They do not feel sympathy for others, have the ability to control their feelings, are demanding, and always see themselves as the best. These people are described as arrogant, but in reality they suffer from a psychological problem called "narcissistic personality disorder."
People with narcissistic personality disorder need the attention of those around them and think they deserve special treatment, according to Psychology Today.
The disorder begins in early adulthood and its symptoms appear in work and social relationships, and specialists have reported that people with narcissistic personality disorder are constantly seeking to link with talented people, which enhances their self-esteem, and even ensures their presence within the circle of excessive admiration and attention, and they also find it difficult to endure criticism or defeat.
5 clear symptoms
Psychologists have summarized the symptoms that appear in people with narcissistic personality disorder, at 5 points, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Test for Mental Disorders:
1- An exaggerated feeling of importance, the person with this disorder is constantly preoccupied with delusions of unlimited success, strength, intelligence, beauty, or ideal love.
2- The belief that he is a special person who cannot be understood, and does not accept association or work with ordinary people.
3- The need for excessive admiration, as this type of person always sees that they deserve special treatment.
4- Exploiting others.
5- Lack of sympathy.
One of the studies that the magazine relied on made it clear that people who suffer from narcissistic personality disorder can be subject to criticism or defeat in abundance, but they interact with it angrily, which makes them more isolated from others, as the excessive sense of distinction and neglect of criticism often disturbs the relationship with others .
While a person with narcissistic personality disorder may be highly skilled, his behavior has a negative impact on his distinction, and researchers have gone as far as to associate the disorder with drug use and excessive anxiety.
Specialists noted that the presence of narcissistic features in adolescence does not necessarily mean that a person will have a narcissistic personality disorder.
Psychotherapy
Studies completed on the narcissistic personality disorder did not find any clear reasons behind it, and it is believed that genetic and biological factors, as well as the environment and early life experiences, play a role in the development of this condition.
As for the treatment of narcissistic personality disorder, psychologists have explained that because the sufferers deal with greatness and continuous self-defense, it is difficult for them to recognize the problems and weaknesses of their personality.
Specialists have concluded that psychotherapy may be useful in helping people with narcissistic personality disorder communicate with others in a correct and compassionate manner.
Pros of narcissism
For their part, researchers who conducted a study of narcissism at Queen's University in Belfast, Britain, found that such people were more likely to be happier than ordinary people.
The study, published by the BBC, showed that they were provoking others but were less likely to be stressed or depressed.
Researchers are trying to understand why narcissism is increasing, explaining that it is "on the rise in modern societies," especially because of social media and celebrity culture and considering it "socially toxic."
The study, conducted on 700 adults, showed that narcissists are less stressful of themselves, as their self-confidence and their growing sense of importance are considered "preventive" attributes to the feeling that life is stressful.
Of course, the specialists concluded that not all narcissism is good, but certain aspects can lead to “positive” results.
Noting that these psychological features should not be seen as either good or bad, but rather are a product of evolution and expressions of human nature that may be beneficial or harmful depending on the context.