Are You A Narcissist? 20 Common Signs & Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Recognizing one's own value and distinctiveness is essential for personal happiness and fulfillment, however, individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), as indicated by medical experts, exhibit these qualities to an excessive degree. The term 'narcissism' is derived from a Greek legend about Narcissus, who became enamored with his reflection, symbolizing the vanity associated with the disorder. Nevertheless, an inflated self-image is only one facet of NPD. Medical professionals have identified a spectrum of symptoms that can signify the presence of this complex mental health condition.

Always Talk About Themselves

Individuals diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) often engage in self-centered conversations, focusing predominantly on their own physical appearance, skills, or accomplishments. These discussions may contain overstatements that do not accurately represent their actual circumstances. Generally, they demonstrate minimal concern for others, seldom inquiring about the thoughts or emotions of those around them. This tendency stems from a lack of empathy, which impairs their ability to perceive and empathize with others' needs and feelings. Keith Campbell, an expert in narcissism and co-author of "The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement", underscores the severity of this condition by noting that a conversation can swiftly shift from a serious topic, such as one's own cancer diagnosis, to the narcissist's latest vehicle purchase.

Fantasize

The Mayo Clinic provides insight into the psychological landscape of individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). These individuals often harbor grandiose fantasies of unparalleled success, power, and attractiveness, seeking perfection in their partners and possessions. Such aspirations dictate their expectations for superior living standards, including luxurious dwellings, vehicles, and exclusive educational and medical institutions.

However, these idealized visions serve as a coping mechanism for deep-seated feelings of emptiness and inadequacy, allowing those with NPD to maintain a sense of distinction and control. The disconnect between their fantasies and reality frequently culminates in profound dissatisfaction and hostility when their high expectations remain unmet.

Believe They Are Superior

According to Psychology Today, individuals afflicted with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) typically exhibit an inflated sense of self-worth. This overarching belief in their own exceptionalism prompts a desire to associate exclusively with others deemed equally exceptional, as they perceive a kindred understanding only within this select group. Furthermore, to uphold their self-perceived superiority, such individuals may engage in the diminishment of their peers, emphasizing perceived deficiencies in others as a defense mechanism to mask their insecurities and project an untarnished self-image.

Require Constant Praise

Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) often exhibit a veneer of self-assuredness that belies their intrinsic insecurities and delicate self-regard. According to the Mayo Clinic, these individuals have an ongoing need for excessive affirmation and admiration to maintain their self-esteem. Additionally, they harbor expectations of being deemed superior, irrespective of their accomplishments.

The inherent fragility of their self-image renders narcissists sensitive to critique, potentially triggering an impulsive display of 'narcissistic rage.' They may respond to perceived criticism with defensive falsehoods or attempts to deflect the conversation, as a means to avoid confronting their vulnerabilities.

Sense of Entitlement

Individuals diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) often exhibit a pronounced sense of entitlement, anticipating that others will accommodate their needs and acquiesce to their requests without hesitation. Should these expectations go unmet, those with NPD may display impatience or irritation. Psychology Today explains this response as a result of narcissists perceiving others chiefly as means to satisfy their personal requirements. Similarly, BPDCentral.com draws a parallel between such behavior and that of a young child who has yet to understand that they are not the sole focus of attention, expressing outrage when their immediate wants are not catered to.

Takes Advantage of Others

WebMD notes that individuals often find those with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) alluring, citing their charisma and exciting nature. Consequently, such individuals typically do not struggle to influence or persuade others. However, when their demands go unfulfilled, they may readily exploit others without consideration for their emotions or needs. This inclination can lead to unstable and fleeting interpersonal and romantic relationships.

Envious of Others

Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) often grapple with feelings of envy, which is a recognized symptom of the condition. Stemming from underlying issues with self-esteem and a compelling urge to outshine their peers, those with NPD can perceive individuals possessing coveted assets, social standing, or acclaim as adversaries. Additionally, narcissists may operate under the assumption that others harbor envy towards them—an outlook that, despite aligning with their desires for recognition, can potentially disrupt and prematurely conclude relationships if accusations of envy are projected onto others.

You Enjoy Being the Center of Attention

Individuals with narcissistic tendencies often require continual affirmation due to an underlying low self-esteem, while also possessing a sense of superiority over others. This combination leads them to incessantly seek recognition. Joseph Burgo, PhD, a psychotherapist and author of "The Narcissist You Know," explains to Health.com that such individuals are likely to monopolize conversations and exaggerate personal achievements to garner attention.

Furthermore, there is a distinction within the spectrum of narcissism, as highlighted by social psychologist Sander Van der Linden, PhD, from the University of Cambridge, in an interview with Shape magazine. Narcissism can be categorized as either 'grandiose' or 'vulnerable.' The grandiose type, which is more commonly associated with attention-seeking behavior, is characterized by outspokenness, arrogance, self-adulation, and a sense of entitlement.

Lack Empathy

Narcissistic individuals often display a pronounced lack of empathy, which aligns with other characteristics typically attributed to them. This deficiency manifests as either an inability or an overt unwillingness to acknowledge and engage with the emotions and needs of others. Healthline notes this as a key trait, suggesting that narcissists struggle to grasp the concept of shared human experiences and suffering. Dr. Cory Newman, PhD, of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, provided further insight to Prevention magazine. He illustrated this shortfall by depicting a scenario where a narcissist might tactlessly lament personal inconveniences in the presence of someone dealing with a significant loss, such as the death of a parent. This example reflects the extent to which narcissists can misread social situations and respond with jarring insensitivity.

