Category: Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A personality is an individual’s “specific way of thinking, feeling, and behaving” that sets them apart from the rest of society. Each person’s personality is unique, heavily influenced by their past experiences, their current environment, and their inherited characteristics. A personality disorder is a way of thinking, feeling, and behaving that strays from the typical expectations of society. There are currently ten diagnosed personality disorders labeled in the DSM-5; two of which are called Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD). Among these two, are also Antisocial, Avoidant, Borderline, Dependent, Obsessive-compulsive, Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal. Unlike other psychiatric disorders, like anxiety or depression which can vary, decrease, or even be cured over time, these personality disorders are less flexible and much more long term. Within these ten disorders, three specific groups are formed, which are referred to as clusters. These three groups are defined in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-5) as Cluster A, Cluster B, and Cluster C. These clusters are formed based on the descriptive characteristics that define the disorders themselves. NPD and HPD are both a part of Cluster B because of their shared characteristics. Each of these disorders have issues with their overwhelming need and desire for attention, and they both have trouble with their “emotional regulation and lack of impulse control”.

At the same time, these personality disorders have different ways of seeking attention, and they seek this attention with different methods. Someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder will seek out praiseful attention in order to fulfill their ideas that they are above or more worthy than others, as well as their distorted desire for worship and approval. On the other hand, an individual living with Histrionic Personality Disorder will act out quite provocatively or seductively for their attention fix. Someone with HPD will appear more codependent than someone with NPD, who already has a huge sense of self-entitlement. These two disorders both seek an unhealthy amount of attention, but in different ways for seperate reasons.

People with Histrionic Personality Disorder often strive to fit in or be part of a group. Unlike people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, those with histrionic features do not have an outsized sense of their own self-worth. People with HPD are commonly uncomfortable when not the center of attention, making them very dramatic individuals, often in a seemingly ‘theatrical’ style. It is not uncommon for someone with histrionic characteristics to dress in a revealing manner, on top of being overly flirtatious, seductive, or provocative towards others. Rather than being overly self-centered like someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, an individual with HPD will often over invest in others, causing them to overestimate their personal relationships or level of intimacy.

On the contrary, Narcissistic Personality Disorder is generally categorized as the pattern of being impressive on an especially pretentious level. People who have been diagnosed with NPD share the need for approval with those with HPD, but on a very different level. Someone with NPD will constantly reference others in order to regulate their own self esteem. For example, comparing oneself to very favorable others would be a clear demonstration of narcissistic behavior. More symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder include grandiosity or feelings of severe self-entitlement, participating in superficial relationships with the single intent of getting ahead or receiving praise, as well as self-centeredness and firmly believing that oneself is better than others. Rather than being physically provocative in order to receive positive attention, like someone with HPD, an individual diagnosed with Narcissistic Disorder will attempt to get positive reinforcement through the belittlement of others in order to make themselves seem or feel better and more worthy. People with NPD are much less personable, often actually lacking society’s typically expected sense of empathy. Individuals with this disorder are often viewed as arrogant, self-centered, manipulative, and even demanding. Their narcissistic brain provides them with fantasies convincing them they deserve special treatment. This is almost the complete opposite of someone with HPD, who will typically have such a low self esteem that they physically and mentally need to be reassured and paid attention to.

Of course, one cannot simply rely on the internet to tell them if they have a personality disorder or not. One must be diagnosed by a doctor or specialist to know for sure if they truly have a disorder. It is said that in order to be diagnosed with Histrionic Personality Disorder, one must struggle with or show clear signs of at least five of the following characteristics: self-centeredness or uncomfortable when not the center of attention, inappropriately seductive appearance and/or behavior, constantly seeking approval, rapidly shifting emotions, easily influenced by others, excessive dramatics with exaggerated displays of emotion, overly concerned with physical appearance or using said appearance to draw serious attention to oneself, or the tendency to believe that relationships are more intimate than they actually are.

In order to be diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, a doctor must agree that the individual clearly demonstrates at least five of the following: a grandiose sense of self-importance, arrogant attitude, fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, or beauty, a concerning lack of empathy, exploitation of others, the belief that one is so special that they can only be understood by or associate with equally special individuals, an overwhelming sense of entitlement, or an excessive need for admiration. Researchers have reported clear associations between NPD and high rates of substance abuse as well as mood disorders, such as anxiety.

As far as treatment goes, it is difficult to make a personality disorder simply disappear. Depending on the disorder, there are some tactics and methods used to help treat specific personality disorders. Regarding Histrionic Personality Disorder, psychotherapy is highly recommended. That being said, therapy for someone struggling with HPD can be extremely difficult because they are highly likely to exaggerate their emotions and symptoms. The patient may also be extremely emotionally needy, and therefore attempt to challenge the boundaries set up by the therapist. Given that depression can be associated with the failure of romantic relationships, it is also common that someone with histrionic tendencies will seek therapeutic help because of symptoms of depression. For someone with NPD or narcissistic characteristics, therapy will also be very challenging, but for a different reason. People with this disorder typically demonstrate an excessive amount of grandiosity as well as defensiveness due to their large sense of self importance. This can make it very difficult to address and acknowledge issues as well as any vulnerabilities the patient might have. The narcissistic walls built up by the individual makes therapeutic assistance very difficult.

Overall, both Histrionic and Narcissistic personality disorders have the ability to overlap in the way they present their behaviors and symptoms. They often share some characteristics, as two disorders that are both a part of Cluster B in the DSM-5. Both of these disorders present as severely attention seeking and overly dramatic. Each of these mindsets cause the individual to think irrationally and act out in ways that today’s society does not see as ‘normal’. Histrionic tendencies are distinctively more provocative and needy, while demonstrations of narcissism are contrastly viewed as arrogant and self-righteous. Sharing their overwhelming need and desire for attention, both of these personality disorders cause the individual to appear unstable in comparison to your average functioning member of society.

While some individual personality traits are mistaken for the signs of personality disorders, in some ways how a person acts can show clear signs of a type of personality disorder. There have been plenty of moments in the story ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ by Truman Capote that Holly Golightly showed she is suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder or NPD. Holly Golightly is suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder because, she shows the symptoms of unemotional traits, grandiosity, exaggerated feelings of self-importance, disregard of other feelings and the excessive need for admiration.

