31/05/2024
NARCISSISM
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)is a personality disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.
The term "narcissism" comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and was unable to tear himself away.
SIGN & SYMPTOMS
Common symptoms of narcissism include:
•Grandiosity: Exaggerated sense of self-importance and superiority.
•Self-centeredness: Preoccupation with oneself and one's own needs and desires.
•Need for admiration: Craving attention and admiration from others.
•Sense of entitlement: Believing oneself deserving of special treatment and automatic compliance with one's expectations.
•Lack of empathy: Difficulty understanding and relating to others' feelings and needs.
•Exploitativeness: Taking advantage of others for personal gain.
•Envy: Resenting others' successes and achievements.
•Arrogance: Displaying haughty, condescending behavior.
•Manipulation: Using charm, charisma, or coercion to influence others.
•Inability to handle criticism: Becoming defensive or even vengeful when confronted with criticism or feedback.
•Grandiose fantasies: Having an exaggerated sense of one's own abilities, talents, or accomplishments.
•Believing oneself to be unique and special.
•Expecting to be recognized as superior.
•Being preoccupied with one's own appearance, accomplishments, and possessions.
•Having an air of superiority and looking down on others.
CAUSES
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a complex condition, and the exact causes are not yet fully understood. However, research suggests that a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors contribute to the development of NPD. Some possible causes and risk factors include:
•Childhood experiences:
- Excessive praise or overindulgence by parents or caregivers.
- Lack of empathy or understanding from parents or caregivers.
- Childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect.
•Parenting styles:
- Overly permissive or authoritarian parenting.
- Lack of boundaries or discipline.
•Genetic predisposition:
- Individuals with a family history of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may be more likely to develop it.
•Brain structure and function:
- Research suggests that narcissists may have differences in brain regions related to empathy, emotion regulation, and impulse control.
•Sociocultural factors:
- Societal emphasis on self-promotion and material success.
- Social media platforms that encourage self-presentation and comparison.
•Psychological factors:
- Insecurity, low self-esteem, or feelings of inadequacy.
- Defense mechanisms, such as denial or projection, to cope with stress or anxiety.
•Neurotransmitter imbalance:
- Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine may contribute to narcissistic behaviors.
•Trauma and stress:
- Narcissism may develop as a coping mechanism for individuals who have experienced trauma or stress.