The Myth of Narcissism
Narcissus was a hunter in Greek mythology, son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. He was a very beautiful young man and many fell in love with him. However, he only showed them disdain and contempt. One day, while he was hunting in the woods, the Oread nymph Echo spotted him and immediately fell for him. When Narcissus sensed that someone was following him, Echo eventually revealed herself and tried to hug him. However, he pushed her off and told her not to disturb him. Echo, in despair, roamed around the woods for the rest of her life and wilted away until all it remained of her was an echo sound.
Nemesis, the goddess of retribution and revenge, learned what had happened and decided to punish Narcissus for his behavior. She led him to a pool. Upon seeing his reflection on the water for the first time, he became so enamored that he could not stop gazing at his image. He remained at the water’s edge until he eventually wasted to death.
Overview
It’s human nature to be selfish, egotistical and boastful sometimes, but true narcissists take it to an extreme. They likewise don’t esteem others’ emotions or thoughts and overlook others’ needs.
There’s a distinction between being self-absorbed — often called a narcissist — and having a narcissistic personality disorder. NDP is a mental illness.
What is a narcissistic personality disorder? What are its symptoms? How do you define narcissists? What is the treatment for this mental disorder? All of that we will know in detail in this article.
What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is one of several personality disorders. People with this condition have an inflated idea of themselves and a need for lots of attention from other people.
It’s more precise to say that individuals with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are in love with gaudy pictures of themselves. Furthermore, they’re infatuated with this expanded mental self-portrait decisively because it permits them to keep away from profound sensations of weakness. But propping up their delusions of grandeur takes a lot of work—and that’s where the dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors come in.
A narcissistic personality disorder isn’t the same as self-confidence or being self-absorbed.
The word 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.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and the severity of symptoms vary. People with the disorder can:
- Have an exaggerated sense of self-importance
- Have a sense of entitlement and require constant, excessive admiration
- Upset other people often
- The battle to keep relationships
- Put themself first
- Believe they’re special
- Set unrealistic goals
- Have wide, fast mood swings
- Have a hard time taking others’ feelings seriously
- Endeavor to win, whatever it takes
- Fantasize about limitless achievement, cash and force
- Think they know the “right” way
- Expect unique courtesies and unquestioning compliance with their expectations
- Exploit others to get what they need
- Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best mobile or house
- Become angry when they don’t receive extraordinary treatment
- Have significant interpersonal problems and easily feel slighted
- Respond with fury or hatred and attempt to disparage the other individual to cause themselves to seem predominant
- Have difficulty regulating emotions and behavior
- Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change
- Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection
- Have mystery sensations of instability, disgrace, weakness and embarrassment
- Think about themself most of the time and talk about themself a lot
Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
It’s not understood what causes narcissistic personality disorder. As with personality development and with other mental health disorders, the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is likely complex. Narcissistic personality disorder might be connected to:
- Environment,
- Mismatches in parent-child relationships with either excessive adoration or excessive criticism that is poorly attuned to the child’s experience.
- Unrealistic expectations from parents
- Sexual promiscuity (often accompanies narcissism)
- Social impacts
- Genetics, inherited characteristics
- Neurobiology, the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking.
Complications of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Complications of narcissistic personality disorder and other conditions that can occur along with it can include:
- Relationship difficulties
- Problems at work or school
- Depression and anxiety
- Physical health problems
- Drug or alcohol misuse
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Relationships
NPD causes problems in many areas of life and close relationships. These interpersonal issues are often driven by symptoms of NPD, including:
- Easily hurt
- Overreacts
- Can’t take criticism
- Makes excuses for own flaws or failings
- Refuses to take responsibility
- Attempts to sway or manipulate others
- Hyper competitive
- Only associates with people deemed to be on “their level”
- Reacts with rage
- Shames others
- Emotionally neglectful
- Doesn’t listen
- Interrupts often
Someone like this may appear to have high self-esteem, but sometimes the opposite is true. There may be a deep sense of insecurity underneath the grand exterior. Someone can be narcissistic and not have the disorder. They may be self-absorbed and hypercompetitive, but not to the extent that it disrupts their daily life.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Diagnosis
There are no lab tests to confirm a mental disorder. Many professionals use the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, a list of 40 questions that measure things such as how much attention and power someone craves.
Personality disorders are long-standing, ingrained, dysfunctional patterns of thinking, behaving and relating to other people. These signs can show up as early as age 8 when children start to become aware of how people react to them. People with narcissistic personality disorder tend not to perceive that they may have a mental health problem and thus may be less likely to seek evaluation or treatment.
A recent study at Ohio State University says many people readily admit to being a narcissist. But while narcissism may be common, a narcissistic personality disorder is rare.
It’s proven that people are often drawn to narcissists and find them attractive, charismatic and exciting. Confidence can be charming. Successful leaders often have narcissistic qualities.
Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Treatment for NPD primarily consists of talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy. If symptoms of NPD occur alongside depression or another mental health condition, then appropriate medications may be used to treat the other disorder. However, there are no medications to treat NPD.
Talk therapy can help you learn how to relate better to others so your relationships can become more enjoyable, intimate and rewarding. Developing positive interactions with other people can greatly improve various areas of your life.
The following lifestyle remedies may help you as you go through therapy:
- Avoid alcohol, drugs and other substances that trigger negative behaviors.
- Exercise at least three times per week to help boost mood.
- Engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Recovery from narcissistic personality disorder takes time. Stay motivated by keeping your recovery goals in mind and reminding yourself that you can work to repair damaged relationships to perhaps become more content with your life.
Living With Narcissistic Personality Disorder
If you have NPD, it may be tempting not to stick with treatment. Here are tips to seeing it through:
- Keep an open mind
- Focus on your goals and the rewards of treatment
- Keep your appointments and follow your doctor’s advice
- Get help for any addictions or other mental health problems
If you are living with or in a close relationship with a person with NPD, here are tips to taking care of yourself:
- Set boundaries
- Don’t get caught up in their way of viewing you
- Be prepared for the relationship to change
- Don’t take it personally
- Let go of any need for approval from the person with NPD
- Look for other people who will support you
- Look for other sources of meaning and fulfillment in your life
Kazmo Brain Center is a counseling center in Frisco, Texas specializing in mental health and will work with you toward a happier and more satisfying position. If you or your loved ones are facing Narcissistic Personality Disorder and you think that you need help, Request an appointment at the Kazmo Brain Center and we are here to help.
Resources:
www.webmd.com
mayoclinic.org
verywellmind.com
