Everything You Need to Know About Narcissistic Personality Disorder
The best answer to when somebody asks me to define narcissistic or enquires the typical narcissist definition, I usually respond by saying, “Don’t you know Adolph Hitler? It’s being like him!”. Going by the books, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a personality complaint in which people have an exaggerated opinion of themselves. Narcissists tend to have a violent need for the admiration and attention from others.
Narcissistic behavior causes problems in numerous areas of life, such as relationships, work, academy or financial affairs. Research indicates that NPD affects 6.2 % of the population, which includes 7.7 % of males and 4.8 % of females (Mitra P, 2021).
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) traits
So, what are the characteristic narcissistic traits or the signs of a narcissist? Well, before delving deeper into this aspect, getting alerted and almost beginning to question the behavior of everyone around you, it’s important to understand that narcissists see themselves different from the way others see them.
A narcissistic personality usually has an idealized tone- image and an unrealistic sense of superiority. These people are generally unhappy and disappointed when they aren’t given the special favors or admiration, they believe they have earned. Others may see them as elitists or conceited, and may not enjoy being around them, but if you look at it from their point of view, they are not being rude or egoistic, but just being themselves!
Features of the behavior of a narcissistic personality include:
• An inflated sense of tone- significance
• Feeling superior to others and that he/she deserves a special treatment
• Passions are frequently accompanied by fantasies of unlimited success, brilliance, power, beauty, or love
• An excessive need for admiration
• Superficial and exploitative connections
• Sense of tone is largely superficial, extremely rigid, and frequently fragile
• Stability of tone depends on maintaining the view that one is exceptional
• Difficulty with attachment and reliance
• Vulnerability to life transitions
Causes
Now, that you are aware of the signs of a narcissist, it’s time to give a thought to the cause of narcissism. Be it a covert narcissist who seeks importance, craves for attention yet lacks empathy towards others or a malignant narcissist who embodies an antisocial personality disorder coupled with aggression and sadism, the one thing that we as a society should realize is that these are not people born overnight. It is the years and years of badgering with inheritable blights that are considered to be majorly responsible for narcissistic behavior. However, the exact causes of NPD aren’t well understood. Some of the environmental factors contributing to the development of a narcissistic personality disorder may include:
• Non-age abuse or neglect
• Inordinate maternal coddling
• Unrealistic prospects from parents
• Sexual promiscuity (frequently accompanied with egocentricity)
• Cultural influences
Complications
To deal with such a personality can indeed be quite the task, let alone imagine being such a personality! Life is not all fun and games, or full of ups-and-downs but it’s mostly just the downs for a narcissistic personality. We dread with just the thought of being in a narcissistic relationship, but what if you are the one committing a narcissistic abuse? It’s definitely not easy to live with a persistent realization of being responsible for somebody else’s plight. The complications associated with a narcissistic personality disorder can include:
• Relationship difficulties
• Problems at work or academy
• Depression and anxiety
• Physical health problems
• Drugs or alcohol abuse
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Prevention
As the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown, there is no pre-defined way to help the condition. Still, it may help to:
• Get treatment as soon as possible for non-age internal health problems
• Share thoughts with family to learn healthy ways to communicate or to manage with conflicts or emotional torture
• Attend parenthood classes and seek guidance from therapists or social workers if needed
Treatment
Treatment for NPD primarily consists of talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy. Talk therapy can help you learn how to relate better to others so that your connections can become more pleasurable, intimate, and satisfying. Developing positive relations with other people can greatly ameliorate the colorful areas of your life.
Talk therapy can also show you how to:
• Ameliorate your collaboration with co-workers and peers
• Maintain your particular connections
• Fete your strengths so that you can tolerate examen of consciousness or failures
• Understand and manage your passions
• Manage with any tone/ Regard your issues
• Set realistic pretensions for yourself
Since personality traits can be delicate to change, it may take several times of therapy before you see an enhancement. During this time, you may begin to see therapy as a waste of time and be tempted to quit. Still, it’s important to stick with the treatment.
With time, you ’ll begin to see a difference in yourself and your connections with others.
The following lifestyle remedies may help you as you go through therapy.
• Avoid alcohol, drugs, and other substances that spark negative actions.
• Exercise at least three times a week to help boost mood.
• Engage in relaxation ways, like yoga and meditation, to reduce stress and anxiety.
Remember that you are in charge of your behavior, and with the correct help you can change it at any time.
Conclusion
Narcissistic traits have led to disunion in families and work places. In fact, narcissism can be credited to have been a major contributor of separation of families, tense work environments, or even murders in cases where egoists couldn’t control their temper.
Although, symptoms of NPD generally improve overtime, you’ll probably be suited to repair damaged connections and become more satisfied with your everyday life, if you stay motived and actively work towards change. So, the next time when someone asks you to define narcissistic, you could simply say, “These are people with a delusional sense of self-love”.
Footnote
Target Audience- People who tend to ostracize individuals with personality disorders, lack empathy towards them and are unaware of the fact that these are the people who need their help.
Main message- The article is intended to provide a summary of narcissistic personality disorder, its signs or characteristic traits, its causes, prevention strategies and its available treatment. The main message being conveyed is “To develop a sense of empathy towards narcissists, enlighten people about the disorder and in a sense empower the society to courageously take a step forward and help out such individuals”.
