What is Narcissism Really?

Another hot buzzword flying out of the psychological term armory that you most likely hear on a daily basis is that of Narcissism. It's fascinating that every dating or relationship influencer can spot them through 1 piece of context or when upset by someone's behavior, but stabs and shots aside, let's talk about what therapists and mental health providers have to say about narcissism.

What is Narcissism Really?

Prevalence

According to the DSM-5-TR, Narcissism, or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), has a prevalence rate of 1.6% of the American population and a 6.2% prevalence rate when presented with Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders (2022). Meanwhile, the National Institute of Mental Health states that prevalence rates are around 0.5%-5% of the general population (2020). It is also noted that NPD may be more common in certain populations, such as men, young adults, and those with mental health and alcohol or substance use disorders (DSM5TR, 2022). Bottom line is that NPD has a low prevalence rate and can be very difficult to identify, as a formal diagnosis should be taken into careful consideration and with appropriate observation. However, this is not to say someone's experience is incorrect; people can have narcissistic tendencies without a diagnosis.

NPD Characteristics

In general, NPD individuals demonstrate a "pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy that begins in early adulthood" (DSM5TR, 2022, p. 760). The individual must meet 5 or more of the 9 characteristics of NPD. They are:

1. A grandiose sense of self-importance (eg, the individual exaggerates achievements and talents and expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements).

2. A preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.

3. A belief that he or she is special and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people or institutions

4. A need for excessive admiration.

5. A sense of entitlement (ie, unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations).

6. Interpersonally exploitive behavior (ie, the individual takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends).

7. A lack of empathy (unwillingness to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others).

8. Envy of others or a belief that others are envious of him or her.

9. A demonstration of arrogant and haughty behaviors or attitudes (DSM5TR, 2022).

   
   

NPD individuals feel that they are special or unique and that others see them this way too. They are truly shocked and bewildered when others do not agree with their perception of the world and themselves. They often overestimate their abilities and believe in their grandiosity but will dismiss other's accomplishments and hard work and can only be understood and seen by those they deem "on their level." Therefore, these individuals require attention and praise. When they do not receive this (also known as their "feed" or "supply"), their ego becomes bruised, and they may become upset and manipulate you in ways to receive the attention and praise they seek. They also expect great dedication and loyalty but may not apply this expectation to themselves. NPD individuals have cognitive empathy, where they can logically see another person's perspective, but you will be hard-pressed to have them agree to it. They lack emotional empathy and cannot access the part of the brain that allows them to feel and see others' emotions. They are oblivious to the hurt they cause others. Lastly, NPD individuals feel envy but will never admit this; they will insist others are envious of them and begrudge, dismiss, and devalue others (DSM5TR, 2022).

Types of Narcissists

Now that we have a general understanding of NPD let's look at how these symptoms manifest in a person; generally, there are 4 types of Narcissists.

1. Classic: This type of narcissist displays the general symptoms listed above. There is a noticeable lack of emotional empathy, and they will often divert and deflect blame when questioned or confronted.

2. Malignant: This is the most severe and toxic type of narcissist; they are master manipulators, ruthless, and appear to enjoy making others upset or emotional. This type of narcissist's supply comes from any type of attention and often creates chaos. Malignant narcissists are often aggressive, crave power and control, and do not feel remorse for hurting others to get what they want.

3. Communal: This type is more difficult to identify right away, but the main characteristic is their image. Communal narcissists will present as caring and charitable, but their true intention is to feed their need for validation and admiration. This person will often love bomb others or take photos of themselves giving a homeless person food. They do not intend to help others. They intend to look good and present in a positive light that matches their ego.

4. Vulnerable: This type of narcissist is also known as a "closet narcissist:" They are attributed to "riding on people's coattails." They will align and "ally" themselves with popular people and avoid the spotlight. However, they will seek to reap the rewards of others and express victimhood when not given what they feel is owed to them. They also display false generosity and are introverted.

Categories of Narcissist

There are also categories of narcissists that help to describe the type of behavior or experience of a narcissist from others.

1. Covert: Behavior that is hard to identify and convince others. Covert narcissists are very sneaky and passive-aggressive. They often will try to convince others and spin narratives when they are being addressed for their behaviors and they are very good at getting the attention off their behavior.

2. Overt: Behavior that is out in the open for others to see and witness.

3. Somatic: Behavior that is centered around body and image. This narcissist will often judge others for their appearance and seek and collect "trophy people" instead of partners and friends.

4. Cerebral: Behavior that is focused on intelligence. Narcissists with this behavior will often monopolize discussions to focus on their perceived superior intelligence, which they truly always believe is the case.

5. Sadistic: Often, malignant narcissists will exhibit this category of behavior. This behavior can be characterized by enjoying other's pain. They often seek to embarrass, hurt, and destroy other people's reputations, self-worth, and lives.

6. Inverted: Behavior that centers around being a victim and avoiding accountability. They will often display jealousy through their victimhood, blaming others for their shortcomings.

7. Spiritual: Behavior that screams "holier than thou." They often use their beliefs and spirituality to justify their behaviors, shame, and treatment of others.

How does someone develop NPD?

Just with any mental health condition, there is not one factor that leads to disorder. Some studies have pointed to genetic predisposition, childhood trauma, parenting styles, and cultures (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).

I hope this article helps clarify and equips you with information to navigate your experiences. If you feel you are dealing with a narcissist or a toxic person who exhibits these behaviors, you do not have to go it alone. Phoenix Coaching and Therapy professionals can help guide you through this process to support and protect yourself. It is never too late to Rise & Thrive!

Until next time,

Courtney Gossel, MA, MFT, LCDCIII

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). DSM-5-TR (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Association.

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, August 3). Narcissistic Personality Disorder | Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9742-narcissistic-personality-disorder

NIMH. (2020, January 30). National Institute of Mental Health. Nih.gov. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/