Diagnosis and Symptoms
A core feature of NPD, this is a pervasive pattern of an excessive sense of self-importance
Grandiosity
Some researchers believe that a temperamental mismatch between the child and this figure could be a contributing factor to the development of NPD.
Caregiver/Parent
This common mood disorder may co-occur with narcissistic personality disorder, often leading to persistent sadness or irritability.
Depression
Clue:
"The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance."
— Nathaniel Branden
Becoming aware of narcissistic behaviors?
Many people think only this gender can have NPD.
Men
This symptom is described as an inability or unwillingness to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
Lack of empathy
This “difference in childcare from person to person” is a possible contributing factor to the later development of NPD.
Parenting styles
Narcissistic injury can trigger extreme emotional reactions, increasing the risk for this acute psychological state involving delusions or detachment from reality.
Psychotic episode
This is often the first step in treating narcissistic personality disorder, but many narcissists avoid it due to denial or defensiveness.
Recognizing the problem or seeking help?
Some think NPD develops overnight, but it usually forms gradually during these years of life.
Childhood or adolescence
In order to be officially diagnosed with NPD, according to the DSM-5, a person must display at least 5/9 traits on this kind of rubric.
Diagnostic criteria
This category of factors includes a person's individual disposition and is considered one of the key roles in the cause of narcissistic personality disorder.
Genetic of biological factors
People with narcissistic traits may be prone to this condition due to chronic stress and poor coping mechanisms, often resulting in high blood pressure and cardiac issues.
Hypertension
Because narcissists often struggle with criticism and vulnerability, this is the typical outlook for long-term treatment success, especially without strong motivation.
Guarded or limited prognosis?
Many assume people with NPD only seek power, but underneath often lies this fear.
Fear of being rejected or abandoned
When interacting with others, an individual with NPD might exhibit this feeling, or believe that others feel this towards them.
Envy
A child placed on a pedestal and taught that they are perfect by an NPD-diagnosed parent is an example of this kind of childhood influence.
Parental idealization or enmeshment
Narcissists may struggle with this form of addiction, using it to regulate self-esteem or cope with criticism.
Substance abuse
This form of therapy is commonly used to help people with NPD build self-awareness, regulate emotions and understand others.
Psychotherapy
Some people think narcissists are always confident leaders but many depend on this from others to feel strong.
Constant admiration or attention
While often appearing arrogant and conceited on the surface, an individual with NPD may actually suffer from this fragile internal state.
Low self-esteem
Some theories suggest that the deep-seated insecurity and unstable self-esteem in an individual with NPD stems from this kind of early life experience.
Childhood trauma or neglect
Persistent interpersonal conflict and emotional dysregulation in narcissists may contribute to this long-term disorder that increases the risk for suicidal ideation and self-harm
Borderline personality disorder(comorbidity)
This is the reason the prognosis for people with NPD is often considered poor.
Condition is difficult to treat and resistant to change
True or false: NPD is common
False; 0.5-1% of the general population has this disorder