Narcissism

Have you ever experienced overinflated confidence in yourself, grandiose behaviour, a huge desire to be noticed, and admiration? Do you conceal your self-esteem issues with confidence levels that are higher and then become angry when you are confronted with criticism? Do you always feel the need to be noticed and respected by your colleagues? Is your attitude to remain self-absorbed causing conflict at work and in your private life? Do you feel that empathy for other people is unnatural to you? All of these are a part of a pattern. In the end, it’s a high moment to be assessed for Narcissistic Personality Disorder also referred to as NPD. The disorder of Narcissistic Personalities (NPD) can be described as a standard type of personality disorder in which people seek attention and stress self-importance. The idea of thinking beyond themselves isn’t their cup of tea.

What is a Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder as per American Psychiatric Association

According to the APA¹, NPD or commonly is described as a narcissistic psychiatric disorder is described as;

“comprising an omnipresent pattern of extravagantness (in the form of fantasies or behaviour) as well as a perpetual need for admiration, and an inability to empathise, that begins in the early years of adulthood and manifesting in a variety of settings and situations, as evidenced with the existence of at least minimum 5 of 9 criteria.”

Narcissistic Signs And Symptoms Of Personality Disorder According To DSM-5

According to the American psychosis organisation’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders², the symptoms and signs that are indicative of NPD are described as follows. Presence of five out of nine of the requirements to classify it as a narcissistic personality disorder.

1. Self-importance and grandiose feeling
2. An obsession with fantasies of unending power, success brilliance, beauty, or the ideal of love
3. The belief that the person is unique and special, and only understandable by or be associated with others of a high-status group or institutions
4. A need for extreme admiration
5. An entitlement feeling
6. Personally abusive behaviour
7. Lack of empathy
8. A feeling of envy for other people or an assumption that other people are jealous of you or yours
9. A display of arrogance and arrogant behaviour or attitude

A Few More Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

In addition to the DSM -5 criteria for NPD and other signs, there are many more that create an extremely difficult personality to manage. Other co-morbid conditions can add to the problems in the form of contributing to various symptoms. Other Personality Disorders ,Stress, Anxiety, Stress Disorders, and other conditions such as Bipolar Disorder or Severe Mood Disorders can cause other symptoms.

• Exaggerate achievements
• Seeks recognition even though he is an underdog or not making it big in the world
• A false sense of self-esteem
• Expecting special favours
• Invoking the advantage of another
• Pointing out those who are less fortunate or less fortunate than the individual in any way
• Monopoly in conversation
• Jealousy and becoming jealous of other people
• Always thinking of being worthy of the best and insisting on the importance of
• Anger management and impatience problems
• Dissing others, bullying them to create a false impression of superiority
• Being upset when they are not being treated with respect and manifesting a sense of extreme disappointment
• Facing a high risk of being insecure humiliation, shame, vulnerability, and embarrassment
• A severe mood swing and depression are a typical manifestation
• Being a perfectionist, but lacking the ability to achieve perfection

Does A Person With Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) Accept Her Situation?

This is a difficult issue in the true sense. Patients with NPD are difficult to crack, which is why it is challenging for families or experts in mental health to talk to them about their health condition. Additionally, their self-image of being in a position of authority in all aspects (knowledge and position, as well as wealth) is another issue that makes it difficult for them to accept information concerning their health issues or their mental health. Therefore, it is extremely unlikely to admit that they suffer from a personality disorder called narcissism as they endure and experience issues in their other lives too.

What Causes Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

The precise reason for NPD isn’t yet understood. Numerous factors impact the development of a person, which contribute to the formation of their personality. NPD is the result of a variety of factors that can result in a severe mental health issue and affect the overall health of an individual, as well as their personal and professional life.

Environmental factors during the Growing Years of a Person

Disrupted parental relationships, strained relationships within the family, dysfunctional family ties, over praise or even harsh punishment, and adoration in the growth period of a child that is deeply ingrained into the child’s brain can trigger an affliction called narcissistic personality disorder.

Genetic Factors

Numerous traits are acquired through genetics by the person who determines the foundation of personality and behaviour. Certain mental health conditions are also genetic, increasing the risk of being a carrier of NPD.

Neurobiological influences

Neurobiological aspects include the brain, cognitive, behaviour, and thinking, and the reward centre working according to the biases the individual has acquired over time. All of these elements are the basis for the presence of narcissistic personality disorder.

Who’s at Risk?

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is more common among men than women generally. The disorder is most evident when teens are in the early years of adulthood. Children who exhibit NPD behaviour are not required to become Narcissist individuals shortly because the pattern of behaviour changes in the early years of children.

