What is Narcissism?

What is Narcissism?

Every individual born into society wants to be recognized, approved and appreciated by his/her family and environment. If their existence is not validated and approved, the person does not know who they are and cannot position themselves. Narcissism is the need to love and praise oneself. Narcissistic people wear a mask of confidence to hide their insecurity, inadequacy and worthlessness, and they constantly use this veneer in their social lives.

Narcissistic people are afraid of being criticized and rejected. They avoid acting like themselves in their social lives. Because they are self-centered, they make their personal lives and the lives of those they communicate with difficult. Although this situation decreases as they get older, it continues to complicate the person's life. If they do not receive psychological support, they cannot find satisfaction in their lives. It is recommended that they receive psychological counseling and psychotherapy support.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissism is known to be a trait. But on the other hand, it is also part of a personality disorder. We cannot say that every narcissist has Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition in which the person always puts himself/herself in the foreground, constantly needs to be praised, ignores the needs of others, does not care, cannot empathize, is egoistic, and sees himself/herself as superior and privileged. These characteristics cover the basis of the disorder. It is also widespread today.
Even if people have problems with people as a result of their behavior, they continue to maintain this situation. They usually put the blame on someone else. Since they are sensitive to criticism, they react too much in these situations.

Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

People with symptomatic features are often beautiful, attractive and self-confident. They do not exhibit bad behavior at first to the people with whom they have established a relationship. The people narcissists like to see around them are mostly those who praise, appreciate and approve them. They reveal themselves with some dominant characteristics. Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder are as follows:

  • Being overconfident
  • Ability to manipulate
  • Feeling privileged from everyone else
  • Being arrogant
  • Being selfish
  • Being closed to criticism
  • Seeing yourself as superior
  • Using others
  • Expect special attention and treatment
  • Lack of empathy
  • Constant self-praise
  • Indifference
  • Perfectionism
  • Jealousy

Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

The causes of narcissistic personality disorder are not clear. Although this problem mostly occurs when a person enters adolescence, it can also occur in childhood. While raising a child, this situation may manifest itself due to the attitudes towards the child and the conditions in which the child grows up. Exaggerating any talent in the child and making their requests immediately can lead to narcissistic personality disorder. On the other hand, not paying enough attention to the child and leaving him/her without love can lead to this condition at an advanced age.

Types of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Exhibitionist Narcissistic Disorder
It is when parents try to fulfill their unrealized goals and feelings through their children. Since children are raised to have high standards, they are constantly trying to succeed and be appreciated. They feel happier in these situations. They cannot empathize with people and their friendships are based on their own interests.
Hidden Narcissistic Disorder
Covert narcissists are people without narcissistic traits and usually do not show themselves. These people are shy and do not talk too much. They constantly seek approval and criticize themselves mercilessly when they don't get it. They are more on the listening side. They secretly envy people's successes. They also try to influence them negatively and pull them down.
Devaluing Narcissistic Disorder
These people have difficulties in life. They often display aggressive behavior. Since they were criticized and undervalued a lot during their childhood, they may have problems in their relationships and friendships in later life. They are mostly on the exploitative side in their relationships.
Diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
This disorder can only be diagnosed by clinical psychologists or psychiatrists. Behaviors and certain characteristics observed in the person reveal the disorder. Behaviors such as being perfect, being constantly successful, never making mistakes and not accepting behavior, not empathizing help to determine the diagnosis.

Treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

In order for the treatment process to begin, the person must accept the treatment and acknowledge that they have this condition. Some people may not accept the disorder and show aggressive behavior. People who think they have narcissistic personality disorder should receive psychological counseling and psychotherapy support. As a treatment method, the method deemed appropriate by the psychologist or psychiatrist is applied. Treatment is very important for the individual to avoid problems in social life, family, bilateral relationships and work life. It is mostly treated with therapy and behavioral practices. If you think that you or someone around you has narcissistic behaviors and characteristics, you can increase your awareness with the https://cdn.npistanbul.com/narsisizm-ikinci-gorus test.

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CreatorNP Istanbul Hospital Editorial Board
Updated At05 March 2024
Created At07 June 2023
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