Originally posted by Lobsterman
Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration.
Those with narcissistic personality disorder believe that they're superior to others and have little regard for other people's feelings. But behind
this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem, vulnerable to the slightest criticism.
Narcissistic personality disorder is one of several types of personality disorders. Personality disorders are conditions in which people have traits
that cause them to feel and behave in socially distressing ways, limiting their ability to function in relationships and in other areas of their life,
such as work or school. Narcissistic personality disorder treatment is centered around psychotherapy.
Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by dramatic, emotional behavior, which is in the same category as antisocial and borderline
personality disorders. Narcissistic personality disorder symptoms may include:
Believing that you're better than others
Fantasizing about power, success and attractiveness
Exaggerating your achievements or talents
Expecting constant praise and admiration
Believing that you're special and acting accordingly
Failing to recognize other people's emotions and feelings
Expecting others to go along with your ideas and plans
Taking advantage of others
Expressing disdain for those you feel are inferior
Being jealous of others
Believing that others are jealous of you
Trouble keeping healthy relationships
Setting unrealistic goals
Being easily hurt and rejected
Having a fragile self-esteem
Appearing as tough-minded or unemotional. Although some features of narcissistic personality disorder may seem like having confidence or strong
self-esteem, it's not the same. Narcissistic personality disorder crosses the border of healthy confidence and self-esteem into thinking so highly of
yourself that you put yourself on a pedestal. In contrast, people who have healthy confidence and self-esteem don't value themselves more than they
value others.
When you have narcissistic personality disorder, you may come across as conceited, boastful or pretentious. You often monopolize conversations. You
may belittle or look down on people you perceive as inferior. You may have a sense of entitlement. And when you don't receive the special treatment to
which you feel entitled, you may become very impatient or angry. You may insist on having "the best" of everything — the best car, athletic club,
medical care or social circles, for instance.
But underneath all this behavior often lies a fragile self-esteem. You have trouble handling anything that may be perceived as criticism. You may
have a sense of secret shame and humiliation. And in order to make yourself feel better, you may react with rage or contempt and efforts to belittle
the other person to make yourself appear better.
When to see a doctor
By Mayo Clinic staff
When you have narcissistic personality disorder, you may not want to think that anything could be wrong — doing so wouldn't fit with your self-image
of power and perfection. But by definition, a narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of your life, such as relationships,
work, school or your financial affairs. You may be generally unhappy and confused by a mix of seemingly contradictory emotions. Others may not enjoy
being around you, and you may find your relationships unfulfilling. If you notice any of these problems in your life, consider reaching out to a
trusted doctor.
Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
It's not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder. As with other mental disorders, the cause is likely complex. The cause may be linked to
a dysfunctional childhood, such as excessive pampering, extremely high expectations, abuse or neglect. It's also possible that genetics or
psychobiology — the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking — plays a role in the development of narcissistic personality disorder.
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