Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by an excessive and deep need for admiration, a lack of empathy for others, an inflated sense of self-importance, and a series of troubled relationships. People with narcissistic personality disorder believe they are superior or special, and often try to associate with other people they believe are unique or gifted in some way. These kinds of associations often heighten their self-esteem. Behind what many see as high self-esteem is actually fragile self-esteem that is sensitive to “injury” from defeat or criticism. These individuals may not share with others that the criticism impacts them, therefore concealing it, leaving them feeling degraded, humiliated, and hollow inside. These individuals may find relationships unfulfilling while others may not enjoy being around others in general.

Of those diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, 50%- 75% are male. Narcissistic traits may be common in adolescents, but that does not necessarily mean that as they grow into adults, they will develop a narcissistic personality disorder. Problems occur across areas in their life including work, school, financial affairs, relationships, etc.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Causes

The cause of narcissistic personality disorder is not fully understood but there is an agreement that it is caused by a combination of factors. Genetics may play a role in the development of narcissistic personality disorder. While there is no specific gene related to narcissistic personality disorder, research suggests that there is a slightly increased risk for this disorder to be inherited by their children. While some of this has to do with genetics, some are also likely due to the child’s personality and temperament, as well as the parenting behavior of one or both of the parents.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms

To be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the following criteria must be met:

• A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
  • Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
  • Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
  • Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).
  • Requires excessive admiration.
  • Has a sense of entitlement (i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations).
  • Is interpersonally exploitative (i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends).
  • Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
  • Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.
  • Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.

Other symptoms of individuals with narcissistic personality disorder that have trouble handling anything they perceive as criticism:

• Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability, and humiliation
• Become impatient or angry when they don’t receive special treatment
• Have difficulty regulating emotions and behavior
• Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change
• React with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make themselves appear superior
• Have significant interpersonal problems and easily feel slighted
• Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection