In addition to culture, research suggests that childhood experiences could play an important role in causing NPD. Negative childhood experiences, like being rejected or criticized by parents, may contribute to NPD in adulthood. At the same time, too much praise from parents could also lead to NPD. Instead, combinations of parenting styles and other contributing factors like genetics may come together to cause NPD. One study found that overprotection was linked to both vulnerable and grandiose narcissism in young adults.
And while too much praise was linked to grandiosity, setting too few boundaries was tied to vulnerable narcissism. In a study involving pairs of twins, researchers found that some NPD traits were somewhat heritable aka able to be passed on through genetics :. Older research indicates that NPD could be slightly more heritable than other cluster B personality disorders. Personality traits may also play a role in how NPD presents.
Risk factors for narcissistic personality disorder are somewhat complex. NPD has been linked to a number of things, including parenting and environmental factors, as well as genetics — but all in a variety of combinations. Certain parenting styles could be a risk factor for higher levels of narcissism in children.
Simply being male may be a slight risk factor, as narcissistic personality disorder is diagnosed more often in men. A person with NPD might seek therapy due to feelings of emptiness or periods of depression.
In some cases, family or loved ones encourage them to seek help for relationship issues caused by NPD. Diagnosis of NPD can be tricky, as it often coexists with other conditions.
And on top of that, NPD can share symptoms with these conditions. These questions may involve your:. But if you experience another condition alongside NPD, you might take medication for:. Certain types of therapy could help people with NPD recognize maladaptive, or unhelpful, thoughts and behaviors that are causing distress to themselves and others.
Research has shown there are many environmental and genetic factors — from childhood upbringing to culture to genetics — that contribute to NPD. More than just arrogance or vanity, grandiosity is an unrealistic sense of superiority. They only want to associate and be associated with other high-status people, places, and things.
They will often exaggerate or outright lie about their achievements and talents. They are the undisputed star and everyone else is at best a bit player. They spin self-glorifying fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, attractiveness, and ideal love that make them feel special and in control. These fantasies protect them from feelings of inner emptiness and shame, so facts and opinions that contradict them are ignored or rationalized away.
Anything that threatens to burst the fantasy bubble is met with extreme defensiveness and even rage, so those around the narcissist learn to tread carefully around their denial of reality. The occasional compliment is not enough. Narcissists need constant food for their ego, so they surround themselves with people who are willing to cater to their obsessive craving for affirmation. These relationships are very one-sided. Because they consider themselves special, narcissists expect favorable treatment as their due.
They truly believe that whatever they want, they should get. They also expect the people around them to automatically comply with their every wish and whim. That is their only value. In other words, they lack empathy. In many ways, they view the people in their lives as objects—there to serve their needs.
Sometimes this interpersonal exploitation is malicious, but often it is simply oblivious. The only thing they understand is their own needs. Narcissists feel threatened whenever they encounter someone who appears to have something they lack—especially those who are confident and popular. Their defense mechanism is contempt. The only way to neutralize the threat and prop up their own sagging ego is to put those people down.
They may do it in a patronizing or dismissive way as if to demonstrate how little the other person means to them. Or they may go on the attack with insults, name-calling, bullying , and threats to force the other person back into line.
Narcissists can be very magnetic and charming. They are very good at creating a fantastical, flattering self-image that draw us in. Your sole value to the narcissist is as someone who can tell them how great they are to prop up their insatiable ego.
Look at the way the narcissist treats others. If the narcissist lies, manipulates, hurts, and disrespects others, he or she will eventually treat you the same way. Take off the rose-colored glasses. Denial will not make it go away. The reality is that narcissists are very resistant to change, so the true question you must ask yourself is whether you can live like this indefinitely.
Focus on your own dreams. What do you want to change in your life? What gifts would you like to develop? What fantasies do you need to give up in order to create a more fulfilling reality? Healthy relationships are based on mutual respect and caring.
Because of this, narcissists regularly violate the boundaries of others. Narcissists think nothing of going through or borrowing your possessions without asking, snooping through your mail and personal correspondence, eavesdropping on conversations, barging in without an invitation, stealing your ideas, and giving you unwanted opinions and advice.
They may even tell you what to think and feel. Make a plan. Set yourself up for success by carefully considering your goals and the potential obstacles. What are the most important changes you hope to achieve? What is the balance of power between you and how will that impact your plan? How will you enforce your new boundaries? Answering these questions will help you evaluate your options and develop a realistic plan. Consider a gentle approach. If preserving your relationship with the narcissist is important to you, you will have to tread softly.
If they do seek treatment, it's more likely to be for symptoms of depression, drug or alcohol use, or another mental health problem. But perceived insults to self-esteem may make it difficult to accept and follow through with treatment. If you recognize aspects of your personality that are common to narcissistic personality disorder or you're feeling overwhelmed by sadness, consider reaching out to a trusted doctor or mental health provider.
Getting the right treatment can help make your life more rewarding and enjoyable. It's not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder. As with personality development and with other mental health disorders, the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is likely complex. Narcissistic personality disorder may be linked to:. Narcissistic personality disorder affects more males than females, and it often begins in the teens or early adulthood. Keep in mind that, although some children may show traits of narcissism, this may simply be typical of their age and doesn't mean they'll go on to develop narcissistic personality disorder.
Although the cause of narcissistic personality disorder isn't known, some researchers think that in biologically vulnerable children, parenting styles that are overprotective or neglectful may have an impact.
Genetics and neurobiology also may play a role in development of narcissistic personality disorder.
Complications of narcissistic personality disorder, and other conditions that can occur along with it, can include:. Because the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown, there's no known way to prevent the condition. However, it may help to:.
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