Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence, they are not sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism.
These patients usually have insecurities like
Fragile self-esteem
Shame
Humiliation
Symptoms
Symptoms may vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include:
Being overly boastful, exaggerating one’s own achievements
Pretending to be superior to others
Lack of empathy for others
Looking down on others as inferior
Monopolising conversations
Impatient, angry, unhappy, depressed or has mood swings when criticized
Easily disappointed when expected importance is not given
Always craves for “the best” in everything
Has a very fragile self-esteem
Causes
Exact causes are unknown, but may include:
Parenting style either excessive pampering or criticism
Genetic changes
Changes in the structure or functioning of the brain
Risk factors may include
Family history of mental health disorders
Unpleasant family life during childhood
Conduct disorder during childhood
Complications
If it left untreated this lead to
Disturbance in social relationships at home, school and or office
Depression
Drug and or alcohol abuse
Suicidal thoughts
Prevention
Child abuse, both physical and mental and intimate partner abuse may be predisposing factors
Quit domestic violence
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Avoid drug abuse
When to see a doctor
People with narcissistic personality disorder may not want to think that anything could be wrong, so they usually don’t seek treatment. If they do seek treatment, it’s more likely to be for symptoms of depression, drug or alcohol misuse, or another mental health problem. What they view as insults to self-esteem may make it difficult to accept and follow through with treatment.
If you recognize aspects of your personality that are common to narcissistic personality disorder or you’re feeling overwhelmed by sadness, consider reaching out to a trusted healthcare provider or mental health provider. Getting the right treatment can help make your life more rewarding and enjoyable.
Lives in a fantastical realm that feeds their haughty illusions
Narcissists live in a dream world supported by deception, distortion, and magical thinking because truth contradicts their inflated self-perception. They create self-glorifying illusions that give them a sense of superiority and control, including boundless success, power, intelligence, beauty, and the perfect love. These delusions shield people from emotions of guilt and emptiness within, so they explain away or ignore facts and viewpoints that contradict them. People close to a narcissists learn to avoid them since anything that even slightly threatens their fantasy bubble will make them extremely defensive and even angry.
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