How to identify a narcissist. Have you ever met someone who was just a little too full of themselves? Confidence is one thing, but as it turns out, holding yourself in too high of a regard can potentially be harmful to both yourself as well as your friends and family. It may also be a potential warning sign which could indicate a major personality disorder. Today, we here at Bestie would like to discuss how to identify the signs related to narcissism, as well as potential ways to help someone who might be struggling with this condition. #Narcissist #NarcissisticPersonalityDisorder #Narcissism Music: null Summary: According to Psychology Today, as well as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, there are several potential symptoms linked to the mental condition known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder, or NPD. These symptoms typically manifest by early adulthood, and like any affliction that affects mental health, can manifest in anyone regardless of background or context. A person with Narcissistic Personality Disorder commonly experiences a grandiose or inflated sense of self-importance. As a result, people affected by NPD often demonstrate arrogant or self-centered behaviour; believing themselves to be special and therefore entitled to preferential treatment. In addition to an inflated ego, people affected by NPD also commonly display a distinct lack of empathy towards others, which can often lead them to exploit others for personal gain without a second thought. Because of their arrogant attitudes, people with NPD are also not particularly receptive to constructive criticism, and can often react angrily to anyone who makes an attempt to shatter their perfect self-image. However, in some cases, individuals with NPD may also respond to criticism more graciously, or at the very least pretend to. While psychologists have yet to pin down a common cause that makes people into narcissists, researchers have noticed a correlation between Narcissistic Personality Disorder and other mental health illnesses such as mood and anxiety disorders, as well as an increased chance of substance abuse. Additionally, people with NPD may also be more susceptible to impulsive behaviour and increased feelings of shame, as well. As you might imagine, the symptoms and traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder can be highly damaging, both to the narcissists themselves as well as to their relationships with others. However, like any condition which affects one’s mental health, the first step in helping someone who struggles with NPD is to try and gain a better understanding and insight into what living with the disorder is really like. In his book A Therapist’s Guide to Personality to the Personality Disorders: The Masterson Approach, psychiatrist J.F. Masterson identified three distinct types of narcissism: the first one mentioned is the “Exhibitionist Narcissist”; this is the most commonly recognized type of narcissist and is known for the grandiose symptoms and behaviour we’ve already mentioned. The second type identified by Masterson is the “Closet Narcissist”; also known as the “Introverted Narcissist”, this type of narcissism instead appears as shy, humble or anxious behaviour. This, according to Masterson, is because in this case “[the narcissist’s] emotional investment is in the idealized other, which is indirectly gratifying”. The third type of narcissist identified the Masterson is the “Malignant Narcissist”; as the name implies, people affected by this type of narcissism can be especially hostile, especially when they feel as though their personal interests are being threatened. As you can see, while we usually think of narcissists of being in a constant state of arrogance and self-importance, that might not always be the case. While working with a number of clients suffering from varying forms of NPD, a psychoanalyst by the name of Heinz Kohut observed that many of the narcissists he worked with frequently struggled with feelings of alienation, powerlessness, and a lack of purpose or meaning. In fact, Kohut’s research indicates that narcissists may actually tend to fluctuate wildly between feelings of superiority and inferiority, with the narcissist’s behaviour and mindset being affected by whichever of these two moods they’re currently going through. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to Bestie : https://goo.gl/tUqro6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestieinc/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Medical Disclaimer: https://pastebin.com/xLmigD6i Website: www.bestie.com