Definicion of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), Narcissistic Personality Disorder is defined as a pattern comprised of attitudes reflecting grandiosity, lack of empathy, and an excessive need for admiration (APA, 2013). The disorder is characterized by nine symptoms, and if five of which are identified in a patient, the diagnosis for Narcissistic Personality Disorder may be given. The nine symptoms include: a grandiose sense of self-importance, preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love, belief that he or she is special and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people or institutions, need for excessive admiration, sense of entitlement, interpersonally exploitative behavior, lack of empathy, envy of others or a belief that others are envious of him or her and demonstration of arrogant and haughty behaviors or attitudes (APA, 2013).

Patients diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder may also exhibit a tendency to display exploitative behaviors. This entails manipulating or using another person unfairly or cynically in order to gain an advantage (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). This will affect how the patient chooses to view other people, seeing them as a means for them to progress at the expense of their friends, relatives and colleagues. A sense of genuineness may be projected, but in actuality, the person is merely seeking to benefit from their interaction with another person, and afterwards, will no longer have any use for them. Lastly, the person may have difficulty maintaining intimate relationships with other people, as a possible effect of exploitative behavior or the lack of a need for any genuine relationships. It is possible that the person only requires interaction with others for the mere purpose of boosting self-esteem (Ambardar, 2019).

Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder Explained

Individuals with NPD experience limited interests in the feeling of their people. Sperry (2016) points out that NPD patients lack empathy since they fail to appreciate the opinions of other people. Since NPD patients have extreme levels of jealousy, they are unable to maintain relationships because of a lack of empathy. Campbell & Miller (2011) observes that without empathy, patients cannot love, bond, or be attached to other people. As such, NPD patients are more concerned about their feelings, and as soon things fail to go their way, they turn on the person close to them. For instance, when a person is getting divorced, NPD patients tend to consider factors such as other people’s opinions other than the pain or despair of the people who are divorcing. Consequently, patients are unable to express their love since they do not regret the outcome of the relationship they have with other people.

NPD patients have a tendency of being arrogant that make them need overstating themselves. Sperry (2016) states that confident people have a strong sense of self and are achievement-oriented, unlike NPD patients who cover up their fragility to seem superior to others. As a result, they tend to think that making other people perceive them as superior without the achievement to support them (Livesley, 2001). For instance, they constantly tell people that they are important and powerful than them, especially in intimate relationships that influence marriage and parenting. Therefore, regardless of what they accomplish, their mindset makes them feel as if they are not equal to others since to them, other people are not good enough.

Narcissists need constant praise due to their obsessive craving for affirmation. As a result, it is all about what an admirer can do for them without offering anything in return. According to Sperry (2016), the narcissist is empty of emotions and requires a constant reminder that people appreciate them regardless of what they do. For instance, relationships with narcissists are not reciprocal since they only require their needs to be met. In addition, Rafferty (2017) considers narcissist’s sense of superiority as a balloon that involves a stream of recognition and applause to keep it inflated. However, it is observed that occasional compliments for narcissists are not enough since their ego requires to be maintained that make them surround themselves with people who are willing to cater to their praise and affirmation.

Holly Golightly’s Mental State

In the story ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, there are key moments in which Holly Golightly showed symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder behavior. A symptom of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is manipulation, in the story Holly Golightly entertains multiple relationships with multiple men in which, she only entertain these men in exchange for money to maintain her high lifestyle of living. Holly Golightly is not genuinely entertaining these men as she is only using them unfairly in order to gain things in return. In relation to Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Holly Golightly chooses how she see people.

In regards to the multiple men that she is entertaining, she only see these men as money symbols. Holly Golightly only entertain these men just for the benefit of being able to maintain the lifestyle that she lives. Holly Golightly may entertain multiple men because, if she cannot benefit from one she goes to the next and continues to do so to get what she wants. This questions what Holly Golightly would do once she has no more use for some of the men that she entertains. In addition, not only do Holly show signs of manipulation in relations to symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder but, she shows the disregard to maintain genuine relationships. This is a second symptom in relation to the Narcissistic Personality Disorder, people that suffer with this disorder will have issues in wanting, thinking or being able to stay in serious intimate relationships.

Even though seen as a free spirit, Holly Golightly runs away from commitment. This shows that Holly Golightly lacks empathy and haves trouble sharing her feelings with others or to be able to understand the feelings of another person. Holly Golightly believes that she deserves the highest form of living. While speaking to the narrator she mentions Tiffany’s and explains to the narrator that “If I could find a real-life place that made me feel like Tiffany’s, then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name”(Breakfast at Tiffany’s, pg.9). This again shows another symptom of Narcissistic Personality Disorder which includes preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, and beauty. Holly Golightly shows that she fantasizes about the high class feeling of having a home that makes her feel like the Tiffany’s jeweler store. From each event, entertaining multiple men in order to gain, failing to be able to maintain serious relationships and the fantasies of high class living arrangements that make her feel like Tiffany’s, this falls in under another symptom of Narcissistic Personality Disorder in which the patient feels an over exaggerated feeling of self-importance.

Conclusion

Within the story of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, there have been multiple events in which Holly Golightly showed multiple symptoms in relation to Narcissistic Personality Disorder. According to the DSM-V, the person may experience moderate to extreme impairment in personality functioning manifested by characteristic difficulties in 2 or more of the following 4 areas: Identity, Empathy, Self-Direction, Intimacy (Ambardar, 2019). Holly Golightly showed 2 out of those 4 areas which includes empathy: not being able to understand others feelings and Intimacy: Holly Golightly being unable to maintain serious intimate relationships. This means that Holly Golightly may be suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder from the signs and symptoms from each event stated from the story. Holly Golightly may have manifested symptoms that may lead to a diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Work Cited

1. Ambardar, S., MD. (2019, February 02). Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Retrieved April 23, 2019, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1519417-overview#a6
2. Ambardar, S., MD. (2018, May 16) What are the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)? Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com /answers/ 1519417-101764/what-are-the-dsm-5diagnostic-criteria-for-narcissistic-personality-disorder-npd American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth edition. 2013.
3. Campbell, W. K., & Miller, J. D. (2011). The Handbook of Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Theoretical Approaches, Empirical Findings, and Treatments. John Wiley & Sons.
4. Livesley, W. J. (2001). Handbook of Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment. Guilford Press.
5. Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Exploitative. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploitative
6. Rafferty, F. (2017). Narcissistic Personality Disorder: How to Handle People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
7. Sperry, L. (2016). Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM-5 Personality Disorders: Assessment, Case Conceptualization, and Treatment, Third Edition. Routledge.

