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Narcissistic Personality Disorder Paper

Decent Essays

Narcissism

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. (Mayo Clinic, 2014) Like other personality disorders, narcissists have traits that cause them to feel and behave in socially distressing ways, limiting their ability to function in important areas of life, such as school, work, and relationships. What may not be apparent to the outside eye is that there is a very fragile and friable self-esteem that is very thin-skinned. Those with this disorder think very highly of themselves and have a hard time seeing anyone else’s views, because they believe their way is the best way. They have self-centered fantasies that are high and wide of actual reality. Receiving criticism for them, even in the slightest, can be so detrimental. You may never see the extreme sensitivity to the criticism because it is often kept so quiet and hidden from others.

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish a true narcissistic person apart from a person who is highly confident. They may look similar, although a narcissist is far more in true depth with themselves and sees others as inferior. The disorder makes them feel so superior and highly of themselves that they have the potential to put themselves in danger …show more content…

On average, more men are affected by the disorder than women. Being raised in a home with severe criticism at an early age can put someone at risk for this disorder. There is no known cause for narcissism other than being exposed to the disorder or being heavily criticized at a young age. Fortunately, there is hope for those who have narcissistic personality disorder. With therapy, the thought process can be changed and they can regain normal thoughts. The earlier the disorder is diagnosed and therapy is started, the better the outcome will likely

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