Narcissistic personality disorder is characterised by self-centredness, self-absorption and an inability to recognise their behaviour's effects on other people. People with narcissistic personality disorder won’t hesitate to take advantage of other people in order to achieve their goals, and will use people without the slightest regard for their feelings. Narcissists have an inflated sense of self and usually have an intense desire for admiration from other people.
Characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
People with narcissistic personality disorder tend to try to maintain an image of perfection and invincibility to as to prevent other people realising that they aren’t perfect and have weaknesses. Beneath the image, however, lurks a person with very low self-esteem.
People with narcissistic personality disorder generally expect to be recognised as superior, because they are often preoccupied by fantasies of their own brilliance. They tend to believe that they are special and therefore entitled to special treatment. They usually expect other people to comply with their wishes. Narcissists often see other people as inferior and believe that they should only associate with people of the same ‘high’ status.
Some Facts About Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- Narcissists are driven and achievement orientated
- Narcissistic personality disorder is common among politicians, business tycoons, surgeons, lawyers and movie producers
- Narcissistic personality disorder affects less than 1% of the general population
- Narcissistic personality disorder is three times more common in men than it is in women
- Narcissistic personality disorder tends to develop in early adulthood but may not be identifiable until the person reaches middle age
Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Although the precise cause of narcissistic personality disorder isn’t known, several theories explaining why the disorder develops have been put forward. One theory, known as the psychodynamic theory, proposes that a predisposition towards developing narcissistic personality disorder arises when a child’s basic needs aren’t met.
Another theory is that narcissists have an ambivalent self-perception, whereby an idealised view of the self coexists with feelings of low self-esteem and inferiority. According to this theory, such a person didn’t receive much praise, encouragement and support from their parents as a child and so looks for those things within themselves.
Signs and Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
The most common signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include:
- Arrogance or haughtiness;
- Expecting favoured treatment;
- Grandiose sense of self-importance;
- Self-centeredness;
- Exaggeration of achievements and talents;
- Manipulative behaviour;
- Preoccupation with fantasies of success;
- Constant desire for attention;
- Lack of empathy;
- Lack of concern about offending people;
- Taking advantage of other people; and
- Rage in response to criticism.
Narcissists – the People Who Love Themselves
Narcissistic personality disorder is a minimally debilitating personality disorder and patients are often able to lead normal, often very successful lives, albeit at the expense of other people. Treatment for the disorder can be successful, but narcissists rarely ask for help unless they are facing some kind of crisis.
Sources:
Evans, D and Allen, H (2009), Mental Health Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, London, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.
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