Narcissistic personality disorder or NPD is a personality disorder in which people have an inflated opinion about themselves. They have an intense need for self-admiration and attention from others.
People who have NPD may generally feel unhappy and disappointed when they’re not given the praise or special favors they believe they deserve.
While others may see them as snobbish and arrogant, and may not enjoy being around them. NPD can cause problems in many areas of life, including work, social life, and relationships.
However, the disorder can be managed with talk therapy and certain lifestyle improvements.
How can you identify narcissistic personality disorder Traits?
People with NPD are usually described as being arrogant, self-centered, and demanding. They may believe that they are superior or special as compared to other people. They often have high self-esteem and may seem to need excessive praise and admiration for themselves. They may react poorly to perceived criticism.
Narcissists tend to exaggerate their talents and accomplishments while downplaying those of others. They are usually preoccupied with power, success, and beauty. Because of the impulsive behavior they might even engage in risky sex and gambling life.
Some of the traits of NPD may appear similar to confidence but healthy confidence and NPD aren’t the same thing.
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What are the Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder?
Narcissistic personality disorder usually appears in early adulthood. People with this disorder may fail to recognize that they have a problem since it goes against their self-image.
Some of the symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder are if you:
- You come across as conceited and arrogant, causing others to avoid you
- Your relationships are unfulfilling
- When things don’t go your way, you easily become unhappy, angry, and confused.
- You have already ongoing issues at work, school, relationships, finances, alcohol, and drugs.
- having an exaggerated sense of self-importance and entitlement
- needing constant admiration and praise
- expecting special treatment due to perceived superiority
- exaggerating achievements and talents
- reacting negatively to criticism
- being preoccupied with fantasies about power, success, and beauty
- taking advantage of others
- having an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of other people
- behaving in an arrogant manner
If you believe you have these symptoms, then you can schedule an appointment with your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you to determine whether you have this personality disorder and can suggest treatments to help manage those symptoms.
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What are the causes of narcissistic personality disorder?
The proper causes of NPD aren’t well understood but the defects that are genetically inherited are thought to be responsible for many cases of NPD. Contributing environmental factors may also include:
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Excessive parental pampering
- unrealistic expectations from parents
- sexual promiscuity (often accompanies narcissism)
- Cultural influences.
Neurobiology — The connection between the brain and behavior and thinking can also cause NPD.
When to See a Doctor?
People with a narcissistic personality disorder may not feel that they are suffering from this and May unlikely to seek treatment. The symptoms are more likely to be of depression, drug or alcohol use, or another mental health problem.
But perceived insults to self-esteem may make it difficult to accept and follow with the treatment. If you recognize aspects of your personality that are common to narcissistic personality disorder or you’re feeling overwhelmed by sadness then you must consider reaching out to a trusted doctor or mental health provider. Getting the right treatment can help make your life more rewarding and enjoyable.
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Risk Factor:
Males are more affected by Narcissistic personality disorder than females and it often begins in the teens or early adulthood. Keeping that in mind some children may show traits of narcissism, this may simply be typical of their age and doesn’t mean they’ll go on to develop a narcissistic personality disorder.
Though some researchers think that in biologically vulnerable children, parenting styles that are overprotective or neglectful may have an impact but the cause of narcissistic personality disorder isn’t properly known yet.
Genetics and neurobiology also may play a role in the development of narcissistic personality disorder.