An individual who loves and accepts themselves is one thing, yet one who is in love with their appearance is another, someone of this nature is seen as narcissistic. The word narcissism originates from a Greek mythological figure named, Narcissus. Narcissus was a young, vain, self-absorbed man who fell in love with his reflection in the water. Being unable to turn away from the beauty of his very own reflection, he eventually died by the waterside (Brummelman, et al., 2015). However, the more extreme form of narcissism is called Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). A rare uncommon mental condition that affects only 1 percent of the population. According to the American Psychiatric Association (2012) DSM-IV and DSM-5 describe NPD as a “pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy”. Individuals who are diagnosed with NPD have characteristics that include, taking advantage of others for personal gain, exaggerating achievements, impaired ability to recognize the feelings of others and a sense of entitlement (American Psychiatric Association, 2012). Ever wonder where narcissism stems from? This paper will investigate the following topics: 1) parental factors that influence the development of a child (childhood & upbringing); 2) narcissism in adults, relationships & effects on daily life; 3) treatment for narcissistic personality disorder.

Parental factors influence the development of a child

Childhood trauma and parental factors may be an underlying cause for an individual to develop narcissistic behaviors that can progressively worsen one’s mentality in adulthood. Kohut (1977) proposed that a child’s development of self makes along two fundamental aspects: grandiose exhibitionism and idealization. Empathy is demonstrated by guardians who quickly and positively respond to their child, giving the child an ideal sense of self. Importantly, children first compellingly idolize their parents who they see as their role model which unconsciously influences their behavior. Horton, Bleau, & Drwecki, (2006) findings suggest that “Fruitful development of the two elements of oneself is encouraged by ”optimal frustrations” of the child by a parent’. “The frustrations are explicit occurrences in which a child is left without parental help or direction and is compelled to depend upon his or her very own resources” (p. 349). Likewise, there are two theories about the origins of narcissism in children demonstrated by Brummelman, et al., (2015): 1) The social learning theory (a big role in developing grandiose beliefs; i.e. parents who tend to overvalue, spoil and entitle the child that he or she is better than other children, result in them growing up to be narcissistic); 2) Psychoanalytic theory; when guardians express little affection, gratefulness, and positive effect toward their child, the child may put themselves on a platform to attempt to get from others the endorsement they did not get from their parents.

Factors contributing to narcissistic behaviors in adults

The quest rises concerning where the extreme need for admiration of narcissistic personality disorder comes from. One fundamental suspicion is that the adult narcissist was spoiled as an adolescent by parents who offered over the top fulfillment. Having grown up with this establishment of luxury, the individual continues expecting and to demand this kind of fulfillment as an adult. As posed by Cramer (2011) another reason for admiration is “insufficient early gratification” (p. 19). The adult who has encountered not enough satisfaction as a child will be a person who wants over the top admiration from others to repay for the absence of it mentally when a child.

Effects on life: Relationships

Those diagnosed with NPD tend to not have healthy relationships with people in their lives because they do not have the capacity to reciprocate traits such as trust and regard, especially since they lack empathy. Additionally, discoveries have connected narcissism to relational hostility, obsessive gambling, uncontrollable spending habits, and substance abuse (Miller & Campbell, 2010). Individuals who are narcissistic generally take part in risky behaviors, like, poly-substance misuse or unprotected sex without thinking of the consequences that follow their choices. (Dudeck, et al., 2007).

Treatment

Along with other personality disorders, NPD can not be cured but can be treated with psychotherapy. Callaghan, Summers & Weidman (2003) specifies psychotherapy as type of “interpersonal therapy that utilizes essential social ideals to indicate the procedure of clinical change as a component of the therapeutic relationship” (p. 323). It is particularly useful with patients issues that are relational in nature. Since personality disorders are not curable, talk therapies and medication help an individual ease their issues.

Conclusion

In summary, the development of narcissistic personality disorder is rooted in childhood from teaching styles demonstrated by parents. In fact, parents are the foundation and role model to the child that shape the way the mind is framed.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association (2012) DSM-IV and DSM-5 Criteria for the personality disorders [PDF file]. Retrieved from http://www.psi.uba.ar/academica/carrerasdegrado/psicologia/sitios_catedras/practicas_profesionales/820_clinica_tr_personalidad_psicosis/material/dsm.pdf
2. Brummelman, E., Thomaes, S., Nelemans, S. A., Castro, B. O., Overbeek, G., & Bushman, B. J. (2015). Origins of narcissism in children. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112 (12) 3659-3662. doi:10.1073/pnas.1420870112
3. Callaghan, G. M., Summers, C. J., & Weidman, M. (2003). The treatment of histrionic and narcissistic personality disorder behaviors: A single-subject demonstration of clinical improvement using functional analytic psychotherapy. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy,33(4), 321-339. doi:10.1023/b:jocp.0000004502.55597.81
4. Cramer, P. (2011). Young adult narcissism: A 20-year longitudinal study of the contribution of parenting styles, preschool precursors of narcissism, and denial. Journal of Research in Personality, 45(1), 19-28. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2010.11.004
5. Dudeck, M., Spitzer, C., Stopsack, M., Freyberger, J, H. & Barnow, S. (2007) Forensic inpatient male sexual offenders: The impact of personality disorder and childhood sexual abuse, The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 18 (4), 494-506, doi: 10.1080/14789940701491495
6. Horton, R. S., Bleau, G., & Drwecki, B. (2006). Parenting Narcissus: What are the links between parenting and narcissism? Journal of Personality,74(2), 345-376. doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.2005.00378.x
7. Kohut, H. (1977). The restoration of self. Madison, CT: International Universities Press.
8. Miller, J., and Campbell, W.K. (2010). The case for using research on trait narcissism as a building block for understanding narcissistic personality disorder. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 1 (3), 180-19 [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/604d/c2b3e11a06fe63a4a0ccd4bca5b7182e9800.pdf

The movie that I decided to do for my character analysis paper is one of Walt Disney’s Classics: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. In Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, there is a queen who wishes for a child with great beauty. Not too long after, she has a beautiful daughter with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony, and she is named Snow White. The queen dies giving birth, and a year later, the king gets remarried. The new queen has an obsession with being the fairest of all, so she asks her magic mirror who the fairest person is. At first, the mirror says that the queen is. However, as Snow White grows and becomes more beautiful, she is said to be the fairest. The queen becomes enraged and jealous, so she orders the huntsman to kill Snow White. However, the huntsman takes pity and lets her escape into the woods. Snow White wanders through the forest until she finds the house of the seven dwarfs. Grumpy he has the biggest nose of the dwarfs and is frequently seen with one eye shut, Happy is the joyous dwarf, Dos is the leader of the seven dwarfs, he wears glasses and often mixes up his words. Sleepy is the dwarf who is always tired, Bashful is the shyest of the dwarfs, and Dopey is the only dwarf who does not have a beard, he is clumsy and mute. They allow her to stay after seeing her great beauty and they warn her of the evil Queen. The Queen eventually finds out that Snow White is alive, so she attempts to kill her three times. On the third attempt, Snow White falls completely dead but comes back to life while the Prince takes her with him. Snow White and the Prince have a wedding, At the end of the story, after being chased by the dwarfs, the Queen dies when she slips while climbing the mountain and falls into the sea.

