The term narcissistic has recently been frequently used to describe someone who appears self-centered or overly self-focused. However, not all such behaviors necessarily indicate narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
NPD is a serious mental disorder. This condition can only be identified through an evaluation by a mental health professional, such as a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
What is NPD?
NPD ( Narcissistic Personality Disorder ) is a type of mental disorder that affects the way a person forms self-esteem, views self-identity, and behaves towards their social environment.
People with this condition generally have a strong need for admiration and special treatment. When these expectations aren't met, they can exhibit emotional responses such as irritability and feelings of hurt.
What Causes NPD?
To date, experts have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD. However, they believe the condition may be influenced by a combination of the following factors:
- Environmental factors, such as overly indulgent, controlling, or neglectful parenting styles, can impact a child's personality development. Excessive praise or criticism is believed to influence how a person forms their self-image.
- Family history, the risk of this condition can increase if you have a family member with similar personality characteristics or have experienced a similar disorder.
- Neurobiology, differences in brain structure or function, may play a role in the development of these disorders.
Symptoms of NPD
The following are some behaviors that describe NPD or narcissistic personality disorder, namely:
- Entitled to Special Action
People with NPD or narcissistic personality disorder tend to view themselves as superior to others and expect to be treated specially by those around them. - Always Want to Be Praised
People with NPD, or narcissistic personality disorder, consider praise a necessity. They often over-exaggerate their achievements or superiority to gain recognition. - Always Feeling Right
People with NPD, or narcissistic personality disorder, are highly sensitive to criticism. This is because they often experience anxiety, emptiness, and self-doubt. - Manipulative
People with NPD or narcissistic personality disorder are willing to use any means to ensure their personal needs are met, including controlling or outsmarting others. - Likes to Take Advantage of People
People with NPD or narcissistic personality disorder tend to form relationships based on the benefits they can gain, such as status, money, or connections. - Not Lasting Friendship
People with NPD or narcissistic personality disorder often get into conflict with friends or partners because of their possessiveness, irritability, or desire to always be the center of attention. - Masked Confidence
People with NPD, or narcissistic personality disorder, appear confident and dominant, but they actually conceal insecurities and fragile self-esteem. - Lack of Empathy
People with NPD, or narcissistic personality disorder, generally have difficulty understanding or caring about the feelings of others. As a result, relationships often become problematic. - Feeling Superior
People with NPD or narcissistic personality disorder exhibit superiority behavior, demean other individuals, and only form relationships with those they consider socially or intellectually equal. - Feelings of Envy
People with NPD or narcissistic personality disorder may show envy towards the success of others, while believing that they are also the object of envy.
The Impact of NPD in Your Life
NPD, or narcissistic personality disorder, can impact various aspects of life, both for the individual experiencing it and those around them. If left untreated, narcissistic personality disorder can result in:
- Difficulty building and maintaining social relationships.
- Recurring conflicts in the work or family environment.
- Social isolation due to behavior that is difficult for others to understand.
- Potentially trigger additional psychological disorders, including anxiety and depression.
These impacts can significantly reduce quality of life. Therefore, consultation and treatment by a mental health professional is necessary to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Consult Your Condition with a Professional
NPD, or narcissistic personality disorder, cannot be equated with general narcissistic behavior. To determine whether someone truly has NPD, a thorough evaluation by a professional, such as a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, is necessary.
Today, the term NPD is often misused or misunderstood. As a result, many people experience misconceptions or even misdiagnoses.
It's best not to self-diagnose, either yourself or others. Consulting with a licensed professional is essential to ensure appropriate treatment and maintain a quality of life.
The article was written by Mrs. Helena Kristina Leman, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist (Psychologist at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).