What is narcissistic personality disorder: Signs and traits | – Times of India
Nick Cannon, 44 has recently opened up being diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. “I need help,” the comedian and Masked Singer host said earlier this month in a podcast, as he confirmed being ‘clinically diagnosed’ with the mental health condition.
What is Narcissistic personality disorder?
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Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by impulsivity, volatility, attention-seeking, and a lack of empathy. According to NCBI, NPD is a complex psychological condition that presents with a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
People with this condition have an inflated idea of themselves and seek a lot of attention. Such individuals also struggle to understand the feelings of others. Though individuals with this disorder do not have high self-esteem, they have a sense of entitlement.
However, the cause of the NPD is unknown to the researchers, partly because many hide their narcissistic thoughts or behaviors. About 0.5%-5% of people in the U.S. might have NPD. Data suggests that out of this 75% of the cases occur to people assigned male at birth.
Some of the common behavioural pattern found in people with this disorder includes a need for admiration from others, an excessive sense of self-importance, and, a lack of empathy for others.
Signs
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NPD is a spectrum disorder, and hence the signs and severity may vary. According to Web MD, some of the symptoms or behavioural patterns include:
- Upset other people often
- Struggle to maintain relationships
- Put themselves first
- Have an inflated sense of worth
- Have a sense that they are always the ‘right’
- Self-absorbed, and like to talk about themselves
- Crave attention and admiration
- Such individuals feel that they should interact only with those whom they consider worthy
- Exaggerate their talents and achievements
- Brag about their success
- Set unrealistic goals
- Have wide, fast mood swings
- Strive to win, whatever it takes
- Fantasize about unlimited success, money, intelligence, beauty, love, and power
- Have a delicate self-esteem
Narcissism vs. narcissistic personality disorder
However, narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder are different. Experts consider narcissism, the characteristic of being self-absorbed, a trait, while NPD is a mental illness.
Narcissism is often harmless if balanced with empathy, humility, and consideration for others. It can become problematic only when it dominates behavior and affects relationships. Narcissistic personality disorder, on the other hand, requires professional help.