Queen Grimhilde, also known as the Evil Queen is the stepmother of Snow White, a witch, and the sole ruler of Far Far Away. She dresses in a long sleeve purple gown, a floor-length black cape with a high white collar, and her golden crown. The queen always maintained her upright posture, eye contact, and a scornful facial expression. She was coherent in her responses and generally spoke in a slow articulate manner. The queen resided in her castle, which was previously owned by the widowed King Edward. The queen married King Edward and gained her royal position when his first wife died of an unknown cause. Twenty days into their marriage, the king also died resulting in the queen’s sole rule of the kingdom. Her only family member is her stepdaughter, Snow White, though she refuses to acknowledge their relationship and claims Snow White “has to disappear”. Every day after the queen wakes she goes up to her mirror and asks three questions. “Who is the fairest in the land, who despises her, and where there is anyone out there that could take over her status as queen”. For this project, I will be diagnosing the Evil Queen with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. A narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which someone needs attention to feel important and admired, feel that others are inferior to them. Self-focused and doesn’t care about others’ feelings. The queen believes that she is the fairest of them all and that she should get all the attention because of it. She uses her mirror constantly to make sure she is still the best, and she lacks empathy because she is willing to kill her stepdaughter to remain the fairest in the land. Her narcissistic personality means she is utterly devoted to her thirst for power, putting herself above all others, even to the extent that we never see her govern her kingdom. The queen is obsessed with beauty and her passion to be the fairest of all is what leads her to plan the murder of her stepdaughter without any remorse. She suffers intense delusions, staring into a mirror day after day, believing it speaks to her, reaffirming her belief that she is the most beautiful person in her kingdom. Intense paranoia also has its grip on the queen; she forces Snow White to become a bedraggled servant just to maintain her status and cannot shut out her doubts when her stepdaughter encounters the prince. When the queen found out that Snow White was “the fairest of them all” it made her envious and inconsiderate. As the magic mirror continued to tell her how beautiful she was she became more and more self-centered. She was very upset to find out there was someone more beautiful than she was.

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

The feeling of being admired naturally makes us feel good and important. It is a natural trait to boast and brag on yourself but if people describe your personality as cocky, manipulative, and demanding you may be suffering from a narcissistic personality disorder. This is a disorder that affects about 1% of the population, with a greater commonness in men than women. A narcissistic personality disorder is defined as a boosted sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a great need for admiration. A narcissistic personality disorder is an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NDP) is a type of personality disorder in which individuals are described as being extremely preoccupied with themselves. These individuals are also focused on things such as power, prestige, personal adequacy, and vanity. Individuals with NDP lack empathy for others and believe that they are superior to other people. The word ‘narcissism’ comes from a Greek myth in which a handsome young man named Narcissus sees his reflection in a pool of water and falls in love with it, not aware that it is his image.

Although, narcissism should not be confused with high confidence and high self-esteem. People with self-esteem tend to be more humble and empathetic whereas people with NDP are very cocky and self-centered. It was thought to believe that individuals suffering from NPD have high self on the surface, but deep down are insecure. Living with NDP negatively affects your everyday life. In the sense of unhappiness with life and disappointed when others are not admiring you or giving you special treatment and attention. Work, personal, and social relationships are likely suffering. Individuals with NDP are unable to realize the damaging effects their behavior is causing themselves and others. Symptoms of this type of disorder include having an exaggerated sense of self-importance, and expecting to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it. Exaggerating your achievements and talents, being preoccupied with fantasia about success, power, brilliance, and beauty. Believing that you are superior and can only be understood by or associated with equally special people, requiring constant admiration, having a sense of entitlement, expecting special favors, and unquestioning compliance with your expectations. Taking advantage of others to get what you want, having an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others. Being envious of others and believing others envy you, and behaving arrogantly. Risk factors include learning manipulative behaviors from parents or guardians, unpredictable or unstable caregiving from parents or guardians neglect, and emotional abuse during childhood. Excessive praise and overindulgence, and a lack of affection, attention, and or praise during childhood. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is diagnosed based on signs and symptoms since personality disorders cannot be diagnosed by lab tests. Diagnosis also involves a psychological evaluation that may or may not include filling out questionnaires. People may also have a physical exam to see if there is a physical problem that is causing the symptoms. As for treatments, there are no medications used specifically to treat narcissistic personality disorder. But however if a person has symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other conditions, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed. The most common method of treatment for NDP is psychotherapy, which is a way of treating mental health problems in which the individual talks with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health providers. Some types of therapy that may be helpful include cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Cognitive behavior therapy helps with family explore conflicts, communication, and problem-solving to deal with NPD. Lastly, group therapy helps individuals learning how to listen to others and care for their feelings. For example, Mr. T is a 26-year-old who has been suffering from depression and anxiety and is currently engaged in psychotherapy. Mr. T is an overachiever who excels in academics, thus acquiring a seat at Princeton and later Oxford University. Mr. T prides himself on his appearance and thinks that he is better looking than his peers. During his first therapy session, Mr. T brings copies of his curriculum and his medical school essays and insists that his therapist reads them. He then goes on to state “I’m different from most of your clients”. He also asks the therapist “Exactly how long have you been doing this? You look young like you could be my age. I took quite a few advanced courses in psychology at Princeton. Where did you go to medical school again?” In later sessions, Mr. T talks about his contempt for his medical school professors, classmates, and his school’s curriculum. He believes that his professors are not very bright and that their understanding of the topics is very shallow. He then goes on to recount an experience in which he knew an answer to a question that his professor did not. He then states that he believes that the teacher is jealous of how much he knows. Mr.T has very few friends because he thinks many people are not close to his intellectual and physical standards. He is also very selfish and self-absorbed. He fails to notice or understand others’ points of view.

