A person with a narcissistic personality disorder can appear quite charming, confident, and competent. This makes a diagnosis all the more complex. Narcissism is a character disorder in which the person is literally unable to understand other people’s feelings and needs; at the same time, they possess an excessive need for admiration, attention and understanding from others. Narcissists are very adept at manipulating and controlling others in order to receive the constant flow of attention they desire. The narcissist feels a special status and entitlement at the expense of others and generally reacts to criticism of any kind with anger and resentment.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms
A continuum exists which defines behavior as healthy, neurotic or disordered. Within the narcissistic personality disorder, there are degrees of severity as well. Higher functioning narcissists may have a strong sense of right and wrong and will judge others harshly even if they never apply the same standard to themselves. Lower functioning narcissists may often bend the rules to accommodate themselves and feel no remorse for the consequences that others suffer by their actions. Common traits of the narcissistic personality include at least five of the following:
- A grandiose, exaggerated sense of importance.
- Preoccupation with success, power, fame, money.
- Believes he/she is “special” and one-ups those around him/her.
- Seeks out admiration, compliments, and attention excessively.
- Possesses a sense of entitlement.
- Takes advantage of others in order to get what he/she wants.
- Lacks the ability to empathize with others.
- Envious of others.
- Behavior is arrogant and haughty.
Overt Narcissist Personality
Overt narcissists express their disorder more openly and on the surface. They may be very successful and have a high achieving career or public persona. Overt narcissists gain their attention by being very charming, or inflicting intimidation or outright demands. Whatever they need to take the spotlight and feel like their audience is in awe of their intellect, power, magnetic personality or prowess. An overt narcissist may be very animated when the conversation is directed to or about him but show little interest or enthusiasm when others take the floor. Only when he’s able to steer the conversation back to himself, which he does at every turn, will he be interested in the conversation again.
Covert Narcissistic Personality
Covert narcissists are indirect in their methods to gain the constant attention they seek. They may be quite reserved, and even aloof. A covert narcissistic personality gains his attention by secondary means such as that of a helper, humanitarian or misunderstood artist. He gains status and admiration by what he’s involved in rather than displaying an obvious quest for the spotlight. If the covert narcissist is a doctor or minister, he gains his grandiose pay-off by feeling as if he is a “chosen” one who others look to follow. The good he may do for society has little to do with caring for other people, but everything to do with his pride and self-elevated importance.
Recommended Reading: Narcissistic Personality - How to avoid a relationship with one.
Sources: The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists, Elanor D. Payson, M.S.W., Julian Day Publications, 2002
Kimberly Rogerson - My strong creative side has led me to careers in cosmetology, graphic art, and desktop publishing. I've been writing poems and short ...
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