June-FINAL

According to the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM) latest version of
NPD a person needs to present
five or more of the following
symptoms:
1. Has a grandiose sense of
self-importance (exaggerates
achievements and talents, expects
to be recognized as superior without
commensurate achievements).
One of the hardest situations is
finding yourself interested in or
romantically involved with a person
who has NPD. There is usually not a
“happy ending” in this relationship
as the complexity of their symptoms
will eventually keep them from
being able to have normal conflict
resolution when problems arise.
a way that seems distant or cold.
They will no longer embody the
person they were at the beginning
of the relationship. In the beginning
is when they usually “love bomb”
(shower their interest with grand
gestures, promises or words of
being soul mates, etc.) their partner.
This can be an incredibly painful
2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of
success, power, brilliance beauty
or the ideal mate.
We live in a time where we are
encouraged to do what makes us
happy no matter the cost. With
this selfish mentality comes some
confusion. How can we tell the
difference between a person who
has self-absorbed tendencies
versus a person who is a narcissist?
To understand in full how to
differentiate between the two, I
think we need to discuss why it’s
important to actually have some
narcissistic traits.
During adolescence, having a
level of self-absorbed confidence
helps us come into our own. It
builds strength and teaches us
perseverance. It’s normal to have
selfish traits when we’re teenagers
because we’re learning who we are
and trying to stand out from the
shadows of our peers. However,
once adulthood has been reached
and a person finds it difficult
to create lasting friendships/
relationships, this could be a telltale
sign that there is something more
serious going on.
The symptoms of NPD (narcissistic
personality disorder) can be so
severe that they will always interfere
with your personal and professional
life because there is an inability
to recognize the needs of anyone
other than yourself. People who
are narcissists may find it difficult
to remain in the same place for too
long. Often they will find themselves
needing to relocate to avoid the
confrontations they’ve created at
work, with friends or in relationships
due to these narcissistic symptoms.
NPD is rare or may be perceived
as being rare due to the lack of
people who seek treatment for it.
It is a psychological disorder that
can be difficult to diagnose since
admitting to having these traits
would go against a narcissist’s
natural tendency to think highly of
themselves. It would mean having
to admit there is wrong doing on
their end and a need to rectify their
actions toward others. NPD affects
more males than females and can
begin during the teen years or
early adulthood.
3. Believes that he or she is
“special” and unique and can only
be understood or associate with
those who are just as special or
who are of a high-status.
4. Requires excessive admiration
especially by people in the
workplace and their current love
interest.
5. Has a sense of entitlement or
unreasonable expectations of
receiving favorable treatment or
automatic compliance with his or
her expectations.
6. Is interpersonally exploitative
or takes advantage of others to
achieve his or her own ends.
7. A lack of empathy and
unwillingness to recognize or
identify with the feelings and
needs of others.
8. Is envious or believes others are
envious of them.
9. Shows arrogant, haughty
behavior or attitudes.
They have a need for something
called NS (narcissistic supply). This
is the admiration, attention or
flirtation etc. they will receive from
a current suitor at the beginning of
a relationship. A person with NPD
will usually present themselves in a
charming, confident manner that will
appeal to and attract the opposite
sex. They usually will put their best
foot forward in the beginning to
receive the NS they need to ensure
their grandiose sense of self. At the
same time they will set this person
on an impossible pedestal to live
up to. Since a narcissist is unable to
take any type of criticism or show
empathy towards another’s needs,
the new relationship will come to
the same inevitable end as the rest.
When the narcissist has reached
the point of wanting out of a
relationship it is typical for them to
simply stop all communication in
and confusing situation to find
yourself in. There is usually a trail of
emotional destruction a narcissist
will leave behind them. If you take
the time to look at the red flags in
the beginning you may be able to
avoid this situation altogether.
It can be difficult and painful
dealing with someone with NPD as
well as being a person who has NPD
since the road is usually a lonely
one. If you believe you or someone
you know may have this disorder
the best route is to seek the help
of a medical professional. As of
now there is no medication to help
this disorder, but self-awareness
and therapy, along with medicine
for any depression or anxiety that
may accompany the disorder, could
prove to be very helpful.
Article by: Jessica Martin
42 AM I A NARCISSIST?
AM I A NARCISSIST?
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