In conclusion, Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterized by extreme feelings of self-importance and superiority. Symptoms include excessive feelings of self-importance, feelings of rage when criticized, exaggeration of talents and achievements, need for attention and admiration, and many others. Risk factors include learning manipulative behaviors from guardians, unstable childhood, etc. NDP has no definite cause of prevention. Diagnosis is usually made from psychological evaluations and questionnaires. The only form of treatment at the moment is psychotherapy.

Introduction to Narcissism in ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’

The Picture of Dorian Gray follows the protagonist, Dorian Gray, as he lives his life youthfully. Throughout the novel, Dorian leads an obsessive and reckless life in an effort to maintain his youth and beauty. As a result, a painting done by Basil Hallward takes on Dorian Gray’s aging. Dorian becomes obsessed with his eternal youth and displays a narcissistic personality. This aspect of Dorian’s personality is prominent throughout the novel. It can be argued that Dorian’s personality is similar to that of Oscar Wilde. Throughout the novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, there is the main belief that Dorian Gray is a narcissist. Subconsciously, it can be debated that Oscar Wilde reveals his very own Narcissistic Personality Disorder as he wrote Dorian Gray’s character.

Defining Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder, also known as Narcissism, is characterized by patterns of strong grandiosity. “Grandiosity produces a sense of unlimited power and intelligence and the feeling that only successful, high-status persons are worthwhile as friends and associates” (Prerost 1265). This reveals a strong tendency to overestimate one’s abilities and accomplishments, producing an “exaggerated sense of self-importance” while constantly bragging and speaking of themselves (Prerost 1265). According to the American Psychiatric Association, this destructive disorder has been known to begin “by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts,” (669).

Although Narcissistic Personality Disorder does not have a definitive source to causation, it is believe to be caused by genetics, the environment, or neurobiology. Genetics entails inherited characteristics while neurobiology has to deal with the connection between the brain, behavior, and thinking. The environment involves either excessive or lacking adoration between child and parent (Mayo Clinic staff). People with this disorder tend to expect others to allot them their undivided attention and admiration. Narcissists believe they are entitled to power, beauty, unlimited success, and more regardless of their actions (Prerost 1264).

Although one who may exhibiting symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is very confident, they are secretly withholding a fragile self-esteem. According to the Mayo Clinic, Narcissists “have trouble handling anything they perceive as criticism” (Mayo Clinic Staff). This low self-esteem can result in shame, insecurity, humiliation at even the slightest criticism, or if they feel that they have not reached perfection. People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder can easily feel slighted and have difficulty controlling their behaviors and emotions. Those affected may show signs of impatience and/or anger when they do not receive special treatment. In the event of someone else making themselves out to be superior, Narcissists tend to respond with rage or contempt, wanting to belittle that person (Mayo Clinic Staff). According to the American Psychiatric Association, all diagnosed with this disorder, “fifty to seventy-five percent are male” (671).

Oscar Wilde’s Personal Connection to Dorian Gray’s Narcissism

These guiding characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder can, in fact, be seen in the life of Oscar Wilde. On October 16, 1854, Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde was born in Dublin, Ireland to Anglo-Irish Protestants. Wilde’s flamboyance “of his name was a portent of things to come” (Theunissen). His father, William, was a surgeon while his mother, Jane, involved herself with poetry and Irish Nationalism (Roden 80). William had been involved in numerous love affairs during the course of his marriage. This resulted in numerous scandals as he fathered several illegitimate children. In 1871, Oscar Wilde left is home life after having won a scholarship to attend Trinity College in Dublin (Theunissen).

The Influence of Wilde’s Life on Dorian Gray’s Character

After his time at Trinity College, Oscar Wilde won another scholarship to attend Oxford University. During Wilde’s time at Oxford, Oscar began to explore his own ideas on poetry and aestheticism. Wilde would expand “his own theories on art and life” (Roden 81). During Wilde’s time at Oxford University, he was known to have expensive tastes. Oscar would fill his room with Lilies and use his father’s money to upgrade his room to his liking. Wilde had done this so much so because he believed, “I find it harder and harder every day to live up to my blue china” (Theunissen). Wilde’s extravagant lifestyle was further impacted in April of 1876 when his father died. Despite this, Oscar was able to gift himself with impressive vacations around Europe. In order to comfort his worried mother about the family’s finances and his expensive spending, Oscar assured her that “we have genius – that is something attorneys can’t take away” (Theunissen).

Wilde’s Narcissism Reflected Through Dorian Gray

Still, in financial debt, Wilde traveled to America for a series of lecture tours in order to create an income (Theunissen). After returning home, he took advantage of the attention he received by becoming an essayist and editor (Roden 81). Despite these successes, Oscar still faced financial crisis. Wilde found that marriage could possibly solve his worries. After a year-long courtship to Constance Lloyd, the daughter of a prosperous lawyer, they married in May of 1884. After acquiring his wife’s money, the couple bought a four-story home in London. This resulted in immediate debt after remodeling the home. After fathering two boys, Cyril and Vyvyan, Wilde left on a British Lecture Tour (Theunissen). Although he was married with sons, he was rumored to have been a homosexual. During his absence from home, Wilde “began exploring relationships with men, as London offered a homosexual world in which Wilde could further push the limits of sensual experience” (Roden 81). Out of Wilde’s numerous relations, his liaison with Lord Alfred Douglas, or “Boise”, is one that is perhaps most notably known. Their relationship was not approved of in the slightest by Bosie’s father, The Marquis of Queensbury. Bosie’s father was “determined to bring down Wilde” after finding that his son had turned away from his studies at Oxford (Theunissen). After verbal threats and accusations such as a “posing sodomite”, Wilde confidently went to the police station in Marlborough to obtain a warrant for the arrest of Bosie’s father on account of libel (Theunissen). This led to a public trial in which Wilde was charged with “gross indecency” and sentenced to two years of hard labor in prison (Roden 81).

A few years following his release from prison, Wilde had died of “acute, inoperable cerebral meningitis” (Theunissen). While familiarizing oneself with Narcissistic Personality Disorder and the life of Oscar Wilde, one can seen that Wilde had suffered from the disorder. No matter any disorder, there must be an event or factor of one’s life that set the disorder into motion. For Wilde being a male, he was more likely to have the disorder since fifty to seventy-five percent of those diagnosed are males (American Psychiatric Association 671). His childhood could most likely have been the causation of the disorder. Because his father was never home and there was, Wilde most likely experienced a “disturbed parent-child attachment” (Prerost 1264).

