An introduction to Narcissistic Personality Disorder …

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One of the hallmarks of early 21st century human behavior is turning out to be the elevation of self, individualism, and one’s own opinion even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Let’s face it, it’s easy to think of ourselves more highly than we should, and all of us know people who hold their selves and their opinions to be of greatest importance (at least to themselves).

This behavior isn’t new to our times. The Apostle Paul wrote in his day, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you,” Romans 12:3 (NASB).

There are some people, though, who go beyond thinking too highly of themselves or demonstrating subtle hints of narcissism, but actually suffer from what is diagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

SYMPTOMS
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), individuals with NPD exhibit at least five or more of the following symptoms:

    • A grandiose sense of self-importance.
    • Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
    • Belief that one is special and can only be understood by or associate with special people or institutions.
    • A need for excessive admiration.
    • A sense of entitlement (to special treatment).
    • Exploitation of others.
    • A lack of empathy.
    • Envy of others or the belief that one is the object of envy.
    • Arrogant, haughty behavior or attitudes.

Researchers at Mayo Clinic provide additional possible symptoms for those with NPD:

    • Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it.
    • Exaggerate achievements and talents.
    • Monopolize conversations and belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior.
    • Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best car or office.

The Mayo Clinic researchers also note people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder have trouble handling anything they perceive as criticism, and they can:

    • Become impatient or angry when they don’t receive special treatment.
    • Have significant interpersonal problems and easily feel slighted.
    • React with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make themselves appear superior.
    • 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 secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation.

Persons with NPD tend to be extraordinarily sensitive to criticism or experiences of defeat and can react with anger and disdain for others. Individuals with NPD who exhibit a sense of entitlement, displays of arrogance, and general lack of empathy for others often experience relational conflicts and/or distress resulting from such behaviors. And one researcher notes that although those with NPD are often high-achievers, the personality disorder can have a negative impact on performance (due to, for instance, one’s sensitivity to criticism).

CAUSE AND TREATMENT
A specific cause of NPD is not known, but researchers at Mayo Clinic note the following:

“As with personality development and with other mental health disorders, the cause of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is likely complex. Narcissistic Personality Disorder may be linked to:

    • Environment ― mismatches in parent-child relationships with either excessive adoration or excessive criticism that is poorly attuned to the child’s experience.
    • Genetics ― inherited characteristics.
    • Neurobiology — the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking.”

Treatment for NPD is usually psychotherapy.

SOME CLINICAL INSIGHTS
Clinical observations of my own, after more than 30 years of counseling, is that a person’s Temperament may have a great deal to do with an NPD diagnosis. There is one Temperament in particular that has all the behavioral traits primed to extend into narcissism, and perhaps NPD, and that is the Choleric temperament.

As with all temperaments, the Choleric has both strengths and weaknesses. Generally speaking, the Choleric is the “controller” temperament. The Choleric would rather have control over others, and will not tolerate control over himself. The Choleric can present as an engaging, socially enjoyable person in order to manipulate people and gain control. A Choleric temperament that is also compulsive could easily expand to exhibit the symptoms of a person with NPD.

If you are struggling with symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, let me encourage you to see a mental health professional as there is treatment for this difficult disorder.

Scotty