9 Signs You Might Have Narcissistic Personality Disorder NPD
Reviewed By: Kelley Johnson, LCSW
Written By: Daniel Mark Hipp
What Are Narcissists Known For?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is categorized as a Cluster B Personality Disorder. The cluster B category is known for being “dramatic”, “erratic", and “emotional” (Durand & Barlow, 2016).
Other Cluster B personality disorders include borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder is clinically defined as “a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts” (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
The term narcissism comes from the character Narcissus in Greek Mythology. Narcissus was highly attractive and rejected all the women around him. Narcissus eventually fell in love with his own reflection in a pool. He stared at his own reflection in the pool for the rest of his life until he eventually died.
When we hear the term narcissist today, we think of someone who is just too into themselves.
There is a healthy amount of narcissism to have in one’s life as it serves a purpose. There are extreme levels of narcissism as well that pose severe issues with day to day function.
9 Signs you may have Narcissistic Personality Disorder
The 5th edition text revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders identifies 9 signs related to narcissistic personality disorder. If you are experiencing five or more of these symptoms, you should contact the Healing Center or another qualified mental health professional for evaluation.
“ 1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g. exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements).
2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
3. Believes that he or she is ‘special’ and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).
4. Requests excessive admiration.
5. Has a sense of entitlement (i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations).
6. Is interpersonally exploitative (i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends).
7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.
9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes” (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
The Healing Center Offers Therapy for Narcissistic Personality Disorder
It’s difficult for a narcissist to actually live up to their own expectations. Due to this, they are often depressed. Treatment usually starts with a depression diagnosis and the narcissistic personality disorder is uncovered mid-treatment.
Therapy is often focused on addressing “grandiosity”, “hypersensitivity” to criticism, and “lack of empathy” (Beck et al., 2007; Durand and Barlow, 2016).
The Healing Center
The Healing Center in Las Vegas provides tailored mental health services facilitated by a team proficient in addressing diverse cultural backgrounds. Certified therapists deliver in-person or remote sessions, aiming to reduce stigma and foster a mentally healthy community. Our Boutique Psychotherapy Center employs spiritually attuned counselors, employing various techniques to reconnect individuals with their inner selves and foster self-worth.
With holistic approaches, these therapists equip patients with strategies to navigate life's crises effectively.
For further information on our therapies or to schedule a consultation, please visit The Healing Center's website at https://www.thehealingcentervegas.com/.
Contact The Healing Center via phone (702)505-1280 or email TheHealingCenterOperations@gmail.com.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th. ed., text rev. ). Washington, DC. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787