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Is everyone's mom, boss, or ex suddenly a self-absorbed villain? A recent spike in online discussions has led to growing speculation about a serious condition that social media would have us believe is widespread: Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
While this increased awareness can be beneficial, it has also led to a rise in self-diagnosis and misdiagnosis of a serious mental health condition. With so much information circulating online, it's important to separate fact from fiction.
Before jumping to conclusions and mislabeling someone as a narcissist, click through this gallery to learn what specialists say about this condition and its core symptoms.
The condition gets its name from Narcissus, a figure from Greek mythology. According to the myth, Narcissus was so obsessed with his own beauty that he couldn't stop staring at his reflection in a pool of water. Eventually, this self-obsession led to his decline and death.
Influenced by the Greek myth, people often associate narcissism with physical appearance. Yet, the disorder frequently involves a skewed view or obsession with other traits, such as intelligence, charisma, artistic skill, or even wealth and power.
While experts find it difficult to pinpoint an exact figure, NPD is estimated to affect up to 5% of the US population. It is also 50 to 75% more common in people assigned male at birth than assigned female at birth.
The symptoms of NPD revolve around thoughts, feelings, and actions. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) outlines the following nine criteria.
Specialists may analyze how people with this condition view themselves. Common indicators of NPD are overestimating their abilities or setting unreasonably high standards for themselves.
Someone with NPD might boast about their accomplishments, even if they're exaggerated or not entirely true. They might talk themselves up and downplay the contributions of others.
People with NPD often have grandiose fantasies. They might imagine themselves as exceptionally successful, powerful, intelligent, or beautiful. They might also dream of unlimited love and admiration.
Individuals with NPD often feel special and unique. They might believe that they can only associate with high-status individuals and that ordinary people aren't good enough for them.
Contrary to popular belief, some symptoms of NPD may stem from a lack of self-confidence. Individuals with NPD often have fragile self-esteem, leading to frequent self-doubt, self-criticism, and feelings of emptiness. This also manifests in a preoccupation with others' opinions and a constant need for validation.
Due to an inflated sense of self-worth, people with NPD may expect special treatment and become angry when others don't meet their unreasonable demands.
People with NPD often struggle with empathy, leading them to say hurtful things, view others' feelings as weaknesses, and fail to reciprocate kindness or interest shown by others.
Often, people with NPD experience intense envy and resentment toward others, particularly those who are successful. They may downplay others' achievements and lead them to expect to be envied themselves.
Displaying arrogant and condescending behavior is also common in someone with NPD. They may act superior to others, talk down to them, or dismiss their ideas.
People with NPD may also exhibit other behaviors related to the nine criteria, such as perfectionism, hypersensitivity to criticism, rejection, or failure, and withdrawal from others to avoid feeling vulnerable.
In severe cases, individuals with NPD may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or rejection, potentially harming their own well-being. Their tendency to react with anger or even rage when criticized or rejected can also lead to dangerous situations, where they might put themselves and others at risk.
While the DSM-5-TR doesn't officially categorize NPD subtypes, experts often group them into types like grandiose (need admiration) vs. vulnerable (need approval), overt (obvious) vs. covert (hidden), and benign (harmless) vs. malignant (harmful).
The exact causes of NPD aren't fully understood. Many people with NPD hide their condition, making it difficult to study. While brain differences may play a role, current research suggests that genetics and the following factors may contribute to the development of NPD.
Children can learn and adopt narcissistic behaviors by observing and imitating narcissistic role models, such as parents or other significant figures.
Traumatic events, rejection, neglect, or lack of support during childhood can also contribute to the development of narcissistic traits.
Overindulgent or overprotective parenting styles can contribute to narcissistic traits by creating a sense of entitlement and hindering the development of emotional regulation skills.
Cultural factors, such as individualistic vs. collectivist values, can influence the development of narcissistic traits. Individualistic cultures that emphasize self-reliance and personal achievement may be more likely to foster narcissistic tendencies.
A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can diagnose NPD through a detailed evaluation. Out of the nine criteria outlined in the DSM-5-TR, a diagnosis requires meeting at least five. Currently, there are no specific medical tests for NPD.
Social media, especially TikTok, has fueled a trend of armchair diagnosing, with videos tagged #NarcTok gaining significant popularity. This trend has emerged alongside increased discussions about mental health, particularly among younger generations, and is also influenced by the rise of "therapy-speak."
Dr. Ramani also highlights the dangers of trivializing this condition. If everyone's ex is labeled a narcissist, the true severity of the disorder is diminished. "A layperson can't diagnose schizophrenia or cancer, and this is no different," she explains.
Treatment for NPD primarily involves psychotherapy. A mental health professional can recommend the most suitable approach, like CBT or psychodynamic therapy. While there's no specific medication for NPD, medications may help manage related conditions like anxiety or depression.
For people with NPD, prioritizing mental health is crucial. This means regularly attending therapy sessions as recommended by a mental health provider, adhering to medication prescriptions as directed, and avoiding substance or alcohol use.
If you suspect someone you care about has NPD, remember that you can't change them. While you can encourage them to seek help, they must be willing to do so. To protect yourself, set healthy boundaries, document interactions, prioritize your own mental health, and seek help if you feel threatened or unsafe.
Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (Men’s Health)
See also: Narcissistic figures throughout history
Narcissistic personality disorder: beyond the TikTok diagnosis
Debunking social media's narcissism epidemic
LIFESTYLE Mental health
Is everyone's mom, boss, or ex suddenly a self-absorbed villain? A recent spike in online discussions has led to growing speculation about a serious condition that social media would have us believe is widespread: Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
While this increased awareness can be beneficial, it has also led to a rise in self-diagnosis and misdiagnosis of a serious mental health condition. With so much information circulating online, it's important to separate fact from fiction.
Before jumping to conclusions and mislabeling someone as a narcissist, click through this gallery to learn what specialists say about this condition and its core symptoms.