Narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD, is a mental condition that causes an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and a need for attention. It's one of the four dramatic personality disorders, which all cause unstable emotions and a distorted sense of self. The disorder gets its name from Narcissus, a character in Greek mythology who fell in love with his reflection when he saw it in a pool of water. While narcissistic personality disorder is more complicated than someone being in love with himself, it does cause an unusual sense of self-importance and obsession with one's own talents and successes.
It is possible to treat NPD with therapy, which encourages the individual to recognize their unhealthy behaviors and relate to others more positively. However, in order for someone to be treated for NPD, they must first be diagnosed. People with personality disorders often go years or even decades without being diagnosed because they don't realize that their way of thinking isn't normal. Understanding the symptoms of NPD is important for helping you recognize the disorder in yourself or in a loved one. If you notice several of the symptoms, you can seek help from a professional to confirm the diagnosis and start treating the disorder. Here are seven signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder:
