Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsGeneral Symptoms of NPDSigns of NPD in ChildrenCausesTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
General Symptoms of NPD
Signs of NPD in Children
Causes
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Narcissistic personality disorder(NPD) is a mental health condition where a person has an overly high sense of self-worth and wants others to admire them.NPD is one of several personality disorders recognized in theDiagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Health Disorders, 5th edition(DSM-5).This condition can affect both children and adults, but there are some differences between the two groups. Learn more about narcissism in children, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options.Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty ImagesGeneral Symptoms of NPDThe symptoms of narcissism in children are similar to the symptoms seen in adults with NPD. However, there are some differences between the two groups, and things to consider whennarcissistic personality disorderis suspected.Children go through phases throughout development that may include tendencies to be self-centered or have an inflated image of themselves. This is normal. It becomes more of a concern when these traits are still present afterpuberty.General symptoms of NPD include:Arrogance and asense of superiorityBelittlement of othersDesire to only associate with people viewed as superior to othersEntitlement (feels they have the right to something that they don’t)EnvyExcessive need to be admired and have attentionExploitation of othersExtreme, negative emotions or lack of emotion in response to negative or lack of attentionExtreme sense of self-importance, talent, or achievementFantasies of unlimited access to things such as power, sex, money, and attractivenessFeelings of uniqueness, as if they are specialHidden insecurities and shameLack of empathyPerfectionism and negative emotions in response to falling short of perfectionTypes of Narcissistic Personality DisorderSigns of NPD in ChildrenSome symptoms and traits of narcissism are a normal part of child development. Therefore, only those under age 18 who can be officially diagnosed with a personality disorder are teens with suspectedborderline personality disorder(BPD). Narcissistic traits can be noted, but NPD currently cannot be diagnosed until the age of 18, as personality is thought to be variable until adulthood.Children as young as 2 years old can show signs of narcissism. This is good because it is early enough that environmental and parenting influences can be changed to decrease the chances of the child developing NPD.When assessing this condition in children, there are additional signs to consider that are unique to younger groups or do not apply to adults. For example, children may show signs related to their behaviors and attitude at school and how they play independently and with other children. These include:Compromised friendship quality or relationship interactionsDiscomfort or self-consciousness related to fantasy playExcessive sensitivity to criticism or lossExcessive social media posting, especially images of selfExpectation of special treatment from parents or other caregiversFrequently checking mirrorsInability to maintain eye contactInflated egoLack of friendsLearning difficulties unrelated to limited intelligenceLoss of interest in playing with toysLying as a form of justification, especially without remorseSeparation anxietySuspiciousnessTantrums beyond what is considered normalCausesCauses of narcissistic personality disorder in children are not entirely understood. It is believed to be linked to biological factors (such as genetics) and environmental factors. However, there is also some contradiction in research about environmental and parental influences of narcissism.For example, some people have thought that having parents who show children affection and appreciation can lead to narcissism. However, research has shown that while these parenting behaviors help to increase childself-esteem, the parenting behaviors that can actually lead to narcissism are those that reinforce their child’s entitlement. A child is more likely to develop NPD if they believe that they are special compared to other children.Other factors that may contribute to a child developing NPD include:Abuse (both physical andemotional)Cultural influencesDeath of a parent or caregiverDivorce of parentsExcessive criticismExtreme expectations from parentsGeneticsor biological factors, including inherited personality traitsHigh sensitivityNarcissistic parentsNeglect from parents or caregiversOverindulgence or pampering from parents or other caregiversOverprotective parenting styleParents behaving as if their child were entitled or more special than other childrenPeer or social influencesTraumatic experiences ortraumaHow Parents Create Narcissistic ChildrenThe experiences of children as they grow have an impact on how they develop. In the case of narcissism, parenting styles and the way parents view and interact with their children can influence the chances of their children developing NPD.For example, parents help to foster self-esteem in children when they show their children appreciation and interact warmly and affectionately. Conversely, childhood narcissism can occur when a parent views their child as being better or more entitled than other children.NPD Is No One’s FaultNarcissism is not the fault of parents or the result of poor parenting. However, parents can make changes to their parenting behaviors and interactions to help their kids overcome narcissistic tendencies.TreatmentThe first step in the treatment process for narcissism in childhood is to get an evaluation from a mental health professional such as a child psychologist orchild psychiatrist. