Narcissism has become a much-discussed topic in recent years. Often used as a catch-all term for undesirable behavior, its use across popular social media platforms and elsewhere has led to some confusion about the term and its meaning.
In this article, we’ll look at what narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is, how it differs from narcissistic traits and why accurate information of conditions like NPD is important in terms of awareness, education and destigmatization.
Treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder
All humans exhibit narcissism to a degree, but while narcissistic traits tend to occur sporadically within certain contexts, narcissistic personality disorder represents a set of pervasive behaviors impacting all areas of functioning and life.
As with many other lifelong mental health conditions, there is no known “cure” for narcissistic personality disorder.
However, treatments for narcissistic men and women can help them to understand their behaviors and develop more realistic expectations of others.
Differences And Diagnosis
Diagnosing someone with NPD can be challenging, as those with the disorder may believe they do not require treatment. While there is currently no clinical test for narcissistic personality disorder, a diagnosis may be made based on:
- An attitude of scorn towards others
- Distrust, competitiveness and jealousy
- Limited capacity for empathy
- Use of manipulative “games” on others
- Constant need for praise and admiration
- Restricted ability for insight
- Sense of entitlement
- Fantasies about success and power
- A sense of self-importance
Depending on individual circumstances, treatment for NPD may take considerable time, but it can help to improve relationships while lessening feelings of emptiness and disconnection commonly experienced with this disorder.
Risk Factors And Causes
While researchers are still trying to understand how NPD is caused, a number of key factors are thought to contribute to the condition, including early childhood experiences broadly referred to by psychoanalyst Heinz Kohut as “empathic failure”.
In childhood, this may have manifested as rejection, criticism or (alternatively) excessive praise from a caregiver or parent, in addition to trauma or abuse.
As with many other mental health disorders, NPD often develops as a maladaptive coping mechanism the child uses to try and protect themselves.
If left unaddressed leads to problems later in life related to shame, a poor grasp of self image and the use of grandiosity as a way to overcompensate for low self-esteem.
Why Are We Hearing More About Narcissism?
One of the key factors for the confusion between narcissistic traits and clinical narcissistic personality disorder lies with how it is represented on social media and elsewhere online.
While we now have increased access to more mental health information than before, there is also access to misinformation.
Inaccurate information about NPD can result in misleading myths and misconceptions about narcissism that can undermine its use in clinical contexts.
Furthermore, stigmatising the condition and even deterring someone with narcissistic personality disorder from seeking support.
Why Accurate Information Is Important
Along with helping to reduce stigma, more accurate information about mental health disorders such as NPD allows for improved understanding that can help to clarify diagnosis (alongside understanding factors like comorbid conditions).
Narcissism is commonly associated with self-centeredness and manipulative tactics. While these behaviors should not be condoned, more accurate information about why it happens can help to improve the circumstances and relationships not just for those experiencing NPD but for the people in their lives.