OverviewNarcissistic personality disorder — one of several types of personality disorders — is a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism. Show A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they're not given the special favors or admiration they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships unfulfilling, and others may not enjoy being around them. Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder centers around talk therapy (psychotherapy). SymptomsSigns and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and the severity of symptoms vary. People with the disorder can:
At the same time, people with narcissistic personality disorder have trouble handling anything they perceive as criticism, and they can:
When to see a doctorPeople with narcissistic personality disorder may not want to think that anything could be wrong, so they may be unlikely to seek treatment. If they do seek treatment, it's more likely to be for symptoms of depression, drug or alcohol use, or another mental health problem. But perceived 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 doctor or mental health provider. Getting the right treatment can help make your life more rewarding and enjoyable. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful
information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of
email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesIt's not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder. As with personality development and with other mental health disorders, the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is likely complex. Narcissistic personality disorder may be linked to:
Risk factorsNarcissistic personality disorder affects more males than females, and it often begins in the teens or early adulthood. Keep in mind that, although some children may show traits of narcissism, this may simply be typical of their age and doesn't mean they'll go on to develop narcissistic personality disorder. Although the cause of narcissistic personality disorder isn't known, some researchers think that in biologically vulnerable children, parenting styles that are overprotective or neglectful may have an impact. Genetics and neurobiology also may play a role in development of narcissistic personality disorder. ComplicationsComplications of narcissistic personality disorder, and other conditions that can occur along with it, can include:
PreventionBecause the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown, there's no known way to prevent the condition. However, it may help to:
Nov. 18, 2017 How do you handle a narcissist successfully?Educate yourself about NPD. ... . Build your self-esteem. ... . Speak up for yourself. ... . Set clear boundaries. ... . Practice skills to keep calm. ... . Find a support system. ... . Insist on immediate action, not promises. ... . Understand that a narcissistic person may need professional help.. How do you act around someone with narcissistic personality disorder?How to Deal With a Narcissistic Family Member. Avoid Direct Confrontation. Because those with NPD are extremely sensitive to criticism, calling a true narcissist a narcissist typically backfires and worsens the situation. ... . Don't Accept Harmful Behaviors. ... . Focus on Choices. ... . Set Limits. ... . Get Support and Professional Counseling.. What should you not do when dealing with a narcissist?Don't try to justify or explain yourself.
You need not justify your feelings or explain your thoughts. The more you do, the more you are at risk for them gaslighting you to induce self-doubt. Defending yourself to narcissists is generally a waste of time.
What to say to calm a narcissist?What to Say to Disarm a Narcissist. “I don't agree with you, but you have a right to have your opinion. ... . “You are certainly entitled to your opinion. ... . “We can agree to disagree.”. “We will work on this together.”. “Let me ask your advice on this. ... . “I hear what you're saying.”. “I'm sorry you feel that way.”. |