Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Signs, Causes & Risk Factors

Here are the signs, causes, and risk factors of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

One of the many common personality disorders is Narcissistic Personality Disorder and here are the signs, causes, and risk factors.

People who have this personality disorder often demands his or her importance to other people. They can also show an excessive need for attention and admiration. Their troubled relationships is also a manifestation of this disorder as well as their lack of empathy for others. 

narcissistic personality disorder
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Based on the article from Mayo Clinic, here are the signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder:

  • An exaggerated sense of self-importance
  • Having a sense of entitlement and require constant, excessive admiration
  • Always expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements that prove it
  • Because they believe they are superior, they can only associate with equally special people
  • Tend to exaggerate achievements and talents
  • They are often preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate
  • Most of the time, they are conversation monopolizers and they tend to look down on people they see as inferior
  • Expect special favors and unquestioning compliance with their expectations
  • They don’t mind taking advantage of others to get what they want
  • Have an ability to ignore the needs of others
  • Be envious of others but they also believe others envy them
  • Behave in an arrogant or haughty manner, coming across as conceited, boastful and pretentious
  • Insist on having the best of everything (material possessions)

If people with this personality disorder is being criticized they tend to be impatient and angry. Sometimes, they belittle other people in order for them to look great. In addition, they easily feel depressed for their perception that they fell short of perfection.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder has no direct known causes but this may be linked to the following:

Environment – This traces back the childhood when a child has mismatched relationships with the parents – either excessive adoration or excessive criticism that is poorly attuned to the child’s experience

Genetics – This kind of disorder or characteristic can be inherited.

Neurobiology – The connection between the brain and behavior and thinking can also be linked to this disorder.

According to the article, men are more prone to develop this personality disorder. The signs can manifest as early as teens or early adulthood. Researchers said that biologically vulnerable children who had overprotective or neglectful parenting style are more likely to have this disorder. Other factors that can contribute to this are genetics and neurobiology.

Though the cause of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is unknown, these following suggestions can help prevent it:

  • As soon as possible, get treatment for childhood mental health problems
  • Join in family therapy in order to learn healthy ways to communicate or to cope with conflicts or emotional distress
  • Participate in parenting classes
  • Seek guidance from therapists or social workers if needed

It is also advisable to seek the help of a doctor. However, people with this disorder tend to not recognize that there is something wrong with them. If a person you know or yourself have these manifestations, consult a doctor immediately, based on the article.

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