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The word narcissistic, having an excessive or erotic interest in oneself, comes from Greek mythology in which a handsome young man named Narcissus sees his own reflection in a pool of water and falls in love with it. Not even the lovely nymph Echo could manage to tempt him from his self-absorption.
Exaggerated Self-Importance
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is classified as a Cluster B Dramatic and Erratic mental disorder in which people have an exaggerated sense of self-importance, believing they are more important than others. As such, they have a lack of empathy, beginning in childhood, and even fail to care or notice the needs of others. People with narcissistic personality disorder tend to seek constant praise and admiration (possibly stemming from receiving an inordinate amount of praise as a child) from people around them, expect to be recognized as superior, are preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, and often exaggerate their achievements and talents. They may fantasize about holding more power and importance, and envy those with higher statuses even believing that others are envious of them. People often describe them as arrogant.
What is hidden behind this mask of extreme self-confidence is a fragile self-esteem that is vulnerable to even the slightest amount of criticism.
Not Fun to Be Around
A Narcissistic Personality Disorder often interferes with many areas of life such as relationships, school, employment and finances. People with NPD are disappointed if they are not praised for an achievement, or admired. They feel superior and unique, often comparing themselves favorably with famous or important people. They may find their relationships unfulfilling, especially when they aren’t surrounded by admirers, and others may not enjoy being around them.
A Sense of Entitlement
While it is normal to be a little selfish and boastful now and then, true narcissists take it to the extreme. They believe they are entitled and take advantage of others to achieve his or her own ambitions. They often assume that others agree with their talents and abilities and are disappointed, surprised, and can even become furious when the praise they expect and feel they deserve is not given. Although they may not show it, criticism can cause them to feel humiliated. Such experiences often lead to social withdrawal.
NPD Symptoms
Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder might:
Irritate and upset other people often.
Have difficulty maintaining relationships.
Put themselves first.
Think they know better.
Talk about themselves all the time.
Lose patience when hearing others talk about themselves.
Constantly crave attention and admiration.
Exaggerate their importance, talents and achievements.
Believe they are entitled and special.
Set unrealistic goals.
Have wide, fast mood swings.
Have difficulty taking another person’s feelings seriously.
Strive to win or be first, whatever it takes.
Fantasize about unlimited success, money, and power.
NPD Causes
The exact cause is not known. Like most mental and personality disorders, it’s likely due to a combination of many factors including:
- Genes.
- Environment, including parent-child relationships.
- Neurobiology (the connection between your behavior and nervous system).
Risk of NPD
Children may be at higher risk for developing NPD, a recent study found, if parents put them on a pedestal and shower them with endless praise. Then again, the opposite is also true. People who are ignored or abused as children may develop NPD. They may feel they need to look out for themselves almost as a survival instinct.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder occurs more in males than females, and usually becomes apparent in teenagers or young adults. Keep in mind that children – as well as really anyone – can act in ways that seem narcissistic at times. This doesn’t mean they have NPD or will develop it later.
Lifelong Disorder
People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder generally do not seek professional help. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is considered lifelong, in some people, decreasing somewhat over time. But it’s not clear whether this decrease is a result of aging or an increased awareness of the consequences of their narcissistic behavior.
There is no cure for Narcissistic Personality Disorder, but therapy can help a person with NPD relate better to other people and understand the meaning of empathy. Talk therapy can help a person with NPD to:
- Have relationships with other people.
- Recognize their own strengths and weaknesses.
- Learn to accept criticism or failures.
- Develop more realistic goals.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope the information can guide you toward improving your life.
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