NARCISSISM
Excessive interest and admiration of oneself

The term Narcissism comes from a character in Greek mythology, called Narcissus. He saw his reflection in a pool of water and fell in love with it.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is characterized by a long-standing pattern of grandiosity either in fantasy or actual behavior.

FACTS

• Narcissistic personality disorder affects more males, (7.7%) than females, (4.8%).
• Narcissism often begins during adolescence or early adulthood.
• NPD rates are much higher among black men and women, Hispanic women, younger adults.
• People who either never got married or divorced, widowed, or separated are more prone to NPD.

TRAITS
People with NPD are typically quite fragile underneath the surface.
Behind the mask of extreme confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

• Have very low self-esteem
• Have a deep sense of insecurity underneath the grand exterior.
• Want others to be envious, but often are the jealous one.
• Are competitive and threatened by others’ achievements.
• Often have stormy and short relationships.
• Leave a trail of hurt feelings in their wake.
• Are easily hurt, but either choose to not show it or overreact in rage.
• Can’t stand criticism.
• Make excuses and refuse to take responsibility for their flaws and failures.
• See themselves as natural leaders who can easily sway others.
• Don’t listen and often interrupt others.

SYMPTOMS

• Have an exaggerated sense of self-importance
• Crave attention and admiration
• Expect to be recognized as superior even without deserving it
• Are preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, or ideal romance.
• Believe they are superior and can only associate with equally special people
• Look down on people they perceive as inferior
• Have unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment
• Strive to win, whatever it takes
• Are exploitative of others
• Take advantage of others to achieve their own goal
• Lack empathy, disregard other people's feelings
• Are envious of others and believe others envy them
• Regularly show arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
• Insist on having the best of everything.

CAUSES
Causes of narcissistic personality disorder are not yet well-understood. Genetic and biological factors as well as environment and early life experiences are all thought to play a role in the development of this condition.

Environmental and social factors:
High parental expectations, over-pampering, neglect and even abuse have a significant influence on the onset of NPD.
Overindulgent parents who put their children on a pedestal and shower them with endless praise can plant a seed of narcissism.
Children who are ignored or abused tend to be self-centered almost as a survival instinct.

Genetic:
Genes play an important role (approximately 50%).
There is evidence that narcissistic personality disorder is heritable and individuals are much more likely to develop NPD if they have a family history of the disorder.

Neurobiology: The connection between the brain, behavior and thinking can be a cause for NPD.

TREATMENTS
There is no cure but therapy can help. The goal is to build up the person’s poor self-esteem and have more realistic expectations of others.
The first line of treatment for NPD is cognitive behavioral therapy.
Personality traits are difficult to change, so therapy may take a long time.

Credits: Mayo clinic, medical news, Webmed, psychologytoday.