This failure of attachment could have been the leading cause because the relationship lacked a healthy and proper foundation. As Wilde grew older, his symptoms were first seen in how he lived his life and became clear indicators of the disorder. Due to his feelings of entitlement, he obtained and lived a grandiose lifestyle. By constantly revising his room in college and upgrading his home, he believed he deserved the best. He constantly felt the need to live up to the expensive items, such as his “blue china”, he held in possession (Theunissen). Even when his father passed away, Wilde still managed to find a way to treat himself and uphold his lavish lifestyle. After Wilde was married to Constance, it didn’t take long for him to fall into further debt due to his remodeling of their new home. A very profound aspect of his personality that reveals his Narcissism would be his confidence of character. When praising and posing himself as a genius, Wilde was portraying a common symptom of the disorder. His behavior of “self-references and bragging” is what brought him to become the center of attention along with his work (Prerost 1264).

Conclusion: The Intertwining of Creator and Creation

Wilde informed a New York customs officer upon arrival during one of his tours, “I have nothing to declare but my genius” (Theunissen). Wilde’s praising of his own genius is one of the very main defining characteristics of the disorder. Also, when Wilde was accused of sodomy by Bosie’s father, he was very quick to charge The Marquis of Queensbury with support from Boise himself (Theunissen). Wilde was so confident in himself that believed he would win the case. Even when faced with the severity of the case, Wilde “chose to wield his celebrated wit as his main defensive tool… He was often funny, but the implicit superiority in his position was also damaging” (Theunissen). Wilde clearly overestimated his ability to walk away from the case clear of any charges made against him even though he was facing serious sentencing. These instances in the life of Oscar Wilde clearly meet the criteria for one who is diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Oscar Wilde’s character, Dorian Gray, had the same defining disorder as Wilde himself. The character is indicative of Wilde’s own personality. Just as Dorian Gray was obsessed with his intelligence and looks, so was Oscar Wilde. Oscar Wilde lived an extravagant and grandiose life similar to that as his own character. Wilde most likely wrote Narcissistic Personality Disorder into Dorian Gray’s character through his subconscious, meaning that he unknowingly wrote it in. This disorder left Wilde “as the victim rather than the offender” (Roden 81).

Echo and Narcissus by Ovid a myth in his epic Metamorphoses Echo was a beautiful nymph who loved the wildlife. Something about Echo was she talked way too much; she would not shut up and would always have the last word. One day a nymph Juno was looking for her husband who was flirting with other nymphs behind her back which Echo knew. She was able to stall Juno so the nymphs could escape because she didn’t want them to get shunned. The bad thing is Juno ended up finding out that Echo was basically protecting his cheating husband and nymphs. Juno casted a sentence to Echo saying that she would only be able to say the last word she hears; she will never be able to speak first.

Later that day, Echo saw a beautiful man, Narcissus. She instantly fell in love with him and wished that she could talk to him, but she couldn’t until he talked first. Until one day he got separated from a group he was in and shouted if anyone was there and Echo was able to only reply with ‘here’. Narcissus was confused and looked around because he didn’t see anybody there. Once again he said “Let us join one another where Echo came out of where and jumped into his arms until Narcissus told her he would rather die than to her have him. He eventually ended up leaving her, as for Echo she went into the woods to hide in a cave filled with grief. Soon her form faded from all the grief she was endeavoring till her bones changed into rocks and all there was left was her voice. Narcissus shunned all the other nymphs.

One day a maiden said a prayer that he might feel what it was to love and meet no return of affection. The day of, Narcissus was looking for water to drink from being tired of hunting. He came across a clear fountain to take a drink and saw his own reflection. He kept looking at the image amazed by how beautiful the person was in the reflection. He instantly fell in love with himself. He couldn’t tear himself away where he lost the thought of food, rest, and his beauty. He eventually died and the water nymphs mourned him, so they prepared to have a funeral for him. They were going to burn his body, but his body was nowhere to be found but where his body was, there was a purple flower surrounded by white leaves that preserves the memory of Narcissus.

The word narcissism has been around since ancient Greece. The only difference is narcissistic personality disorder was discovered in the last 50 years. Many psychoanalysts looked at narcissism but never concluded it could turn out to be a disorder. In 1968, a psychoanalyst Heinz Kohut had a theory of self-psychology. According to a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, “it suggested that narcissism was a normal and essential aspect of development and that difficulties with early ‘self-object’ relationships could lead to challenges in maintaining an adequate sense of self-esteem later in life, contributing to narcissistic disorders” (Cherry par. 12). It wasn’t until 1980 where NPD was officially on the radar of mental conditions. It was put in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorder since it was finally acknowledged.

A narcissistic personality disorder is one of many personality disorders to be known to mankind. It is described as a “mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others” (Mayo Clinic par. 1). Many people think of narcissistic people to always be full of themselves where nothing can get through them but that is all false. When that person is alone behind the mask, they are a very delicate and vulnerable person. Not treating this disorder can lead to serious complications. It could lead to relationship difficulties, depression, drug use, and suicidal acts. Everybody has some narcissism associated with them, but some symptoms are being inconsiderate about other people’s feelings, monopolizing conversations, and believing they are superior in any situation presented. It has been said that NPD is linked to environmental factors, genetics, and neurobiology.

The environment someone grows up in plays a major role in developing a narcissistic personality disorder. According to the University of Minnesota, “The environment can influence people’s behavior, motivation to act, and influence their mood” (par. 5-6). The way that environment can be influential is by family members or friends. A doctor emphasized some phases, “learning manipulating behavior from parents or peers, being excessively praised for good behavior and excessively criticized for bad behavior, being excessively admired with no realistic feedback to balance you with reality, and suffering from severe childhood abuse” (Gregory par. 8). Being excessively praised for good behavior and criticized for the bad behavior is the biggest one to take full effect. Many parents either praise or criticize their child too much no matter how little or big the thing they did. Children start to get this idea that they are the best, that nobody can tell them what is right and wrong because their parents always told them they did an amazing job for whatever cause. As for the criticizing, the child will develop the feeling that they’re nothing where they’ll get this idea that they need to prove themselves. They’ll think that they need to do things better than everybody else around them.

