Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic
Staff
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 other areas of their life, such as work or
school. Narcissists very often become addicted
to alcohol or other drugs.
If you have narcissistic personality
disorder, you may come across as conceited, boastful, or pretentious. You often
monopolise conversations. You may belittle or look down on people you perceive
as inferior. You may feel a sense of entitlement — and when you don't receive
special treatment, you may become impatient or angry. You may insist on having
"the best" of everything — for instance, the best car, athletic club
or medical care.
At the same time, you have trouble
handling anything that may be perceived as criticism. You may have secret
feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation. To feel better,
you may react with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to
make you appear superior. Or you may feel depressed and moody because you fall
short of perfection.
Many experts use
the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, to diagnose mental
conditions. This manual is also used by insurance companies to reimburse for
treatment.
DSM-5
criteria for narcissistic personality disorder include these features:
·
Having
an exaggerated sense of self-importance.
·
Expecting
to be recognised as superior even without achievements that warrant it.
·
Exaggerating
your achievements and talents.
·
Being
preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the
perfect mate.
·
Believing
that you are superior and can only be understood by or associate with equally
special people.
·
Requiring
constant admiration.
·
Having
a sense of entitlement.
·
Expecting
special favours and unquestioning compliance with your expectations.
·
Taking
advantage of others to get what you want.
·
Having
an inability or unwillingness to recognise the needs and feelings of others.
·
Being
envious of others and believing others envy you.Behaving in an arrogant or
haughty manner.
Although some features of narcissistic
personality disorder may seem like having confidence, it's not the same.
Narcissistic personality disorder crosses the border of healthy confidence into
thinking so highly of yourself that you put yourself on a pedestal and value
yourself more than you value others.
When to
see a doctor.
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. People with narcissistic personality disorder are most likely to
seek treatment when they develop symptoms of depression — often because of
perceived criticisms or rejections.
If you recognise aspects of your
personality that are common to narcissistic personality disorder or you're
feeling overwhelmed by sadness, consider reaching out to a trusted doctor or
mental health provider. Getting the right treatment can help make your life
more rewarding and enjoyable.
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