Boundless Ambition

Aspirations are inherently positive, yet in the case of individuals with narcissistic tendencies, aspirations can become excessive. Such individuals often believe they are exceptional and due to this perceived superiority, they set extraordinarily high goals. According to Karyl McBride, PhD, a marriage and family therapist, in discussions with Health.com, narcissists harbor delusions of achieving unparalleled power, beauty, and wealth. This inflated sense of self-importance drives them to seek out associations with people of high status and fixate on status symbols, ranging from luxury footwear to premium strollers. Furthermore, they may disdain those they consider outside their elite sphere of influence, as reported by Health.com.

Incredibly Insecure

Despite presenting traits such as charisma, entitlement, and a sense of superiority, individuals with narcissistic tendencies often harbor deep-seated insecurities. This need to affirm their self-worth frequently manifests in the belittlement of others. Sander van der Linden, PhD, a respected social psychologist at the University of Cambridge, classifies narcissism into two distinct forms: grandiose and vulnerable. Grandiose narcissism is characterized by overt expressions, while vulnerable narcissism tends to be more reserved. Dr. van der Linden notes that the insecurity in vulnerable narcissists arises from an internal uncertainty about their own uniqueness and worth, leading them to seek external validation.

Incredibly Charming

Narcissistic individuals may initially present with notable charm and self-assurance, which can be compelling in early interactions. However, as noted by Van der Linden in Shape magazine, these relationships may evolve to reveal diminishing and hostile behavior from the narcissist. Such individuals are often drawn to leadership roles, where they can leverage their charisma to influence and achieve their objectives.

WebMD highlights that the confidence and allure exhibited by narcissists tend to attract others, contributing to their perceived popularity and effectiveness in leadership positions. These traits may be associated with success, making narcissistic individuals appealing despite the underlying manipulative tendencies that may accompany their interpersonal dynamics.

Extremely Competitive

WebMD identifies a persistent drive to emerge victorious at any cost as a prevalent characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Supporting this observation, Health.com refers to the expertise of Joseph Burgo, PhD, a psychotherapist and author, who asserts that individuals with NPD are fixated on the concept of winning. For those with the disorder, life is a binary paradigm of victory or defeat. Dr. Burgo explains that such individuals have an essential need to establish their superiority. This compulsion to win hampers their capacity to appreciate the triumphs of others and to engage in situations that might expose them to vulnerability or to the possibility of not being the dominant party.

Hold Grudges

Narcissists may project an aura of supreme self-assurance, appearing indifferent to public opinion. However, in truth, their self-esteem is fragile, tethered heavily to preserving a self-image they deem flawless. Any perceived critique or negative feedback is often interpreted as a personal affront, leading to prolonged resentment, as indicated by Burgo's comments to Health.com. Such individuals often perceive criticism as a severe insult, with McBride noting their pronounced difficulty in moving past feelings of rejection or perceived abandonment.

Don’t Take Criticism Well

It is widely recognized that individuals can become irritated when faced with unexpected challenges or when receiving criticism. This is a part of the human condition. However, this tendency is especially pronounced in those with narcissistic traits, wherein their reaction to adversity or critique is significantly intensified. For narcissists, the challenge of accepting responsibility or fault is profound, and they often exhibit considerable difficulty acknowledging their errors. This characteristic makes it extraordinarily difficult for them to receive any form of feedback, regardless of its intent.

According to Van der Linden, as reported by Shape, narcissists, who can vary in their level of extroversion, frequently respond to personal criticism or setbacks in a defensive or aggressive manner. He notes that even a neutral presentation of their shortcomings can trigger extreme responses, which may include yelling, crying, anger, or other forms of aggressive behavior.

Perfectionism

Narcissistic individuals often possess self-aggrandizing views, yet their pursuit of success varies: some seek the appearance of success, while others aim for what they perceive as "flawless performance." According to Psychology Today, those identified with vulnerable narcissism may find that only perfection can bring them a sense of fulfillment. Such individuals live with the constant fear that their imperfections will be uncovered, leading to humiliation and shame. This drive for perfection might originate from a place of personal satisfaction or from a desire to impress others. While not every narcissistic individual is a perfectionist, this association presents an intriguing area for further research.

Feeling Depressed

Individuals with pathological narcissism, including both vulnerable and grandiose subtypes, face a heightened susceptibility to depression, according to findings shared by Psychology Today. Vulnerable narcissists, who may struggle with emotional regulation, are prone to depression due to their inability to effectively process their emotions. Grandiose narcissists, characterized by their inflated self-importance and arrogance, may encounter depressive episodes following personal or professional setbacks, feelings of isolation, or perceived failures in achieving their goals. The mechanisms for depression differ between subtypes, reflecting the intricate relationship between narcissistic traits and depressive states.

Difficulty Regulating Emotions

Individuals with narcissistic tendencies often struggle with emotion regulation, a crucial skill for managing and reacting to emotional stimuli appropriately. Research conducted by BioMed Central has delved into the patterns by which individuals with pathological narcissism perceive, interpret, and modulate their emotions. The findings suggest that narcissists exhibit inconsistent or diminished capacity for emotion regulation, notably shown by their impaired accuracy in identifying emotions such as fear, disgust, and shame in others. Additionally, they face challenges in evaluating emotions in both themselves and those around them.

Feeling Contempt

When confronted with an individual who exhibits qualities they perceive as deficiencies within themselves, individuals with narcissistic tendencies may experience an egoic challenge. Their response often involves adopting a demeaning demeanor as a strategic defense. This attempt to diminish the perceived threat may manifest through belittlement, including verbal disparagement, derogatory remarks, and, in some instances, coercion to reassert dominance.

Not All Narcissists Are The Same

Narcissism exists on a continuum, ranging from the presence of several features to a full-blown personality disorder diagnosis. Various forms of narcissism influence the intensity and motive of an individual's behavior. For a more comprehensive understanding of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, consider conducting online research or consulting with a qualified mental health expert.