Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCharacteristics, Traits, and SymptomsDiagnosisCausesTypesTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Characteristics, Traits, and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Causes
Types
Treatment
Coping
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a type of mental condition. People who have NPD inflate their feelings of self-worth and want others to admire them. They often feel superior to other people but are very sensitive to any criticism or judgment.
Narcissism is one of many types of personality disorders. A personality disorder affects how a person behaves, feels, and thinks. People with the disorder usually do not recognize that they have a problem.
This article explains more about narcissistic personality disorder and how it affects a person’s relationships.
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A person with narcissistic personality disorder may have the following traits:
In general, people with NPD think they are better than others. Narcissism may also lead toaggression and violencein both men and women. Aggression and violence may appear because the person with NPD feels threatened or wants to protect the ego.
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To diagnose narcissistic personality disorder, a person will need a psychological evaluation. A psychologist or psychiatrist can evaluate the person’s symptoms and determine the severity of NPD. They often use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) during the diagnosis process.
According to the DSM-5, you may have NPD if you have at least five of the following characteristics:
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The exact cause of narcissistic personality disorder is not known. However, some factors may contribute to the risk of a person developing NPD, including:
There are several types of NPD; a person may not fit easily into one single category. Two extreme types are grandiose and vulnerable narcissism.
A person with grandiose narcissism may have:
A person with vulnerable narcissism may have:
It is often difficult to treat NPD because the patient may have negative transference, which is redirecting their feelings of anger or hatred from one person to the therapist. People with NPD may also not trust healthcare professionals or believe they can help them. Often, people with NPD do not think there is anything wrong with them and blame their problems on other people.
Psychotherapy
Resources to get help include:
Medications
A therapist may recommend medications to treat specific symptoms. However, there is no medication that can cure NPD.
Medications may include:
Coping with NPD can be difficult since the person who has the condition usually does not realize it.
Narcissistic Relationships
Dating or being married to someone with NPD can be difficult. People with NPD struggle to maintain intimate relationships, friendships, and interactions with colleagues at work. There is a risk of abuse in these relationships.
In a relationship, a person with NPD typically puts their partner through the following cycles:
Protecting Yourself
If you or someone you know is romantically involved with a person who has NPD, it is important to recognize the symptoms of abuse and get help right away. Abuse may be:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common traits of narcissistic personality disorder?
The most common traits of NPD are:
What are the signs of a narcissistic relationship?
If a person with NPD makes you feel like the center of their universe at first but later criticizes and discards you, then you may have been in a narcissistic relationship.
Can people with NPD be good parents?
Every person with NPD is different, and the severity of the condition can vary. However, they often have trouble parenting.Some parentswith NPD may be abusive toward their children.
Why are men more likely to develop NPD?
It is not clear why men are more likely to have NPD. It is possible that cultural and social influences play a part.
Do people with NPD have other mental health conditions?
A person with NPD is more likely to struggle with:
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Summary
Narcissistic personality disorder can affect many aspects of a person’s life, including relationships, family, and work. Psychotherapy is the most common treatment and has the potential to help.
A Word From Verywell
If you think you may have narcissistic personality disorder, seek help and find a therapist you can trust. Therapy can have a long-term positive impact on your well-being and relationships. It is worth investing time, effort, and money in counseling.
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