What is a Narcissist? Signs and Consequences of NPD

In life, we often hear phrases like "self-love" or "self-confidence." However, sometimes, the line between healthy self-confidence and a form of psychological disorder can be very thin. "Narcissist" is a term that is no longer unfamiliar, but not everyone fully understands its nature, signs, and the profound effects it brings. This article will delve into explainingWhat is a narcissist?, the core identifying characteristics and consequences of this syndrome, also known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

What is a narcissist? Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

Narcissistindividuals diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), a complex mental health condition characterized by excessive self-importance, grandiose delusions of self-importance, a severe lack of empathy, and a constant craving for admiration. They often place themselves at the center of attention, readily exploit others to achieve personal goals, and easily become arrogant and react strongly and negatively when faced with criticism. Identifying NPD requires professional diagnosis from experienced healthcare specialists.

According to statistics from the American Institute of Mental Health, NPD affects approximately 0.5% to 1% of the general population, with a higher prevalence in men. In Vietnam, although specific statistics are not yet available, mental health professionals at the Central Institute of Mental Health 1 and private psychological clinics such as SUNNYCARE Psychology Institute have also reported many cases with symptoms similar to NPD, particularly in social and work relationships.

Narcissistic traits

To identify anarcissist, we need to pay attention to some characteristic signs and behaviors. These traits are not just common personality characteristics but have become behavioral patterns that dominate their lives and affect those around them.

1. Arrogance and self-delusion

They always see themselves as perfect, have a deep sense of their own importance, and often exaggerate personal achievements. A narcissist may tell glamorous success stories, but when verified, they are often inflated or not entirely true. For example, a person might boast about having made a "key contribution" to helping company X achieve billions in revenue, even though their actual role was only a small team member. They may also be obsessed with delusions of extraordinary success, absolute power, ideal beauty, or special talent without any concrete evidence.

2. Lack of deep empathy

This is one of the most prominent characteristics of narcissists. They are unable or unwilling to understand the feelings and needs of those around them. When a friend talks about financial difficulties, a narcissist might only focus on how successful they once were, instead of showing empathy or trying to help. They find it difficult to put themselves in others' shoes, leading to coldness and indifference in relationships.

3. Constant need for admiration

Narcissists always crave attention, flattery, and unending respect from everyone. They may constantly seek to be the center of every conversation, or post personal photos and information on social media to receive many likes and positive comments. Lacking this admiration, they feel insecure and dissatisfied.

4. Manipulating and exploiting others

They treat others as tools to serve their own purposes and achieve their personal desires. A narcissist might use sweet words and make false promises to convince others to work for them, with no intention of reciprocating. A typical example can be seen in romantic relationships, where they exploit the emotions of their partners to gain material or emotional benefits.

5. Arrogant and bossy

They often display arrogant attitudes and haughty behaviors, looking down on others. This is shown through their way of speaking, gestures, or their frequent interruption of others to assert that their own opinions are the most correct.

6. Sensitive to criticism and reacts strongly

Although they display outward confidence, deep down, they possess very fragile self-esteem, are easily hurt, and react harshly to criticism. A small remark about their dress sense or a suggestion about their work performance can make a narcissist angry, defensive, or even vengeful. This is a major contradiction in their personality: strong on the outside but extremely vulnerable on the inside.

Consequences of narcissism

Narcissistic Personality Disorder not only affects the individual who has it but also causes serious consequences for those around them and their social relationships.

1. Repeatedly broken relationships

Selfishness, lack of empathy, and a need for control pose significant challenges in maintaining personal, family, and professional relationships. Friends, partners, or family members often feel used and disrespected, leading to fractures and breakdowns. A narcissistic person struggles to build genuine friendships or lasting romantic relationships because they always prioritize their own interests.

2. Unstable psychology and accompanying disorders

Narcissism can be accompanied by other psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, or other personality disorders. When their self-illusions are shattered, their fragile self-esteem can collapse, leading to feelings of emptiness, failure, and even severe depression.

3. Manipulation and abuse

They tend to manipulate and exploit the emotions or values of others to gain personal benefits. This can occur in many aspects, from borrowing money and not repaying it, taking advantage of colleagues' efforts, to completely controlling a loved one's life. Victims of this manipulation often suffer deep psychological damage and have difficulty re-establishing trust.

How to deal with a narcissist?

Coping with anarcissistrequires skill and understanding. Setting clear boundaries, not allowing yourself to be manipulated, and seeking psychological support are important steps. For example, if you have to work with a narcissistic colleague, maintain a professional relationship, focus on your work, and avoid sharing too much personal information. In personal relationships, defining boundaries and protecting your own emotions is essential.

If you or a loved one notice signs of NPD, seeking help from mental health professionals at hospitals such as Ho Chi Minh City Psychiatric Hospital, National Institute of Mental Health, or reputable psychological counseling centers is crucial. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods, helping individuals with narcissism learn to be more empathetic and build healthier relationships.

Conclusion

Self-love is essential, but when that love becomes excessive, blind, and disregards the feelings of others, it is a sign of narcissism. To accurately diagnose if a person has Narcissistic Personality Disorder, diagnosis must be performed by experienced medical professionals. Avoid self-diagnosing or labeling based on incomplete information. UnderstandingWhat is a narcissist? helping us gain a more accurate understanding of mental health and how we interact with those around us, thereby protecting ourselves and building a healthier society.

Reference information. Please consult a psychologist/doctor when necessary.