It has been said that narcissistic personality disorder can be genetic. There was a study done in China with 304 pairs of twins. They had to complete the Narcissistic Grandiosity Scale which is a measure to recognize narcissism from high self-esteem. Three psychologists found, “grandiosity (23%) to be moderately heritable” (Lou, Cai, and Song par. 1). The dimension of intrapersonal grandiosity was found to be very independent from its genetic origin. Not to mention, everybody knows that genetics are heritable. “Each person has 22 pairs of chromosomes… there are actually two copies of each gene, one paternal in origin and the other maternal. We also get one sex chromosome from each parent, for a total of 46 chromosomes” (ASHG sec. 2). That states that no matter what we get an equal number of genes from our parents that develops someone’s looks, but their personality.

The brain has been known to cause disorders. There are structural abnormalities of the brain that has a section for empathy. An Assistant Managing Editor at Live Science said, “Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to scan the brains of 34 people, including 17 individuals who suffer from a narcissistic personality disorder, and found that pathological narcissists have less gray matter in a part of the cerebral cortex called the left anterior insula” (Chow par. 2). That left anterior insula of the brain is bound with the formation of compassion and empathy. The brain is a big development of the personality. It controls movement, deals with feelings, and does the thinking. Narcissistic personality disorder can develop due to the brain lacking empathy due to being able to understand and comprehend peoples’ feelings. Especially when the person only cares about themselves.

Imagine meeting someone who, at first, seems like an amazing individual, supremely confident, telling you things that’d easily make your heart soar. Cool right? But, after a while, things start to slowly go south for the relationship, and you, for the first time, get to see them for who they truly are, someone who thinks the universe revolves around them, and when threatened or criticized in the slightest degree, (due to their extremely fragile self-esteem,) can either explode with a rather volatile intensity or drop you like you never meant anything to them at all. A master manipulator and an ace at the art of persuasion, someone diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder can either lift your feelings up high or slam them down in the dirt depending on their each and every whim. How does a normal person become so self-absorbed?

Thesis: Even though it is unknown exactly what causes narcissistic personality disorder many researchers think that Even though some researchers think that, especially in cases involving biologically and culturally vulnerable pre-disposed children and teens(nature vs Nurture), some, parenting styles may have an impact, especially those that areprove overprotective, strict, possibly even borderline neglectful, may have an impact.

It is unknown what causes narcissistic personality disorder given that, as with personality development and with other mental health disorders, the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is likely complex.

In According to their Joint publication of “PHYSIOLOGICAL AND HEALTH-RELATED CORRELATES OF THE NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY,” Konrath and Bonadonna, thoroughly review and analyze the physiological and health-related tendencies/risks associated with someone who suffers from a narcissistic personality, they also explore and examine the “behind the scenes” traits, complications and behavioral outcomes of this disorder.

There are a wide range of signs, symptoms, or evenand peculiar behaviors for those who suffer from narcissistic personality disorder. Some of these symptoms and behaviors can be seen as vain, or “prissy,” while others, in rare cases, can be seen as quite comical. For example Most People can remember a time in their lives when they themselves or someone they knew would tell a wildly exaggerated story a ‘tall tale’ if you will, and their part in said story, definitely wasn’t “Small.”

Narcissistic people believe themselves to be highly superior to others and often believe that they should only come into contact with people who are equally superior. If we didn’t know any better, and if better, if we met a narcissist in person, we’d immediately label them as ‘Stuck up’ or perhaps even just plain rude.

Another ‘trait’ or ‘symptom’ if you will, is that they can be extremely charming as well as often being able to easily and can often manipulate you into doing anything and everything they want, which in itself is a very scary thought, seeing as they can and WILLCAN AND WILL try to possibly manipulate or and persuade you if given the chance. They’ll often, (when interested in you, or something that you can do for them,) try and succeedto succeed in making you feel awesome, special, important, and like you mean something to them. But you should watch out for this, because the moment you cease to be use full to them, they’ll proceed to drop you without a care in the world.

People afflicted with this type of personality disorder tend to have difficulty when trying to control their behavior and emotions, for example, they enjoy messing with your mind to keep you off-balanced, making you feel insecure, and forcing you to always be on your toes. However, they often hide how they really feel, and as such, have an extremely fragile sense of self-esteem and self-worth, but beware, if you or something/someone else criticizes or else threatens them in any way, they’ll often ‘Bite-Back’ with a terrifyingly volatile response, so it’s best not to anger them in any way. When someone, verbally attacks your self-confidence, it hurts right? Well, with a narcissist, that hurt factor is multiplied exponentially, meaning it often results in the complete and total destruction of their self-esteem. With that being said, most people don’t realize that someone is a narcissist until it is too late.

The Self depreciatory risks associated with narcissism are many and often very sad. They can have difficulty maintaining a steady relationship, often leading to depression followed by anxiety, causing them to retreat deep within a protective shell and to lash out with verbal, sometimes even physical abuse when threatened. As was stated earlier in this passage, they have an extremely fragile sense of self-esteem which when threatened, can lead to suicidal thoughts followed by volatile/violent behavior.

Since very little is known about what causes narcissism, there is no known way to prevent it,(Given that, as with personality development and with other mental health disorders, the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is highly likely to be complex.) Even though the previous is true, many people have come up with ways they believe could help those who struggle with narcissism. For example, some think that it may help to participate in group therapy to relieve stress and problems. Others seem to think it may also help if they participated in self-esteem-building activities. Still, it may take quite a long time before we truly understand what exactly causes narcissism, but it is possible that, in the near future, we may develop new insight and discover new ways to further our research into personality disorders like this one.

• Even though there may be temporary fixes or even temporary cures, it does pose one heavily weighted question. How do we prevent it
• Even though the previous is true, many people have come up with ways they believe could help those who struggle with narcissism. For example, some think that may help to participate in group therapy to relieve stress and problems. Others seem to think it may also help if they participated in self-esteem-building activities.

Look at me! I am prettier than you! I have better grades than you! Me me me me! I got a higher score on the SAT than you! Omg isn’t my hair so nice! People’s contemplations, feelings, and mentalities toward things are all a chunk of our identity. A great many people with a solid characteristics are effectively ready to coexist with their friends or the general population around them. There are as of now ten personality issues perceived by the public. A narcissistic personality disorder is defined as “a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others” (mayoclinic.org). Individuals diagnosed with this disorder are persuaded of their own significance; regardless of whether it be their prosperity, creative ability, or excellence. They require consistent consideration and profound love from the general population around them. However, behind this veil of extraordinary confidence lies a delicate individual that is helpless against the vaguest judgment.

