Introduction

Hello there, I hope you’re doing well. In the present time, there are a lot many personality disorder. Firstly, we are gonna discuss about the ‘Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms’ along with its meaning.

Moreover, you’ll get to know about the history of narcissistic personality disorder.

Let’s get started…..

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) earlier known as Megalomania or Narcissism, is a mental disorder in which people feel that they are superior to others and have an exaggerated feeling of self – importance. NPD is a Cluster-B personality disorder.

However, people who are associated with Cluster-B disorder tend to be dramatic, emotional or erratic. It denotes an excessive degree of self- involvement that is usually a form of emotional immaturity. These people are impulsive, self- destructive, and have an
incomprehensible interaction with others.

History of Narcissistic Personality Disorder:

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was the son of the river god Cephissus. People knew him for his distinguished beauty and people said that he fell in love with his own reflection in the waters of spring. In fact, he was so attracted that he was unable to draw himself away from the pond and had to die of thirst and starvation.

Basically, the character of Narcissus is where the term ‘Narcissism’ originates. Further, In its excessive form, Narcissism develops into Narcissistic Personality Disorder. This term was subsequently proposed by Heinz Kohut in 1968.

common narcissistic personality disorder symptoms

Common Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms :

  • Grandiose sense of self importance.
  • Require constant admiration.
  • Diminished ability to empathize.
  • Believe that they are ‘special’ and have an unreasonable expectation of favorable treatment.
  • Preoccupied with fantasies of their unlimited success, power, beauty, wealth, status or ideal love.
  • Show arrogant or haughty behavior.
  • Strong sense of entitlement.
  • Believe that others are envious of them.
  • Have shallow emotions
  • Exploitative nature.
  • Have a fragile self-esteem that is vulnerable to the slightest criticism.
  • Feel depressed if they fail to reach their perfection criteria.
  • Chronic feelings of emptiness and boredom.
  • Inability to deal to change.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms on different Genders:

NPD develops around youth or early adulthood and is generally more common in men than women. According to a source, about Six Point Two Percent of people have narcissism once in their lives. Out of this, Seven Point Seven Percent are men and Four Point Eight Percent are women.

Generally, men are more likely than women to exploit others and feel entitled to certain privileges. Men with Narcissism have higher rates of abusive disorders and anti-social personality disorder whereas women with narcissism have major depressive and anxiety disorders.

Although, the exact reason behind the disorder is not known yet, it is believed that it could be a result of inherited genetic defects, cultural influences, childhood abuse or neglect, unrealistic expectations from parents, excessive pampering from parents.

Likewise, Alexander the great, Napoleon Bonaparte, Ted Burny, Madonna, Joan Crawford and Adolf Hitler are some famous narcissist from the past.

Blog by: Dr. Nidhi Shekhawat

HOD, Department of Science

Biyani Group of Colleges, Jaipur

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