What constitutes narcissism and what is the best way to recognize narcissists? In balanced measure self-love can be quite healthy. Self-love in an exaggerated form is called narcissism, and in extreme forms even narcissistic personality disorder. The term narcissism goes back to ancient Greek mythology: Narcissus, a vain youth, rejected the love of the nymph Echo and was punished for it by Nemesis, according to other sources by Aphrodite. The goddess condemned him to insatiable self-love. A love from which Narcissus ultimately perished.
Narcissism as a personality trait
Narcissism as a personality trait is therefore also primarily characterized by a pronounced, exaggerated self-love. Moderately pronounced narcissism usually leads to a high attitude of entitlement toward oneself, which can lead to extraordinary achievements. Narcissists often have a tendency to be special: For example, they practice an extraordinary hobby, show themselves to be very status-conscious, have elitist manners, or are extraordinarily successful professionally. Most of the time, narcissists react to criticism in an inappropriately offended manner. Although moderately pronounced narcissism can be stressful for the narcissist’s family, partner and colleagues, it does not inevitably lead to problems. There is rarely a need for treatment here.
Narcissistic personality disorder
Narcissism in extreme form, on the other hand, can lead to enormous interpersonal problems. Especially in the areas of work, relationship, partnership and sexuality, narcissism leads to serious conflicts. One speaks then of a narcissistic personality disorder.
Narcissism: symptoms and signs
Typical symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder are:
- Exaggerated self-love
- Notion of being grandiose and unique
- Lack of empathy
- Excessive sensitivity to criticism
- Exploiting others for their own goals
- Exaggerating one’s own abilities and achievements
- Search for extreme admiration
- Arrogant, haughty behavior
- Often poor self-esteem
Although narcissistic personalities appear markedly confident and self-assured, they rarely are. Narcissism serves rather to compensate for profound feelings of inferiority and insecurity. Narcissists permanently seek admiration and recognition. They very quickly feel offended and never sufficiently valued. Accordingly, narcissists often suffer from depression. The risk of suicide is also increased. Narcissistic men are often affected by sexual dysfunction. Test: am I a narcissist?
Narcissism: causes and incidence
Narcissistic personality disorder is uncommon in the general population (less than 1%). In patients undergoing psychiatric or psychotherapeutic treatment, the incidence of narcissistic personality disorder is estimated to be 1-2%. By comparison, borderline personality disorder affects nearly 15% of all psychiatric patients. Little is known about the causes and development of narcissism. One widely accepted explanatory model assumes that a personality disorder arises from an interaction between genetic predisposition and certain experiences in childhood and adolescence. Another theory suggests that parental parenting style (“you are something better”) promotes the development of narcissism.
Narcissism: therapy and treatment
Therapy for narcissistic personality disorder usually involves psychotherapy. If severe depression or suicidality is present at the same time, an inpatient stay and additional drug treatment may be appropriate. In general, all personality traits, including narcissism, are difficult to fundamentally change. Therapy for narcissistic personality disorder therefore attempts to remedy the problems resulting from the disorder at work and in the family, relationship and partnership. Approaches in behavioral therapy, for example, try to teach narcissists appropriate behavior in dealing with others through social skills training. In role-playing, narcissistic individuals learn to put themselves in other people’s shoes and adopt different perspectives. Cognitive approaches target in particular thinking styles, inner attitudes, and beliefs that so often cause problems for narcissists in interpersonal interactions.
