What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder? 15 ultimate symptoms of NPD

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by one perceiving themselves as very important. Narcissistic people tend to think very highly of themselves and want other’s admiration too. For that cause, these people may be very attention seeking. Narcissistic Personality Disorder causes a person to think that they are better than everyone else and are more deserving than others. NPD is a condition which causes a person to disregard other’s feeling and put themselves as the top priority of oneself and others. This sense of superiority causes problems for people who have Narcissistic Personality Disorder. People affected by NPD often also cause problems for other people around them.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder or NPD is one of the ten personality disorders in the ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’ by the American Psychiatric Association. A personality Disorder is defined by a long term presence of internal experiences and external behaviors that differ greatly from the norm of an individual’s society and culture. These experiences and behaviors are long lasting and don’t change much throughout a person’s life, causing distress to the individual affected.

Short Description of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

The basic idea of Narcissism is elevated and sometimes detrimental self involvement. The psychological definition of Narcissism is an inflated, grandiose self image. To give a few examples, narcissists think they’re better looking, smarter and more important that other people. And that they are rightful and fully deserving to receive special treatment from other people.

Narcissists are more likely to act selfishly. Narcissistic partners may be dishonest or unfaithful. When people don’t give narcissists the special treatment they think they “deserve”, they can become resentful or aggressive. People affected by NPD like to believe that they are more intelligent, attractive or talented than they actually are and they expect everyone to treat them accordingly. It is basically an over-the-top image of oneself.

According to research data, between 0.5% and 5% of people in the U.S. may have it. Between 50% and 75% of cases affect men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Only adults can be diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Children can usually show very self-centered behavior but commonly it’s just a normal part of development.

Symptoms

The following are the symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder:

1. Feeling a sense of superiority and self-importance in one’s own perception.
2. always setting high standards and expects nothing but the absolute best in every aspect of their life, often going to great lengths to achieve perfection.
3. Individuals with narcissistic tendencies often exhibit an unreasonably inflated sense of self-importance, craving incessant and exaggerated admiration from those around them. This craving for constant validation can lead to a belief that they are entitled to special privileges and treatment, viewing themselves as inherently superior without requiring any actual accomplishments to prove their superiority.
4. Furthermore, they tend to exaggerate their achievements and talents, presenting themselves as more accomplished and talented than they truly are, which is reflected in their tendency to paint an unrealistically grandiose picture of their success, power, beauty, or ideal partner in their fantasies.
5. Their delusions of grandeur extend to believing that they are fundamentally different from and superior to others, leading them to surround themselves exclusively with individuals they deem equally “special” or worthy of their time.
6. This self-perceived superiority often manifests as disdain and criticism towards those they consider beneath them, as they demand special favors and unwavering compliance from others, expecting their desires to be fulfilled without question.
7. Exploiting and manipulating those around them to satisfy their own needs and desires without regard for others’ feelings or well-being is a common trait of narcissistic individuals.
8. Despite being envious of others, they project an attitude of superiority and arrogance, constantly boasting about their achievements and possessing a deep need to always have the best of everything, whether it be a luxury car or the most prestigious office space.
9. Individuals exhibiting narcissistic tendencies often expect to be the center of attention, anticipating special treatment and feeling entitled to have their desires fulfilled without question or hesitation by those around them.
10. hey frequently exploit others to further their own agenda, using manipulation and disregarding the well-being and opinions of others, showcasing a lack of empathy or consideration for the needs and emotions of those they encounter.
11. Furthermore, those with narcissistic traits tend to harbor feelings of envy towards others, projecting their own sense of grandeur onto those around them, imagining that others covet their success and status in return.
12. Their behavior is often characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, manifesting in arrogant and boastful actions, as they constantly seek validation and admiration from those in their vicinity by flaunting their achievements and material possessions.

Causes

While the cause of NPD is unknown, researchers believe that it has to do with a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some believe that NPD is developed to cope with trauma and feelings of inadequacy. Others believe it may be learnt in early childhood from dealing with anything from abuse to excessive pampering. It is also said that the child inherits this Narcissistic Personality Disorder from their parent. It can very much be genetic. There are numerous factors that can contribute to the development of NPD. Some that have been propose through genetic factors, innate personality traits and certain childhood experiences. These experiences could include abuse, rejection or even being overly praised or admired for being special.