It is stated that if you are overconfident or feel cool in front of people, you are considered narcissistic. Is it actually true? For those who are curious about narcissism, you are suggested to read the following information.
Definition of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
Narcissistic Personality Disorder, which is known as NPD in short, refers to a personality disorder in which there is grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, according to the American Psychiatric Association, 1994. This one begins in early adulthood and manifests in a variety of behaviors. In DMS-IV, this behavior tends to occur due to the fear of not wanting one’s imperfections or shortcomings to be exposed.
The following are the characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder or NPD according to DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994:
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- Feeling the sensation of “Self-Importance”. The examples include bragging about talent and accomplishments, wanting to be considered superior even though the commensurate rewards do not exist.
- The mind is full of fantasies of success, strength, intelligence, beauty or handsomeness, or the limitless ideal of love.
- The thought of being special, unique, and can only be understood or associated with people or institutions with high status.
- Feeling excessive desire to be admired.
- Feeling highly entitled, such as feeling entitled to special treatment.
- Interpersonally exploitative, which is using the people around to achieve desires.
- Lacking empathy. Not wanting to be aware of or associated with other people’s feelings and needs.
- Often, they feel jealous of others or believe that other people are jealous of them.
- Showing arrogant and haughty behavior or attitude.
One can be diagnosed with NPD if they show at least 5 out of 9 characteristics above. However, sometimes it is not easy to distinguish NPD from other personality disorders. In DSM-IV it is explained that the most distinguishing feature of NPD from Histrionic, Antisocial, and Borderline Personality Disorders is the trait of Grandiosity. For those who have no idea about Grandiosity, it is described as an excess of one’s own accomplishments, interests, or abilities (“APA Dictionary of Psychology”, n.d.).
What Is the Difference Between Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Narcissism?
It is important for you to know the differences between Narcissistic Personality Disorder or NPD and narcissism. Apparently, these two are fundamentally different. It is actually easy to distinguish these two by reading the following information.
You can consider yourself narcissistic if you see yourself as superior to people around you. That thought makes you not hesitate to sacrifice around you to achieve your goal and, at the same time, you are not aware of your harmful actions. However, you may have the ability to control your narcissism to make it productive.
Then what about Narcissistic Personality Disorder or NPD? At first glance, it looks the same as narcissism. However, it has another reason that makes the ones with it act superior, exaggerated, and pretentious. In fact, these people also have low self-esteem and low self-confidence. They act that way because they try to maintain an overly self-perception. Besides, they also view themselves very positively.
Another difference is that narcissistic behavior only lasts for a while, while NPD is an issue that arises from the start and requires professional assistance. For instance:
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- Your friend who was just praised by the principal at your school suddenly acted arrogant and proud. However, they returned to their usual selves after a few days. It is an example of narcissistic behavior, one that arises because of special situations and will fade on its own.
- Star Dewi thinks that she is better than her classmates and she has always been like that. However, she is weak to criticism and always tries her best to maintain that very positive self-image. This one is an example of someone with NPD who tries her best to protect her weak self-confidence.
What are the Prevalence, Causes, and Treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
According to a book by Murphy and Cowan called Blueprint Psychiatry (2019), it is estimated that the prevalence of NPD is 1% in the general population and 2%-16% in the clinical population (a group of individuals studied for public health (Donohue, 2017)). Sadly, the cause of NPD is still unknown. Mayoclinic.org adds that NPD is complicated and may be related to:
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- Environment – the relationship of the child with the parent is filled with praise or criticism that is excessive and out of tune with the experience of the child
- Genetics – refers to the inherited characteristics of the parents
- Neurobiology – the relationship between the brain, behavior and thinking
In addition, the American Psychological Association mentions a few causes of personality disorders, including genetics, childhood trauma, environment or friends, verbal abuse, and high reactivity (sensitive to stimuli).
As the case of NPS is still unknown, it is safe to assume that there is no effective treatment for this disorder. According to the treatment guidelines, when patients with NPD seek treatment, it will be hard for them to get it due to insight and countertransference responses that can interfere with the course of treatment.
While NPD cannot be treated at least as of now, it can be managed. Those with this disorder can try to see a psychologist or psychiatrist to help them with their disorder. One of the most recommended is a therapist through psychotherapy because it aims to build a realistic self-image and help them to understand their environment positively.
In addition, those with NPD can also get antidepressant medications when they develop depression or anxiety.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
