Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is one of abour 300 mental health and brain-related conditions and disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is the main guide for mental health providers in the U.S
DSM-5 describes NPD as possessing at least five of the following nine criteria.
- A grandiose sense of self-importance
- Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
- Believing that they are "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
- Requiring excessive admiration
- A sense of entitlement (unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with their expectations)
- Being interpersonally exploitative (taking advantage of others to achieve their own ends)
- Lacking empathy (unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others)
- Often being envious of others or believing that others are envious of them
- Showing arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Source: Narcissistic personality disorder | Wikipedia
NPD is slated for removal from the next edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-5-TR), DSM, which classifies mental disorders according to symptoms.
The framers of the DSM's conclusion was basically that the studies of narcissistic personality disorder have been severely flawed, and that the criteria are not reliable or valid. They do recognize, however, that people may have narcissistic traits.
Source: Upstate Medical University
Selfishness, involving a sense of entitlement, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration, as characterizing a personality type.
Their motivation of pursuing social status is so strong that it can overshadow other motives for behavior, such as the motive to maintain close relationships.
Source: Narcissists' behavior is driven by the pursuit of social status | Tilburg University
Narcissistic Personality Disorder | HelpGuide.org
People with narcissistic personality disorder are extremely resistant to changing their behavior, even when it's causing them problems. Their tendency is to turn the blame on to others. What's more, they are extremely sensitive and react badly to even the slightest criticisms, disagreements, or perceived slights, which they view as personal attacks. For the people in the narcissist's life, it's often easier just to go along with their demands to avoid the coldness and rages. However, by understanding more about narcissistic personality disorder, you can spot the narcissists in your life, protect yourself from their power plays, and establish healthier boundaries.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder | Book by Mitra (NYU) & Fluyau (Emory)
Given the challenges of diagnosing narcissistic personality disorder, there have been varying reports of prevalence in the United States of America( USA). Prevalence rates from community samples have been from 0.5% to 5% of the US population. However, in clinical settings, NPD appears to be more prevalent. Prevalence rates can be from 1% to 15% of the United States population. NPD may coexist with other mental disorders rendering its diagnosis challenging.
NPD Symptoms & Causes | Mayo Clinic
- Environment parent-child relationships with either too much adoration or too much criticism that don't match the child's actual experiences and achievements.
- Genetics inherited characteristics, such as certain personality traits.
- Neurobiology the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking.
How to Deal With a Narcissistic Family Member | Taylor Counseling Group
- Avoid Direct Confrontation
- Dont Accept Harmful Behaviors
- Focus on Choices
- Set Limits
- Get Support and Professional Counseling
Links:
Narcissistic Personality Disorder | HelpGuide.org
Narcissistic Personality Disorder DSM-5 301.81 (F60.81) | theravive
Narcissistic personality disorder Wikipedia
The Why and How of Narcissism: A Process Model of Narcissistic Status Pursuit | PubMed,
Sounds like a Narcissist: Behavioral Manifestations of Narcissism in Everyday Life | PubMed
last updated 15 Jan 2023
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