Are you constantly frustrated by your relationship with someone who expects endless attention?
Similarly, with someone who thinks they’re way better than everyone else or someone who cannot handle a slight bit of criticism?
Above all, is true that no one can just go around diagnosing other people.
However, mentioned above are the personality traits that doesn’t require an advanced degree.
Therefore, if you are facing those sort of issues, you are definitely dealing with a person having narcissist personality disorder.
By the time you come to realize about the sings of narcissist person, it can get too late for you to escape.
Therefore, in order not to deal with narcissist behavior, let’s learn something more about narcissist personality disorder.
What is Narcissist Personality Disorder
Narcissist personality disorder is one of several types of personality disorder.
The word narcissism revolves around a lot of self-obsession, celebrity driven culture, and someone who is excessively full of themselves.
Narcissism is a mental condition in which people have an overstated sense of their own importance, and a deep need for self-attention.
Additionally, it is a state when a person needs deep consideration and administration, and extremely lacks empathy for others around him/her.
However, that’s the only surface part anyone with narcissist personality disorder portrays.
Behind this mask of extreme confidence lies a delicate self-esteem that’s defenseless to the slightest criticism.
Similarly, in psychological terms, narcissism doesn’t mean self-obsession.
To be more accurate, narcissist personality disorder means people in love with an idealized image of themselves.
That’s precisely because it allows narcissist people to avoid deep feelings of insecurity within themselves.
Most often, people dealing with narcissist behavior describe it as cocky, manipulative, selfish, patronizing, and very demanding.
In other words, people with narcissist personality disorder are found to be extremely rigid with changing their behavior, no matter how much it harms them.
Therefore, the only solution narcissist people find is attacking or blaming others when they receive any sort of criticisms or disagreements.
Often for people dealing with narcissist abuse or behavior, the only way is to go along with whatever they say or do.
Types of Narcissists
Classic Narcissists
Classic narcissist, also known as high-functioning narcissist, are the typical type that most people think of.
These are the massive attention-seekers who brag about their accomplishments each and every time.
In other words, these narcissist expect other to constantly praise them for their achievements.
Surprisingly, they bore themselves when they are not the focus of the conversation and rarely like to share the spotlight with others.
Above all, these narcissist trait people often already perceive themselves to be superior to most people they meet.
Vulnerable Narcissist
These types of narcissists have personality traits are fragile or victim.
Though they hate being on spotlight, these narcissists feel superior to most people they meet.
That’s why they often try to attach themselves to special people instead of seeking special treatment themselves.
In addition, these personality traits also seek pity or ingratiate others through excessive generosity.
Because it enables them to receive constant attention and administration they need to boast their sense of self-worth.
Malignant Narcissists
Malignant narcissist trait people are also known as toxic narcissist, and are highly manipulative and exploitative.
In other words, these narcissist have many antisocial traits that are not present in the other two major types of narcissists.
Similar to the sociopaths or psychopaths, these narcissist often have an aggressive vein.
Henceforth, the primary goal of these narcissist is to dominate and control others by either showing their aggression or manipulating.
Above all, they totally lack empathy on others except themselves and often seem to enjoy the suffering of others.
Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
It’s not proven yet what exactly causes narcissists personality disorder.
As, with personality development and with other mental health disorders, the causes of narcissistic personality disorder is complex.
According to a research, narcissistic personality disorder affects more males than females.
It often begins in the teens or early adulthood. Although some children may show some traits of narcissism, it may be simply typical of their age.
However, that doesn’t mean they’ll go on to develop narcissistic personality disorder in their near future.
Narcissistic personality disorder is linked to the environment where a child is born.
For instance, when a parent and a child have a mismatched relationship with either excessive adoration or criticism that can certainly lead to narcissistic behavior.
In addition, it occurs when parents do not provide children with enough love or attention, and do not recognize and help them manage setbacks.
Similarly, another cause is more often linked with genetics which comes either from parents or grandparents.
Or, narcissistic personality disorder can also happen due to neurobiology- the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking.
Signs and Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Magnificent Sense of Self-Importance
More than just arrogance, narcissist trait people consist of an unrealistic sense of superiority within themselves.
Narcissists believe they are unique and can only be understood by other special people.
Above all, they only want to associate with high-status people, places, and things.
Similarly, these personality trait people also believe that they’re better than everyone else.
Constant attention and self-importance through exaggerated achievement and talents is their specialty.
Live in A Fantasy World
Since reality doesn’t support their views about themselves, narcissist people live in their own fantasy land.
So, they spin self-glorifying fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, attractiveness, and ideal love that makes them feel special.
In addition, these fantasies protect them to fill their inner emptiness and low self-confidence within themselves.
Sense of Entitlement
People having narcissistic personality disorder consider themselves very special and entitled for a position.
These narcissist people believe that they deserve whatever they want and should get it anyhow.
In addition, they also expect everyone else around them to constantly compliment and praise them for their achievements.
Exploits Others Without Guilt or Shame
One of the specific symptom of people having narcissistic personality disorder is that they blame others constantly.
They totally lack empathy. In some ways, they view people in their lives as an object.
Similarly, these personality trait people don’t ever think twice about the consequences.
Henceforth, to escape from the pain of being criticized or blamed, they constantly exploit others.
Other Signs and Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- Monopolize conversations and belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior
- Expect special favors from others
- Take advantage of others to get what they want
- Behave in an arrogant manner
- Insist on having the best of everything
Risk Factors of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Someone with narcissistic personality disorder displays confidence and a strong sense of self-obsession.
However, inside they may suffer from depression and anxiety, suicidal thoughts or behavior, drug or alcohol misuse, and physical health problems.
According to a research published in 2012, narcissistic men have high levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
High levels of cortisol can have serious health implications, including increase in blood pressure and heart disease.
In other words, minor risk factors of narcissistic personality disorder includes problems with relationship, work, school or financial affairs.
Prevention Of Narcissist Personality Disorder
People having narcissist personality disorder do not want to see anything wrong about themselves, henceforth are unlikely to seek any kind of treatment.
Therefore, it’s more likely to seek treatment for symptoms like depression, drug abuse or excessive alcohol, and mental health issues.
If you recognize any aspects of narcissist personality disorder within yourself or your close ones, consider reaching out for a trusted doctor.
In this way, you or your close ones might feel comfortable sharing thoughts and ideas inside yourself and get right treatment.
In addition, you or your friend can participate in family therapy to learn healthy ways to communicate or cope with conflicts.
The best way is to share your emotions with your close ones and take out all your stress and problems at once.
Therefore, getting the right treatment is always helpful to make your life more rewarding and enjoyable.
