they have a romanticized version of themselves that they strive for. Additionally, since NPD is placed in cluster B, we should note that they are very sensitive to any criticism and may see it as an attack on their character. People with NPD may try to use their overconfidence as a way to force their own insecurities down. Their sense of self-worth may only be a fantasy and is how they want others to view them because it should be true. As their insecurities grow, they look towards others for attention which may become too extreme and affect their ability to even attempt to maintain personal relationships. In fact, their ability to form relationships is also affected by their underwhelming lack of empathy. People with NPD are dismissive of others and primarily concerned with themselves unless their peers benefit them somehow. They may come across as selfish, attention-seeking, self-absorbed, and uncaring. Their disorder affects all parts of their life, including personal, professional, and even simple everyday relationships like acquaintances.

Sometimes, we may lie about minor aspects of our life, such as brown being our natural hair color while it is actually black. People with NPD tend to take this to the extreme as a way to gain attention and even admiration from others. This can appear in the form of over-exaggerating their accomplishments so others may see them as they see themselves. This is also a way for some of those struggling with NPD to reassure themselves that they are superior to others. Their feelings of superiority may also manifest in a complete disregard for those they deem to be at a lower level than they are. They can do this by spending time with others they consider to be at an equal level.

SYMPTOMS OF NPD

Those struggling with NPD have a thought process that does not change. It is crucial to note that some people may show narcissistic traits, but this does not mean they have NPD. Feeling superior to a few people is fine, but it may become serious when that thought process is unable to change. Additionally, those with NPD do not seek help for their disorder because they do not believe there is anything to seek help for. They usually seek help for entirely different aspects of their life, such as relationship counseling or help with anxiety. Seeking help may be a sign of a different personality disorder that should still be diagnosed.

NPD is a complex disorder to diagnose, but it has been noted that having five or more of these symptoms means there is a high chance that the patient is suffering from NPD. These symptoms include:

• Pathological lying

• Taking advantage of others for their own benefit

• Unwilling to listen to the ideas of others

• Disregarding how others feel

• Feeling superior to everyone else

• Tend to exaggerate achievements

• A significant sense of privilege and entitlement

• Fantasizing about being in positions of power and success

• Extremely sensitive to criticism

• Unpredictable behavior

• May lash out when stressed

• Lowered levels of empathy

• Put themselves first

• Talk mainly about themselves

• Attention-seeking taken to the extreme

• Already expecting special treatment

• The belief that others envy them

• Controlling, especially in relationships

• May cut ties with others over small matters

• Emotional

• Feelings of grandiosity

• Seen as delusional

• Exploits others

• Overestimate themselves

• Difficulty with emotions

• Become depressed when they feel they don’t match up to their fantasies

CAUSES OF NPD

The main causes of NPD are unknown and heavily debated but are believed to be a mix of:

• environment

• genetics

• early developmental experiences

This is a case where both nature and nurture are equally important. Additionally, a large part of the development of NPD is parenting style. A parent who gives their child too much praise that does not match the child’s accomplishments as well as excessive pampering, or lack thereof, may contribute to the development of NPD alongside genetics. In other words, a parent over-exaggerating their child’s achievements or refusing to acknowledge their child’s actual achievements by setting unrealistic standards can contribute to the development of NPD in their child. If the child grows up in a competitive environment that is heavily encouraged, NPD is at a higher risk of developing as early as eight years old.

REFERENCES

Narcissistic personality disorder - Symptoms and causes. (2022). Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662

https://www.verywell.com (2021). Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Traits, Causes, Treatment. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/narcissistic-personality-disorder-npd-traits-causes-treatment-5201177

Mitra, P., & Dimy Fluyau. (2022, May). Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556001/

Kerr, M. (2022, June 20). Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/narcissistic-personality-disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Traits, Tests, Treatment. (2020). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9742-narcissistic-personality-disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder. (2022). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder

Sandra Silva Casabianca. (2021, February 15). All About Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Psych Central; Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/disorders/narcissistic-personality-disorder

https://www.verywell.com (2022). What You Should Know About Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-narcissistic-personality-disorder-2795446

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). (2021, December 23). Healthdirect.gov.au; Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/narcissistic-personality-disorder-npd

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