What Is a Narcissistic Person?

People with narcissistic personality disorder have an inflated sense of their own importance and demand the constant admiration and attention of others. Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder that can severely limit how a person can interact in relationships or society in general. People suffering from narcissistic personality disorder are overly dramatic and ultra-sensitive to the slightest criticism.

Symptoms

• Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by symptoms such as feeling superior to everyone else, fantasizing about wealth and power, expecting praise and recognition, jealousy, taking advantage of others, setting unrealistic goals and fragile self-esteem.

Causes

• Science does not know for certain what causes narcissistic personality disorder. It is generally believed that a dysfunctional childhood or genetics may contribute to the likelihood of developing narcissistic personality disorder.

Risk Factors

• Narcissistic personality disorder is rare, affecting only about 1 percent of the population. Narcissistic personality disorder affects many more men than women.

Diagnosis

• Mental health providers use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to make a diagnosis regarding personality disorders. Criteria for diagnosis includes an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a need for constant attention, arrogant behavior, jealousy and the inability to relate to the feelings of others.

Treatment

• Narcissistic personality disorder is most often treated with several forms of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy. In severe cases involving self-destructive behaviors, hospitalization may be required.

Complications

• If left untreated, narcissistic personality disorder sufferers can have many complications such as substance abuse, depression, suicidal behavior, problems with relationships and trouble at work.