Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Symptoms & Diagnosis Mental Disorder Network Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Symptoms & Diagnosis

Most symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are pretty much what you’d expect, and they come in many flavors...er, synonyms, including arrogance, conceit, vanity, pomposity, grandiosity, self-righteousness and—drum roll—narcissism. Let’s not forget feelings of self-importance or superiority.

As one might expect, narcissists tend to require constant attention or admiration and may exaggerate their qualities and achievements. They may be preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, beauty, intelligence, or ideal love. Narcissists often have unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment.

Not surprisingly, narcissists’ interactions with others are frequently strained. People afflicted with NPD often react to criticism with rage, shame, humiliation, denial or rationalization. They may disdain advice, thinking they know it all. Jealousy is another trait exhibited by people afflicted with narcissistic personality disorder.

Their trademark lack of empathy makes it easy for narcissists to take advantage of others in order to achieve their own goals.

When narcissists fail to achieve their goals, or when reality forces them to see what they really are, they may fall victim to depression. NPD patients are also prone to drug abuse. (Drugs can variously heighten narcissist’s feelings of superiority or combat depression.)

Of course, none of the above symptoms are proof of of narcissism. Let’s face it, some people are born beautiful and talented, and such people are more likely to rise to powerful or prestigious positions. Other people may turn to drugs as an escape from poverty or as a surrender to peer pressure. But when seemingly successful people are inwardly unhappy or treat others with contempt, narcissistic personality disorder may be a suspect.

So here’s a list of some symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder (as if you didn’t already know):

  • narcissism (e.g. arrogance, vanity, etc.)
  • ideas of perfection
  • fantasies of success, power, beauty, intelligence, or ideal love
  • harsh reactions to criticism
  • jealousy
  • depression (when failing to meet their own standards)
  • drug abuse
  • lack of empathy
  • absence of altruism, although gestures may be made for the sake of appearance

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