Calling someone a “narcissist” when they are being self-centered may be an attempt at a joke, but having a narcissistic personality disorder is not a laughing matter. Narcissism can lead to other mental health concerns.
Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder often struggle with empathy and have a strong need for admiration and attention. They may also exhibit manipulative behaviors, grandiosity, and an exaggerated sense of self-importance.
Narcissism is a complex personality trait that can manifest in various ways. If someone you know could benefit from a personality disorder treatment program, call Evoke Wellness at Waltham today at 866.276.1920.
What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition with many different symptoms. One of the main indicators of this condition is having an extremely high sense of your own importance.
People with narcissistic personality disorder crave attention and lack the ability to care about others. They may project confidence, but they are actually very insecure and become distressed by the slightest criticism.
People with this condition have difficulty maintaining meaningful relationships, partly because others do not enjoy being around them. More males than females are affected by narcissistic personality disorder, and symptoms often begin in early adulthood.
The symptoms of this disorder vary depending on the individual and the type of narcissism they have. In general, symptoms include:
- Believing they are special and superior to others
- Believing they deserve privileges others aren’t entitled to
- Possessing an unreasonably high opinion of their self-importance
- Requiring constant and extreme admiration
- Being critical of others they don’t designate as “special”
- Taking advantage of others
- Being unable or unwilling to consider the needs of others
- A preoccupation with power, success, beauty, and perfection
- Expecting recognition without achieving anything
- Arrogance and bragging
- Displaying envy and believing that others are envious of them
Narcissistic people tend to avoid taking on challenges they might fail. They are prone to rage and belittle others to feel better about themselves.
The 5 Major Types of Narcissism
While there are different types of narcissism, the diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder is the only formal mental health diagnosis. For example, a person might display behaviors of covert narcissism, but their diagnosis is still “narcissistic personality disorder.”
Recognizing the different types of narcissism can be helpful for therapists treating an individual and for friends and family members who are trying to educate themselves about their loved one’s condition.
1. Overt Narcissism
A person with this type of narcissism might appear outgoing, arrogant, and lacking in empathy for others. Overt narcissism is the most commonly recognized type of this disorder.
2. Covert Narcissism
Covert narcissism is also known as closet narcissism and vulnerable narcissism. People with vulnerable narcissism don’t fit the arrogant stereotype of the narcissist. They may have low self-esteem and behave like an introvert. Covert narcissists have a higher risk of experiencing depression and anxiety.
3. Antagonistic Narcissism
Some researchers consider antagonistic narcissism as a subtype of overt narcissism. The focus of antagonistic narcissism is competition. The person may be overly competitive and be prone to arguing about “who did it best.”
4. Communal Narcissism
Communal narcissism is a condition in which the person sees themselves as generous when they are not. Social power and the appearance of importance are motivations for a communal narcissist.
5. Malignant Narcissism
Malignant narcissism is the most severe form of narcissism and can cause extreme problems for the person who is living with it. Markers of this disorder include aggression, paranoia, vindictiveness, and getting joy from the pain of others.
If you believe your loved one may benefit from a personality disorder treatment program, reach out to the team at Evoke Wellness at Waltham.
Call Evoke Wellness at Waltham to Schedule an Appointment to Learn More About Personality Disorder Treatment
If you or someone you care about is displaying signs of narcissism, Evoke Wellness at Waltham can help. Untreated personality disorders can lead to more severe mental health complications. Our personality disorder treatment programs are comprehensive, compassionate, and effective. Call Evoke Wellness at Waltham today at 866.276.1920 or contact us online to learn more about personality disorder treatment. We can help you or your loved one work through the challenges associated with this complex condition and find a path to healing.
