“Narcissistic Personality Disorder”

Recently, I was reading an article discussing “Narcissistic Behavior.” I decided to do some research on the term to be sure that I understood the discussion.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is defined by the Mayo Clinic, in its simplest terms, as “a condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance.” The Mayo Clinic continues, by saying that “ people with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others.”

No one is absolutely sure what causes NPD. The experts believe that it could be environmental, genetics or neurobiology. It is a complex subject and not one where there is a simple test to diagnose.

The Mayo Clinic describes some symptoms of NPD as:

· Unreasonably high sense of self-importance requiring constant excessive admiration.

· They expect to be recognized as superior- even without any achievement.

· They make their achievements/talents bigger than they are.

· They are preoccupied with success, power, beauty, or the perfect mate.

· They expect special favors, and expect others to do want they want without any questions.

· They take advantage of others in order to get what they want.

· They have the inability to recognize needs and or feelings of others.

· They are arrogant, brag and appear conceited.

· They are unable to deal with criticism.

NPD can cause personality disorders, depression, physical health issues, and relationship problems.

Dr. Darja Djordjevic, a clinical fellow at Nassau University Medical Center in New York, defines NPD as “a clinically diagnosed personality disorder characterized by grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy toward others.”

She continues by stating that “they need to be the best, constantly need attention, be in constant command, never take responsibility unless favorable to them, believe that there are no boundaries, and that everything belongs to them, lack a complete understanding of feelings of others, believe they are always right, and are not a team player.”

The Cleveland Clinic states that it is a “mental health condition that can be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist talking to the individual, and asking questions about their life and how they interact with others.”

NPD can be treated by therapy, but only if the individual is willing. There are no medications that can directly treat NPD, but there are some that can treat depression and anxiety. However, unless the individual recognizes that they need help, there is little that can be done.

DOES THIS MAKE YOU THINK OF ANYONE THAT EXHIBITS THESE CHARACTERISTICS?

Jess Sweely

Madison, VA.

May 25, 2025