Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Everyone who lives in the United States should know and understand the definition of narcissistic personality disorder.
According to Merriam-Webster, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder defined by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, a lack of empathy, excessive pride in one’s achievements, and snobbish, disdainful, or unpatronizing attitudes. Individuals with NPD often believe they are superior and special, take advantage of others to fulfill their needs, and have difficulty handling criticism.
Key Characteristics of NPD
• Grandiosity: An exaggerated belief in one’s own importance, talents, and achievements.
• Need for Admiration: A persistent and excessive need to be admired and praised by others.
• Lack of Empathy: An inability or unwillingness to recognize or identify with the feelings, needs, and desires of others.
• Sense of Entitlement: Expecting special treatment and favorable conditions from others without earning it.
• Exploitative Behavior: Taking advantage of others to achieve personal goals.
• Envy: Feeling envious of others’ successes and often believing that others envy them.
• Arrogance and Conceit: Behaving in a haughty manner, bragging, and presenting as self-important.
Internal Experience
Despite the outward appearance of superiority, people with NPD may internally experience a profound sense of insecurity, emptiness, or worthlessness. The self-important facade often serves to mask deep-seated feelings of shame and loneliness.
Impact of NPD
• Interpersonal Difficulties: A chronic inability to form deep, meaningful relationships due to their self-centeredness and lack of empathy.
• Emotional Dysregulation: Intense difficulty managing emotions, reacting with rage or contempt when they feel slighted.
• Increased Risk: Higher risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorders, and problems in work and relationships.
Diagnosis and Treatment
• Professional Diagnosis: A medical professional must diagnose NPD, as it cannot be self-diagnosed.
• Talk Therapy: Treatment typically involves talk therapy to help manage symptoms.
• Chronic Condition: NPD is a chronic condition with no cure, but it can be managed to improve symptoms.
Ted Silva, Fairhaven
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