Narcissism Vs. Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Introduction

Freud first described Narcissism when describing the infant. This highlights how narcissism is a natural aspect of human development. We need it to some degree to survive, but as with anything, moderation is key. Since Freud, mental health has been increasingly destigmatised, and knowledge is more accessible. However, this can also be problematic as people begin to self-diagnose or diagnose others with mental health disorders. I have often cautioned my clients when they’ve diagnosed either themselves or others as “narcissists” because there is a distinction to be made between narcissism vs narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), that is, the mental health condition, and someone exhibiting some of the personality traits found in the disorder. Indeed, it’s all too easy to throw around buzzwords but this should not be done lightly, especially when we’re talking about narcissism vs NPD. This is because there’s a big difference between narcissistic behaviours, and meeting the diagnostic criteria outlined by psychiatry in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), which is medically reviewed. This article aims to clarify the differences between narcissistic traits and personality disorder, and also explains when to seek professional help.

What Is Narcissism?

So let us first outline the difference between narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder. Narcissism is a tendency to focus on oneself, to be in ways self-serving. You may have wondered if someone you know is quite narcissistic because they appear selfish in ways, demonstrating narcissistic behaviours which might make you concerned for them. And although it is unpleasant to be on the receiving end of selfish individuals, it’s important to understand that many people can exhibit occasional narcissistic behaviours without it being problematic. This is because, as mentioned we all possess some narcissism, and we need to. Think of narcissistic traits as existing on a spectrum, so having some doesn’t necessarily mean someone has a disorder. So when considering narcissistic tendencies vs narcissistic personality disorder, the difference between people with narcissistic personalities and people with NPD is that those with the disorder have a personality that is highly focused on self-centeredness, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. This is where it becomes problematic for those in the lives of a narcissistic personality and for the person with NPD. You see, developing NPD is a process, and those at higher risk are individuals who have usually experienced trauma, with the main outcome of NPD, being low self-esteem. This is a key distinction when it comes to narcissism vs narcissistic personality disorder.

What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

So let’s understand narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder in terms of symptoms. Firstly, we must remember that NPD is a diagnosable mental health condition, it is not simply someone being selfish or self-centred at times. According to psychiatry, NPD is characterised by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy, which significantly impairs daily functioning. The kinds of symptoms that a psychiatrist would be looking for if someone came to them for a diagnosis would be:

Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder:

• Exaggerated grandiose sense of self-importance.
• Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, or beauty.
• Belief that they are special and unique and can only be understood by high-status people.
• Need for excessive attention and admiration.
• Sense of entitlement and unreasonable expectations of favourable treatment.
• Exploitative behaviour in relationships.
• Lack of empathy or unwillingness to recognise others’ needs.
• Envy of others or belief others are envious of them.
• Arrogant or haughty behaviours or attitudes.

These symptoms, coupled with an understanding of the individual’s upbringing would likely reveal an individual who has developed a low sense of self-esteem, otherwise known as a weak sense of self, often due to neglect, abuse, or trauma. This creates the need to erect a ‘false self’ to protect the fragile self or ego. This is also why, often, those who appear highly confident, may in fact be covering up low-self esteem (LSE) (but not necessarily narcissism).

Narcissistic Traits Vs. Narcissistic Symptoms

So when trying to understand someone we might know, who we believe may experience narcissism vs narcissistic personality disorder, we have to know the difference between having narcissistic traits (which are more common and situational) and exhibiting symptoms of NPD, which are more severe and pervasive. You see, it’s important to understand that narcissistic traits can actually sometimes be beneficial or neutral and this is why we all need to develop a certain level of narcissistic ‘aptitude’. For example, situational traits like self-confidence in a group setting can help an individual deliver a presentation or perform in some way.

And, you may have heard the saying “Nice guys finish last.” This highlights that even niceness should not be too extreme, because when individuals are ‘too nice’ they are taken advantage of and do indeed finish last. Such individuals could benefit from some narcissism so that they can also have their own needs met – not selfishly, but reasonably. Symptoms of NPD on the other hand, cause significant distress or impairment in functioning for the individual with NPD and they also affect others in areas of life because they are chronic.

This means they also impact relationships, work, and daily life. They often make the person with NPD difficult to be around, so people will either struggle to be around them or may seek to avoid them altogether. As social beings, we need to have ourselves mirrored back by those we are in relation with. This helps us understand and know ourselves. But, if we feel that others do not want to be around us, or do not appear to enjoy time with us, it reinforces our doubts about ourselves. For the narcissist personality, this confirms and reinforces their deeply held fears about themselves, beliefs they wish to avoid. This means they must use the façade they have created to ‘big up’ themselves, and so it becomes a self-fulfilling vicious cycle. They continue to behave narcissistically to uphold their esteem, causing others and themselves to struggle. This is the difference between situational narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder.

Does Narcissism Transform Into NPD?

So we’ve been looking at some notable differences between narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder and it could be easy to worry that narcissism will develop into NPD. This can happen of course, but it’s important to understand that not all individuals with narcissistic traits develop NPD. Indeed, research has shown that ‘selfie-culture’ and celebrity obsession have contributed to a kind of development of narcissism, however, there are many risk factors that predict NPD, such as genetic predisposition, early childhood experiences, and environmental influences. So when considering narcissistic tendencies vs narcissistic personality disorder, remember that narcissism on its own does not always escalate into NPD, but patterns of behaviour can worsen over time if there is no intervention.

When To Seek Help

So if at this point you’re still unsure whether you or someone you care about experiences narcissism vs NPD, certain signs may indicate when to seek treatment from a mental health professional. For example: If the individual has difficulty maintaining relationships or work due to narcissistic behaviours; Or if they experience intense feelings of emptiness, depression, or anger when admiration is not received; If they have trouble recognising or caring about the feelings of others; And, or, if they use others for personal gain, even at their expense.

Furthermore, when thinking about narcissism vs narcissistic personality disorder, help may be needed to prevent the development of NPD too. Therapy, can assist individuals with NPD or those dealing with a narcissist in their life, so it’s not just as clear cut as narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder, it’s about how you or the person in question experiences life and relationships, and whether this requires some intervention and support.

Why Phinity

At Phinity, we understand the importance of working with individuals who experience personality disorders, including NPD. So whether you or someone you know is struggling with narcissism versus narcissistic personality disorder, our therapists will offer you a tailored and compassionate approach to help you understand and manage narcissistic traits or NPD. We do this via a variety of therapeutic approaches and formats – from individual therapy to family counselling, designed to address both the person with NPD and those affected by them.

This article has explained the differences between narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder because it is important to raise awareness for those who require professional help when narcissistic traits appear and might escalate into disorder-level symptoms. Rather than vilifying narcissistic personalities, we might instead understand and help, whilst also understanding that those around such individuals also need to protect themselves from the harm that can occur. This is why empathic and compassionate treatment can go a long way to helping all involved.