Normal and healthy narcissism is versatile and humane since it causes delight and satisfaction. It encourages people to work each day because they need reverence and consideration as well as love and success. However, we as a whole infrequently experience an absence of empathy and it should be noted that individuals like having potential and control. Moreover, it is normal for somebody showing ordinary narcissist qualities to offend us or push our limits. This is typical and we may categorize these encounters as somebody being childish, forceful, or self-absorbed. This would be classified into the narcissistic trait segment. Further, along the spectrum is an unhealthier narcissism called narcissistic personality disorder. This is not a psychological sickness, but rather an intense form of narcissism. While the majority of the features of narcissistic personality disorder might be available, this sort of narcissism is considered inside the expected scope of character. An individual may seem off-putting, in light of the fact that they feel better than others. They may have zero sympathies with the emotions, conditions, circumstances, or states of others. Or then again they could feel qualified for the best of everything, while at the same time looking down on the individuals who show reverence for them.

Signs and side effects of narcissistic personality disorder and the seriousness of indications fluctuate. Some of which are: Having an excessive sense of self-care and importance. Have a feeling of privilege and require steady, over-the-top admiration. Hope to be perceived as prevalent even without achievement. Be engrossed with dreams about success, control, smartness, excellence, or the ideal mate. Believe they are superior and can only correlate with equally special, high-class people. Hoard discussions and disparage or look down on individuals they see as mediocre. Exploit others to get what they need. Have a reluctance to perceive the requirements and opinions of others. Assume that others envy them. Demand having the best of everything — for example, the best vehicle or office. The US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health had generated a study. “This examination inspected the level of correspondence between two evaluations for narcissistic personality disorder in a blended clinical and network test, one using a self-diagnosis measure (Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4) and the other utilizing clinical decisions got from an assessment dependent on the longitudinal, master, all data (LEAD) methodology” (mayoclinic.org). Narcissistic personality disorder scores showed moderate assembly for the absolute scores however frail convergence for the individual criteria.

The creators likewise analyzed the connects made by each arrangement of narcissistic personality disorder scores utilizing Cloninger’s Temperament and Character Inventory. The narcissistic personality disorder scores showed regions of assembly (e.g., Cooperativeness, Self-directedness) and dissimilarity (i.e., Harm Avoidance, Novelty Seeking) with these identity scores. These divergences might be because of the wording of specific things on the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 NPD scale, which may require revamping on the chance that it is to give an evaluation that is all the more very focalized with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders NPD develop. The recognition of narcissistic personality disorder is normally decided through clinical assessment of the individual. Narcissistic personality disorder was characterized by the DSM-5, as imperative disabilities in nature functioning. For example, looking unreasonably to others for the guideline of confidence, seeing oneself as remarkable, having weakened compassion, and having, for the most part, shallow connections and the identifying characteristics of self-importance and attention. Unstable narcissism is nonadaptive, inflexible, and causes notable misery and practical impairment. These characteristics remain moderately stable after some time and are not brought about by illness, drugs, or an individual’s development stage. Research demonstrates that despite the fact that individuals with narcissistic personality disorder experience high confidence, it is additionally delicate and shaky. Their confidence fluctuates from minute to minute and every day. However, individuals with narcissistic personality disorder are bound to express their confidence as high as opposed to low. This proposes, despite the fact that individuals with narcissistic personality disorder portray themselves in positive terms, their nonconscious emotions are not really so certain. In this way, while it is usual to mention to a childish or arrogant individual as a narcissist, the mental definition is not just precise but on the other hand, is generally uncommon.

Do we ever truly know ourselves? Do others maybe have more superior attention to us than we do? Narcissists can become self-aware. This doesn’t necessarily mean it is common but some narcissists can process what it means. Although narcissists can become self-aware, they do not change who they are. Having an academic understanding of what something means does not necessarily change the essence of that thing. “When a narcissist becomes discerned that they are one, there is no emotional or uplifting effect on that person, even though they understand that they do not have empathy for others, they still do not feel anything because one cannot suddenly feel feelings that never existed in the first place” (Calling Out The Narcissist: Can Narcissists Be Self Aware, 2018). They can not perceive empathy as an emotion because they simply just do not have it. They can understand the concept of empathy and the foundation of narcissism but they can not understand the reality of how it associates with them. If information is told to a narcissist and this information has no emotional interpretation to them, they simply will not care and will not remember because it does not matter or affect them in any way, it means nothing to them. However, if the words are given an emotional connotation, it may have an effect on them in a subtle way. For example, telling a narcissist, “You are a narcissist and that is very bad”, this would have an impact on the narcissist.

The idea that being a narcissist is bad is what makes it have an influence on them. The accurate reason for narcissistic personality disorder is untold. It is perhaps a blend of qualities, early youth encounters, and mental variables. Early childhood risk encounters involve thoughtless nurturing, over-praising and spoiling, disapproval of someone for their mistakes, maltreatment, immense adoration. Other influences may include neurobiology, a malformation in the genes that cause the connection and relationship between the brain and the actions to be affected. One type of cure for narcissistic personality disorder is discussion therapy (psychotherapy). Drugs might be incorporated into the treatment in the event that the person might have other psychological health disorders. Psychotherapy can help create more intimate and enjoyable relationships. Other factors may include understanding what drives one mad and helps one understand their emotions. Zones of progress are coordinated at helping one; acknowledge duty and figure out how to keep up genuine individual connections and cooperation with associates, perceive and acknowledge one’s potential so they can endure reactions or disappointments, discharge longing for unattainable objectives and perfect conditions and increase an acknowledgment of what’s feasible and what is achievable. Treatment can be short-term to enable you to oversee times of pressure or emergency or can be given on a long-term spectrum to enable you to accomplish and keep up your objectives. Living with narcissistic personality disorder affects everyday life in a negative way. In general, it causes unhappiness and disappointment when not being admired or given special and over-the-top treatment. All sorts of relationships, work relationships, and personal relationships, are likely to ache. People with narcissistic personality disorder can’t understand the harming impacts their conduct is causing themselves as well as other people. In spite of the fact that there is no one answer to the subject of what causes narcissistic personality disorder, experts drew a conclusion that the sooner treatment starts, the better an individual’s possibility for an improved personal satisfaction.