What Makes Someone a Narcissist

The difference between narcissism and NPD that you need to know

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Have you ever encountered someone who seems to think highly of themselves, almost selfishly? Chances are you've met a narcissist. But what really makes a person narcissistic?

Is it an inherent trait they were born with, or does it develop over time due to life experience? There may be no single answer — narcissism can come from several different sources.

In this blog post, we'll examine the various causes of narcissism and how to recognize if someone close to you may have narcissistic tendencies. Ready to explore further into the depths of a mostly misunderstood personality disorder? Read on!

What Makes Someone a Narcissist?

Narcissists may commonly be perceived as enigmatic figures lurking in the shadows, seemingly easy to identify due to their immediate display of true colors.

In fact, everyone shows signs of narcissism sometimes, but this doesn't necessarily mean they have Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

However, the reality is quite different.

Narcissism can range from only having a few traits to more extreme cases similar to NPD. In other words, narcissists are people with a very complex psychological makeup. But socially, a narcissist can be someone who may be more far more self-absorbed than the average person.

Suggested Reading: Self-Esteem and Narcissism are More Different Than You May Think

High Narcissism ≠ Narcissist

First and foremost, it is crucial to remember that not everyone exhibiting high levels of narcissism can be classified as a narcissist.

Additionally, it is entirely plausible for individuals to possess narcissistic traits without meeting the criteria for a clinical diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder.

In fact, narcissistic traits can vary depending on the context and may not be consistent across all situations; it may depend on one's mood and the people near them.

Of course, narcissistic personality disorder is real, but it is not something that can be identified immediately.

Read More: Gaslighting May Be a Common Strategy for a Narcissist

What is NPD?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder, or NPD, is a mental health disorder that can severely affect someone's well-being and severely affect those around them.

A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and with lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood, as indicated by at least five of the following:

• Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements, expects to be recognized as superior without actually completing the achievements)
• Is preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, brilliance, beauty, or perfect love.
• Believes that they are "special" and can only be understood by or should only associate with other special people (or institutions).
• Requires excessive admiration.
• Has a sense of entitlement, such as an unreasonable expectation of favorable treatment or compliance with his or her expectations).
• Is exploitative and takes advantage of others to achieve their own ends.
• Lacks empathy and is unwilling to identify with the needs of others.
• Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of them.
• Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors and attitudes

Source: Narcissistic Personality Disorder, National Library of Medicine

Narcissistic personality disorder can only be diagnosed by a mental health professional; no online quiz can tell you.

Moreover, NPD is a mental health condition characterized by excessive self-importance and a lack of empathy for others.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder is crucial.

Breaking Down NPD

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is an extreme form of narcissism delineating from healthy narcissism. Typically, personality disorders are characterized by extreme behaviors that interfere with one's ability to function.

By breaking down the intricate nature of the symptoms, we can better understand NPD and how it may look.

Suggested Reading: Unmasking Narcissism: The Dirty Truth

Let's start by exploring grandiosity.

Grandiosity

Grandiosity can be understood as an inflated ego, an overestimation of one's greatness, importance, or ability.

This type of behavior is often characterized by an intense need for admiration and attention.

Those with NPD may often take advantage of others for personal gain, believing themselves superior and entitled to special treatment.

Sensitive to Perceived Criticism

Narcissists also tend to be highly sensitive to criticism and can become easily defensive when challenged. Aggression and violence in those with grandiose and vulnerable narcissism are driven by different motives, such as threats to self-esteem or fear of abandonment.

They may even lash out aggressively when criticized or confronted in any way. In fact, clinical narcissism, such as NPD, uses maladaptive coping strategies to protect the ego.

Entitlement

Narcissists tend to feel entitled, expecting preferential treatment regardless of their qualifications or behavior. They may demand respect by exploiting others or behaving inappropriately.

Those with narcissism may become frustrated when they don't get the special attention they believe they deserve. This may lead to feelings of entitlement and a belief that they are above the rules.

Lack of Empathy

Narcissists may find it challenging to empathize with others, as their primary focus is satisfying their needs and desires.

Their self-centered nature hinders their ability to connect with and understand the emotions and perspectives of those around them. NPD is characterized by dysfunctional empathy that can be influenced by various motivations and circumstances.

Takeaways

Overall, it is essential to remember that diagnosing someone with narcissistic personality disorder is impossible without engaging in a professional assessment. Furthermore, the critical components of this disorder can vary in intensity and prevalence from person to person.

Suggested Reading: Narcissism: A Normal Part of Development

There are subtypes of narcissism that can inform diagnosis. Still, more research is needed to understand the complex psychology underpinning such behavior. Narcissists are often seen as entirely or almost entirely self-serving.

As we continue our exploration of human behavior, it's important to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy narcissism.

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As originally posted on That Psych Nerd