Narcissam/ Narcissistic behavior is normal when an individual seldom brags, boasts, and tries to be the center of attention. Still, pathologically it creeps deeper when he becomes an extremist in practicing the same. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) on the other hand is one of many Personality disorders where this behavior becomes stronger, darker, and often unsettling to others.

Out of many Traits of Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), in this Blog, we will talk about 10 principle facts that will educate you sufficiently to identify such an annoying personality.   

Critically, if the symptoms like a sense of inflated self-importance, an excessive need for admiration and complement, an addictive urge to impress others, being uncontrollably haughty, and a diminished ability to empathize with other's feelings are frequent, even regular, then beware, it could be Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

It is a Mental Disorder affecting almost 1% of the general population, but in clinical settings, its prevalence is as high as 2-16%.

10 Worthy Facts about Narcissistic Personality Disorder!!!

#What is SPECIAL ME?

"SPECIAL ME", is an acronym that I feel is so interesting to quote here: The fun part is each letter tags something defining for a victim of NPD! And this should give you a little idea about the personality.

# A typical person with NPD 

S(Severely self-important)-P(Preoccupied with the idea of grandiosity)-E(Entitled)-C(Choosing only those important over general)-I(Imposing and exploiting)-A(Arrogant)-L(Lacks empathy)-M(Must be admired)-E(Envious).

# Are there types of  Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Yes, of course, there are three unique types of NPD victims:

#1 Exhibitioners- These are loud people who always seek attention and never fail to flaunt their status of grandeur. Their excessive self-love is so demanding that they often devalue, undermine, or even insult the opposition. They can't tolerate ignorance and strike more severely. For them, the opposition is "little people" and their opinion is garbage.      

#2 Closet- These are confinement of self-guilt/ shame just because they have extremely high expectations for themselves which they can't justify ever. They often complain about life, frequently have a bad mood, and always dodge from the responsibility. They actually hate themselves, yet never fail to exhibit their habit of subjugation.   

#3 Toxic- Truly antisocial type, often sadistic, dominant, and controlling, who don't like praise for others, and are emotionally cold.

Well, if this helped you a bit, we have a checklist for this disorder, with some interesting facts worth knowing, too. Let us understand this deeply. 

# 10 Worthy Facts about Narcissistic Personality Disorder

#1 NPD is Gender-Free!

People often quote men-narcissists, but it is totally unfair; for 7.7% of men, we have 4.7% of women, too, who have NPD.

#2 Narcissam is OK, but not NPD!

There exists a thin margin between self-esteem and narcissism. Sometimes self-image preservation is necessary to justify your self-esteem, but in doing so, a little amount of Narcissam is required (Survival of fittest). However, do not practice it regularly, otherwise, you might end up being Adolf Hitler, Madonna, Joan Crawford, etc.

#3 NPD is Etiologically Unknown! 

All across the research, literature, or studies, scientists have no idea what causes NPD. Little known fact is NPD victims often have subtle differences in brain structure, but experts aren’t sure of what leads to what! Still, some contributing factors such as Genetical influence, Negative childhood experiences, overprotective or "Helicopter Parenting", and some cultural myths have been identified.

#4 NPD is Fragile!

Unlike Narcissism, a person with NPD has self-esteem that is too weak and shatters easily once threatened by criticism, rejection, unacceptance, and genuine competition. They often respond with anger, defensiveness, or even aggression. At times, this can manifest as physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. Violence, too, is not uncommon.

#5 NPD victims are too Risky!

A study suggests that in order to bolster fragile self-esteem, they are more likely to engage in substance abuse, gambling, and sexual promiscuity since these offer them an escape into a newer set of stimulation and excitement. Lifetime history of alcohol, multiple sex partners, and impulsing gambling are way more common in them than those without NPD.

#6 NPD is Insightless! 

They don't self-reflect, they don't introspect, they don't contemplate! As much as they are in their comfort zone, they don't fail to devalue the feelings and perspectives of others, plus, they fail to acknowledge the negative consequences of their own actions. They have difficulty perceiving and understanding their own behavior and its impact on others negatively. Not the one with NPD but people around always suffer due to this. 

#7 NPD diagnosis is difficult!

Why so? Because victims of NPD never believe that they have this personality disorder and should seek treatment. Even more ironic fact is, despite diagnosing NPD, it is without cure (unless with a co-morbid psychiatric condition)! Talk therapy, however, can be tried.

#8 NPD victims are charming!?

As far as a romantic relationship is concerned, people with NPD often excel in exhibiting passion and excitement. Their charm is extraordinary, but, over time, this unfolds as entitlement, control, manipulation, egoism, and rage. Talking about other relationships, they have difficulty maintaining them. But it is not always true that they can't form close relationships.

#9 NPD is misused in quoting!

Look, Narcissam is a wide spectrum, and at some point in time we exhibit this behavior at varying amounts, but this doesn't make us NPD victims. It is common for people to just throw the word “narcissist” around without much care, but this personality disorder is a mental health condition that is not for all who have a lofty Ego.

#10 NPD victims are emotionally dry!

They don't feel guilt since they are always right. They can't love/ or feel happiness honestly because of their inability to understand feelings, their lack of empathy, and their constant need for self-protection. They can't admire, praise, or pay gratitude since there is nothing beyond their own image.

#Insights from Phraseitup 👀

Undoubtedly, NPD is rare, but the word is in the air, tossed from here to there, and is tagged to every other person who shows Ego bigger than you, which is not right. However, it is not like you will never face a Narcissist in your life, of course, you will. And whenever he/she sits across you flaunting himself/herself, you will seek help. And yes, there are ways to protect yourselves from a Narcissist! Want to learn? Just comment in the comment box, and Phraseitup will bring you up with the greatest ideas to deal with a narcissist.

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