Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for constant admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
Some common symptoms of NPD include: a strong sense of entitlement, a preoccupation with fantasies of power and success, a belief that one is superior to others, a lack of interest in others' feelings and needs, and a tendency to exploit others for personal gain. Other personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder, also have some similarities to NPD, but also have distinct characteristics. For example, individuals with antisocial personality disorder may also display a lack of empathy and disregard for the law, but they also have a history of conduct disorder and may engage in criminal behavior. Individuals with borderline personality disorder may also have difficulty regulating their emotions and may struggle with self-worth and relationships, but they also have a fear of abandonment. Individuals with histrionic personality disorder may also seek attention and be overly dramatic, but they are also overly concerned with their appearance and have a tendency to be easily influenced by others. It's important to note that a proper diagnosis can only be made by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist, after a thorough evaluation of the patient's symptoms, history, and behavior.
I have found a couple of simple tricks to help you rule out Narcissism.
1. If they acknowledge they are wrong even sometimes, most likely not a narcissist but may have other concerns or diagnosis.
2. Being oblivious about their condition or manipulation is the biggest red flag. Narcissists can not see their own disorder and sincerely believe it is everyone else who has the problem.
Examples of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) include:
A CEO who constantly seeks praise and recognition for their accomplishments, but is dismissive of the contributions of their colleagues and employees.
A social media influencer who only posts pictures and stories that make them look good, and who uses their platform to put down others.
A politician who makes grandiose promises and exaggerates their achievements, but who is unwilling to listen to or work with others.
Examples of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) include:
A young adult who has a history of unstable relationships and intense emotional outbursts, and who struggles with self-worth and fears abandonment.
A person who has impulsive behaviors such as binge eating, substance abuse, and excessive spending as a way to cope with feeling empty.
A person who has intense and rapidly shifting emotions and can have extreme mood swings, intense anger, and difficulty with impulse control.
It's worth noting that these examples are not exhaustive, and individuals with NPD or BPD may display different symptoms or have different levels of severity in their condition. Also, it's important to remember that these disorders are complex and multifaceted, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified mental health professional.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
Kernberg, O. (1975). Borderline conditions and pathological narcissism. Northvale, NJ: Aronson.
Ronningstam, E. (2005). Narcissistic personality disorder. In W. J. Livesley (Ed.), The Handbook of Personality Disorders (pp. 300-319). New York: Guilford Press.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. New York: Guilford Press.
Paris, J. (2015). The borderline personality disorder survival guide: Everything you need to know about living with BPD. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
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