Do you know someone who seems awfully self-important? This person may act smug, cocky, confident, and seem very dismissive of other people. Although this is not the case for all people who behave in this way, in some cases it can be the tell-tale signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Here, we will tell you more about just what Narcissistic Personality Disorder is. We will talk about the history of the term itself, as well as the issue. Outcomes if the patient goes untreated will also be outlined. As will statistics relating to Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Lastly, we will tell you more about medical treatment options.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Statistics
1. How many people suffer from Narcissistic Personality Disorder? Luckily, only around 1% of the entire population.
2. In the last decade alone the number of patients with this disorder has increased greatly.
3. Patients with this disorder are typically male, with ½ to ¾ of patients being men. Despite not having this issue, there are plenty of narcissists.
4. Studies estimate that around 17% of the general population are actually narcissists.
5. About the same percentage of the percentage of narcissists seem to be extreme examples.
6. Studies have also shown that in some lines of work, narcissists may be more common than in other lines of work. This seems especially true for those in the financial sector, politics, or religious leaders (particularly cult leaders or leaders of fringe sects).
7. This is speculated due to these lines of work require a feeling of self-importance, as well as a disregard for the well-being of other people.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental illness. Patients with this disorder tend to be attention seeking. They also feel superior to others for no reason. Many see them as antagonists who are constantly argumentative and seemingly at odds with others. This can include their family and friends. Patients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder also treat others in a very callous manner. Lacking empathy, understanding, and kindness, some perceive them as antisocial. Some may be very greedy or even manipulative of others. All of these traits together can sometimes lead to employment problems because patients have a tough time working with others or striving for self-improvement.
The Term Narcissistic…
We bet you have heard the term “narcissist,” before. A narcissist is a person who seems to care for only themselves, and seem to truly admire themselves and no one else. These people may admire their own physical appearance, or just themselves in general. The term comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus. In this myth, a handsome hunter falls in love with his own reflection. As a result, the hunter stared at his own reflection until he died. References to this myth have been made in music, film, and in books. Even to this day, the term represents someone who seems to be infatuated with themselves.
Identifying the Issue
So how can you identify Narcissistic Personality Disorder? Look for these symptoms and signs:
1. Seemingly low self-esteem.
2. Does not react well to criticism or critique.
3. Trouble having relationships with others in life.
4. Dreaming about being more powerful, more successful, having the best things, or being more desirable.
5. Manipulating others to get what they want or need to achieve their own success.
6. Jealousy that seems to strike at anytime.
7. Seeming aloof.
8. Being obsessed with themselves.
9. Not being able to set goals that can be achieved.
10. Being hungry for attention.
11. Bouts of being angry, shameful, or feeling humiliated.
12. May be easily hurt or feel rejected easily.
How Patients Are Effected
If untreated, Narcissistic Personality Disorder can be bad news. Many times, this issue is linked with other mental and emotional issues. This includes things like depression, anxiety, or hypersensitivity. The results can be emotional (aggression issues, depression). Others can affect the physical health of patients (substance abuse or suicidal tendencies). Still others can effect social success (arrogance, not being able to have typical relationships). Some may even withdraw from others all together. Issues like low self-esteem, coupled with the inability to connect with others can actually make the above issues worse, with time.
Seeking Help
Sadly, just as with other mental illnesses, patients that are effected may not realize it. Even worse, they may refuse medical treatment, in part due to the symptoms of their illness (feelings of superiority). These patients must realize that they are not yet living to their fullest potential due to their illness. The only way to seek help for this disorder is to contact a mental health professional. A solid treatment for all patients has not yet been found. However, studies have shown that, in some cases, therapy with a mental health professional can help these patients. There are treatment centers who specialize in therapy for these types of patients.