What Is A Narcissistic Personality Disorder

<p><b>What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?</b></p> <p>Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a condition marked by a pattern of grandiosity, fixation on power fantasies, desire for admiration, arrogance, lack of empathy, and envy. Individuals with NPD may be overly sensitive to criticism, though they may hide their fragile self-esteem behind a self-important exterior.</p> <p>NPD is the second most prevalent personality disorder, affecting about 6.2% of the population<a href="https://www.additudemag.com/narcissistic-personality-disorder-symptoms-npd/?utm_source=SocialAnimal&amp;utm_medium=email#footnote1" target="_blank">1</a>. It is one of ten personality disorders listed in the <i>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</i> (<i>DSM-5</i>). Along with histrionic, antisocial, and borderline personality disorders, NPD is a Cluster B disorder, which causes affected individuals to appear erratic, emotional, or dramatic.</p> <p>Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Symptoms</p> <p>Though symptoms may manifest in different ways, people with NPD experience at least five of the following:</p> <ul><li>Inflated sense of self-importance</li><li>Preoccupation with fantasies of power, beauty, or ideal love</li><li>The belief that they are unique and should only associate with other special or high-status people and institutions</li><li>Requires admiration</li><li>Unreasonable entitlement</li><li>Takes advantage of others</li><li>Lacks empathy</li><li>Envious of others, or believing that others are envious of them</li><li>Arrogant behaviours or attitudes</li></ul> <p>Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Other Signs</p> <p>Though the <i>DSM</i> symptoms are used to diagnose NPD, the following associated features may help clinicians support a diagnosis. These can include:</p> <ul><li><b>Low self-esteem.</b> Despite their outwardly arrogant presentation, people with NPD often have low self-esteem. They are vulnerable to injuries to their egos and may become angry or humiliated.</li><li><b>Unwilling