Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder, one of several types of personality disorders, is a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others.
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Signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and the severity of symptoms vary. People with the disorder can: https://www.psycom.net/personality-disorders/narcissistic/
- Have an exaggerated sense of self-importance
- Have a sense of entitlement and require constant and excessive admiration
- Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it
- Exaggerate achievements and talents
- Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate
- Believe they are superior and can only associate with equally special people
- Monopolize conversations and belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior
- Expect special favors and unquestioning compliance with their expectations
- Take advantage of others to get what they want
- 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 or haughty manner, coming across as conceited, boastful and pretentious
- Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best car or office
At the same time, people who struggle with the disorder also have trouble when they receive any type of feedback that they perceive as criticism, when this happens they can: https://www.psycom.net/personality-disorders/narcissistic/
- Become impatient or angry when they don't receive special treatment
- Have significant interpersonal problems and easily feel slighted
- React with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make themselves appear superior
- Have difficulty regulating emotions and behavior
- Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change
- Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection
- Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation
What Causes Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
The causes aren’t well understood. However, inherited genetic defects are thought to be responsible for many cases of NPD. Contributing environmental factors may include:
- childhood abuse or neglect
- excessive parental pampering
- unrealistic expectations from parents
- sexual promiscuity (often accompanies narcissism)
- cultural influences