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a treatment option for NPD and early signs of narcissism in children. There are many types of child therapy that can help with developing pathological (personality) traits, such asplay therapyand those involving the family such asparent-child interaction therapy(PCIT).Changes in parenting styles is another option specifically when addressing childhood NPD. Since parental behaviors can have a significant effect on their child’s development, changing those parenting behaviors can be used as an intervention to decrease narcissism.Family therapycan help with improving parenting behaviors.Types of Mental Health TherapySummaryNarcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition affecting children and adults. It involves entitlement, an inflated sense of self, and interpersonal and relationship challenges.There are special considerations in childhood narcissism, such as the normal phases of child development that include self-centeredness, behaviors, and interactions as children learn and grow. Additionally, parenting styles and behaviors can influence childhood narcissism, and they can be adjusted to help improve early signs of narcissistic tendencies.Professional support from a child psychologist or therapist can help guide treatment and parenting changes.Personality Disorders: Types and CharacteristicsFrequently Asked QuestionsWhen narcissism is suspected in a child, or when a child shows signs of narcissism, the first step is to seek the support of a qualified mental health professional such as a psychologist or therapist. These professionals can assess and diagnose, and then help parents learn strategies to better support children with narcissistic personality disorder.Learn MoreThe Different Types of PsychotherapistsWhile the divorce of parents can be a stressful event for children and may increase the risk of narcissism, that does not mean the divorce of parents will lead to narcissistic personality disorder in children. The environmental risk of narcissism is related to overall stressful life events and lifestyle, including parenting styles and how the parents interact with the child.
Narcissistic personality disorder(NPD) is a mental health condition where a person has an overly high sense of self-worth and wants others to admire them.NPD is one of several personality disorders recognized in theDiagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Health Disorders, 5th edition(DSM-5).
This condition can affect both children and adults, but there are some differences between the two groups. Learn more about narcissism in children, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images
The symptoms of narcissism in children are similar to the symptoms seen in adults with NPD. However, there are some differences between the two groups, and things to consider whennarcissistic personality disorderis suspected.
Children go through phases throughout development that may include tendencies to be self-centered or have an inflated image of themselves. This is normal. It becomes more of a concern when these traits are still present afterpuberty.
General symptoms of NPD include:
Types of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Some symptoms and traits of narcissism are a normal part of child development. Therefore, only those under age 18 who can be officially diagnosed with a personality disorder are teens with suspectedborderline personality disorder(BPD). Narcissistic traits can be noted, but NPD currently cannot be diagnosed until the age of 18, as personality is thought to be variable until adulthood.
Children as young as 2 years old can show signs of narcissism. This is good because it is early enough that environmental and parenting influences can be changed to decrease the chances of the child developing NPD.
When assessing this condition in children, there are additional signs to consider that are unique to younger groups or do not apply to adults. For example, children may show signs related to their behaviors and attitude at school and how they play independently and with other children. These include:
Causes of narcissistic personality disorder in children are not entirely understood. It is believed to be linked to biological factors (such as genetics) and environmental factors. However, there is also some contradiction in research about environmental and parental influences of narcissism.
For example, some people have thought that having parents who show children affection and appreciation can lead to narcissism. However, research has shown that while these parenting behaviors help to increase childself-esteem, the parenting behaviors that can actually lead to narcissism are those that reinforce their child’s entitlement. A child is more likely to develop NPD if they believe that they are special compared to other children.
Other factors that may contribute to a child developing NPD include:
How Parents Create Narcissistic Children
The experiences of children as they grow have an impact on how they develop. In the case of narcissism, parenting styles and the way parents view and interact with their children can influence the chances of their children developing NPD.
For example, parents help to foster self-esteem in children when they show their children appreciation and interact warmly and affectionately. Conversely, childhood narcissism can occur when a parent views their child as being better or more entitled than other children.
NPD Is No One’s FaultNarcissism is not the fault of parents or the result of poor parenting. However, parents can make changes to their parenting behaviors and interactions to help their kids overcome narcissistic tendencies.
