5 Signs You Suffer from Narcissistic Disorder
Personality disorders can greatly affect a person’s ability to function and interact in everyday life. As one of the 10 personality disorders appearing in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, narcissistic disorder falls within the Cluster B category, which includes histrionic, antisocial and borderline disorders.
Cluster B disorders are characterized by overly dramatic, emotional and erratic behaviors, according to Appalachian State University. These primary characteristics or behaviors make it difficult for those affected to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. These behaviors exist as persistent and chronic dysfunctions within a person’s personality.
With narcissistic personality disorder, individuals approach everyday life from a self-centered standpoint, which ultimately affects how they interact with others. This sense of self-centeredness makes it difficult to build genuine lasting relationships. It can also impair a person’s ability to work with others and reach desired goals. When left untreated, narcissistic personality disorder can have adverse consequences in most every area of a person’s life.
Here are five signs to watch out for if you suspect narcissistic personality disorder may be affecting your life or the life of someone you know:
1. Lack of Empathy for Others
Narcissist personality disorder have an extreme quality of selfishness which puts a strain on their relationships and everyday life.
The self-centered perspective characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder leaves little room for taking other peoples’ feelings and concerns under consideration, according to the University of Georgia. Someone affected by narcissistic disorder will rather naturally expect others to agree with his or her viewpoints or choices. In effect, someone with a narcissistic bent will have no problem with exploiting others, especially those closest to him or her.
2. Exaggerated Sense of Self-Importance
While a narcissistic personality disorder may appear to be an exaggerated form of self-love, those affected actually struggle quite a bit with self-esteem issues. In an effort to compensate for feelings of inadequacy, a person may inflate his or her self-image to the point where delusions of grandeur start to develop. In effect, those affected may feel themselves to be superior to others and entitled to special treatment as a result.
3. Arrogance
The ongoing struggle with self-esteem issues naturally drives a narcissistic person to strong feelings of deep-rooted envy of other people’s successes and accomplishments. Feelings of envy may be expressed in the guise of an arrogant, haughty attitude in general.
When provoked, someone with narcissistic personality disorder can get downright ruthless in order to maintain his or her sense of superiority. Dishonesty, malice, underhanded behavior and even violence are not out of the question in the face of a perceived threat.
4. Unrealistic Fantasies
As people with narcissistic personality disorder tend to harbor grandiose feelings regarding themselves, they tend to focus on immature values. Values, such as phenomenal beauty and idyllic love form the basis of any close or intimate relationships. Beliefs regarding their power and brilliance lead narcissists to see themselves as capable of unlimited success.
5. Constant Need for Admiration
Considering the fragile self-esteem issues at stake, someone with narcissistic personality disorder requires repeated affirmation from others. As this need plays into their issues surrounding self-importance, narcissists also have a strong need to be admired by the people in their lives.