What is the impact of a Narcissistic Personality on the Personal Well-Being and their daily lives

• Problems in forming and maintaining a regular relationship
• Problems at school or with peers.
• Stress anxiety, depression issues that interfere with daily activities
• Other health problems
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal ideas

How Narcissism Influences Your Relationship

According to Prof. Brad Bushman³ of Ohio State College, Narcissists are not good partners because they often overlook the wants, and desires of their partners and become obsessed with self-gratification, manipulating their behaviours to get what they want from their partner without engaging in a long-lasting relationship. Narcissists are all about themselves. They will tend to be concerned for their partner only when their wishes and requirements are satisfied by their spouse. It’s hard to deal with a person who is a complete narcissist, self-centred, and self-absorbed. It’s an unhealthy relationship. There’s been a dramatic rise in the number of Narcissistic people. The majority of people diagnosed with the disorder are men. the characteristics may differ. A narcissistic partner may be violent at times which can make life difficult for them. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions when you are with one. Relationships with someone with a narcissistic personality disorder may be abusive, in terms of mental, emotional, physical, and sexual. So seeking out assistance is always advisable.

Narcissist Parent As Parent

As we all know, it’s an arduous task to manage relationships with someone narcissistic. It’s a challenge to manage the parenting skills of a parent who is narcissistic too. Narcissistic parents were typically supervised by a patent with a Narcissistic Personality but this is only the result of several researchers. A narcissistic or extreme parent could be abusive, both physically as well as verbally. Narcissistic parents are more harmful than good for children emotionally. Because the parent is unable to comprehend the child’s feelings, sympathise with the child, and be respectful of their dignity and honour.

Different Kinds of Narcissistic Parents

Dr. Malkin⁴ says there are three types of narcissistic parents;

Classic (Extrovert)

Inflating the child’s achievements or overly praising them. Becoming very intrusive about their clothes, their private life, their friends, etc.

Covert (Introvert)

It creates a noise each time they’re annoyed because they usually place their needs, demands, and wishes at the top of their list. They can be easily injured and attempt to protect the child when the child is targeted negatively.

Communal

A family member may neglect the child completely and then go too much to help others or other individuals. The child may feel unimportant, depressed, and want more attention from their parents, causing children to be more demanding. Children are susceptible to the negative impacts of narcissistic parental behaviour that can affect the child’s mental and emotional development. They are the victim of trying to fit into the image of a narcissistic parent.

It’s crucial to recognize the traits of a parent who is a narcissist to make dealing with their less-than-perfect parenting skills easier.

Can A Narcissistic Person Fall In Love With Other People?

Selfless love can be quite contrary to the characteristics of a Narcissistic Person. A person suffering from NPD generally can’t love another person because they are individuals who have an overinflated self-image and constantly need attention and love from those around them. This means they are on the receiving end, rather than on the other side of giving. Furthermore, even if a person is in love, it usually is a conditional affection rather than an unconditional love. A narcissist is likely to have a love affair with the other until the time that their requirements for gratification are satisfied. This puts the others in the grip of uncertainty and makes them vulnerable to abuse.

Working With A Partner Who Is A Narcissist

Any relationship with someone who is an NPD person could be devastating and even difficult. It is difficult to break up with the person and get away from the relationship due to a variety of commitments on both the end as well as a family level. Therefore, one must follow an approach to deal with someone like this.

Get Counselling and CBT

The need to counsel yourself and your loved one is necessary to stop the relationship from becoming worse. Additionally, NPD affects the person on both professional and personal levels. So, seeking counselling and CBT are always recommended.

TickTalkTo is a top rated online counselling and therapy app. You can choose from leading psychologists and psychiatrists like Shalini Tyagi, Dr. Shobhit Prasad, Devika Kanwar, Neeraj Sharma and Karthika Saravanan.

It is a top-notch online counselling portal.

India Today⁵

Get Yourself Educated about NPD

The ability to educate oneself with comprehensive and authentic information on narcissistic personality disorder is nearly 50% of the work that is to improve the quality of life.

Stay Clear Of Triggers That Cause Stress

Triggers, as they are termed, can cause those suffering from NPD to become violent or act in certain ways which can cause harm to our mental, emotional, and physical health. Therefore, avoid triggers.

Make Time To Practice Mindfulness And Self-Care

The importance of maintaining a healthy mind is paramount when working with those suffering from a narcissistic personality disorder. Self-care and mindfulness by taking time for yourself, and pursuing the things that bring us joy and a break from our routine that is required every day.

Treatment Plan And Therapy

The root cause of NPD isn’t known, but the issue must be dealt with comprehensively. Since the relationship between someone with NPD is full of uncertainty and anxiety, the idea of seeking help is always a good idea. Although this may not result in an end-to-end solution, it will assist the person suffering from NPD and family who are dealing with a member. It is always safe to not hit the wrong buttons for those with NPD. Beware of triggers.
Although there isn’t a specific treatment for NPD however, medication for anger management problems and mood disorders that are associated with it, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), and counselling with mindfulness can help reduce the negative consequences of NPD.

Distinguish the person from the NPD traits and you’ll be able to easily accept the person and then work in a way that is motivating to get your life for you as well as the person you cherish!!

If it’s getting tough, don’t delay. Seek help now.