NPD Is No One’s Fault
Narcissism is not the fault of parents or the result of poor parenting. However, parents can make changes to their parenting behaviors and interactions to help their kids overcome narcissistic tendencies.
The first step in the treatment process for narcissism in childhood is to get an evaluation from a mental health professional such as a child psychologist orchild psychiatrist. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a treatment option for NPD and early signs of narcissism in children. There are many types of child therapy that can help with developing pathological (personality) traits, such asplay therapyand those involving the family such asparent-child interaction therapy(PCIT).
Changes in parenting styles is another option specifically when addressing childhood NPD. Since parental behaviors can have a significant effect on their child’s development, changing those parenting behaviors can be used as an intervention to decrease narcissism.Family therapycan help with improving parenting behaviors.
Types of Mental Health Therapy
Summary
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition affecting children and adults. It involves entitlement, an inflated sense of self, and interpersonal and relationship challenges.
There are special considerations in childhood narcissism, such as the normal phases of child development that include self-centeredness, behaviors, and interactions as children learn and grow. Additionally, parenting styles and behaviors can influence childhood narcissism, and they can be adjusted to help improve early signs of narcissistic tendencies.
Professional support from a child psychologist or therapist can help guide treatment and parenting changes.
Personality Disorders: Types and Characteristics
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen narcissism is suspected in a child, or when a child shows signs of narcissism, the first step is to seek the support of a qualified mental health professional such as a psychologist or therapist. These professionals can assess and diagnose, and then help parents learn strategies to better support children with narcissistic personality disorder.Learn MoreThe Different Types of PsychotherapistsWhile the divorce of parents can be a stressful event for children and may increase the risk of narcissism, that does not mean the divorce of parents will lead to narcissistic personality disorder in children. The environmental risk of narcissism is related to overall stressful life events and lifestyle, including parenting styles and how the parents interact with the child.
When narcissism is suspected in a child, or when a child shows signs of narcissism, the first step is to seek the support of a qualified mental health professional such as a psychologist or therapist. These professionals can assess and diagnose, and then help parents learn strategies to better support children with narcissistic personality disorder.Learn MoreThe Different Types of Psychotherapists
When narcissism is suspected in a child, or when a child shows signs of narcissism, the first step is to seek the support of a qualified mental health professional such as a psychologist or therapist. These professionals can assess and diagnose, and then help parents learn strategies to better support children with narcissistic personality disorder.
Learn MoreThe Different Types of Psychotherapists
While the divorce of parents can be a stressful event for children and may increase the risk of narcissism, that does not mean the divorce of parents will lead to narcissistic personality disorder in children. The environmental risk of narcissism is related to overall stressful life events and lifestyle, including parenting styles and how the parents interact with the child.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Narcissistic personality disorder.Britannica.Narcissism.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.Brummelman E, Thomaes S, Nelemans SA, Orobio de Castro B, Overbeek G, Bushman BJ.Origins of narcissism in children.PNAS. 2015;112(12):3659-3662. doi:10.1073/pnas.1420870112Mitra P, Fluyau D.Narcissistic personality disorder. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Narcissistic personality disorder.Britannica.Narcissism.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.Brummelman E, Thomaes S, Nelemans SA, Orobio de Castro B, Overbeek G, Bushman BJ.Origins of narcissism in children.PNAS. 2015;112(12):3659-3662. doi:10.1073/pnas.1420870112Mitra P, Fluyau D.Narcissistic personality disorder. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.Narcissistic personality disorder.Britannica.Narcissism.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.Brummelman E, Thomaes S, Nelemans SA, Orobio de Castro B, Overbeek G, Bushman BJ.Origins of narcissism in children.PNAS. 2015;112(12):3659-3662. doi:10.1073/pnas.1420870112Mitra P, Fluyau D.Narcissistic personality disorder. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
American Psychological Association.Narcissistic personality disorder.
Britannica.Narcissism.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.
Brummelman E, Thomaes S, Nelemans SA, Orobio de Castro B, Overbeek G, Bushman BJ.Origins of narcissism in children.PNAS. 2015;112(12):3659-3662. doi:10.1073/pnas.1420870112
Mitra P, Fluyau D.Narcissistic personality disorder. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
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