

ComplicationsĬomplications of narcissistic personality disorder, and other conditions that can occur along with it include:īecause the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown, there's no known way to prevent the condition. Genetics and other factors also may play a role in the development of narcissistic personality disorder. Neurobiology - the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking.Īlthough the cause of narcissistic personality disorder isn't known, some researchers think that overprotective or neglectful parenting may have an impact on children who are born with a tendency to develop the disorder.Genetics - inherited characteristics, such as certain personality traits.Environment - parent-child relationships with either too much adoration or too much criticism that don't match the child's actual experiences and achievements.Narcissistic personality disorder may be linked to: It's not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder. Getting the right treatment can help make your life more rewarding and enjoyable. 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 health care provider or mental health provider. What they view as insults to self-esteem may make it difficult to accept and follow through with treatment. If they do seek treatment, it's more likely to be for symptoms of depression, drug or alcohol misuse, or another mental health problem. People with narcissistic personality disorder may not want to think that anything could be wrong, so they usually don't seek treatment.

Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, humiliation and fear of being exposed as a failure.Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection.Withdraw from or avoid situations in which they might fail.Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change.Have difficulty managing their emotions and behavior.React with rage or contempt and try to belittle other people to make themselves appear superior.Have major problems interacting with others and easily feel slighted.Become impatient or angry when they don't receive special recognition or treatment.Insist on having the best of everything - for instance, the best car or office.Īt the same time, people with narcissistic personality disorder have trouble handling anything they view as criticism.Behave in an arrogant way, brag a lot and come across as conceited.Be envious of others and believe others envy them.Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others.Take advantage of others to get what they want.Expect special favors and expect other people to do what they want without questioning them.Be critical of and look down on people they feel are not important.Believe they are superior to others and can only spend time with or be understood by equally special people.Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate.Make achievements and talents seem bigger than they are.Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements.Feel that they deserve privileges and special treatment.Have an unreasonably high sense of self-importance and require constant, excessive admiration.Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and how severe they are can vary.
