Narcissistic personality disorder may be an infantile, defensive personality structure in response to abuse and trauma, usually developing in early childhood or early adolescence. Childhood developmental factors and parenting behaviors that may contribute to the disorder: Narcissistic personality disorder, which is less common than other personality disorders, is estimated to affect less than 1 percent of the general population. Narcissistic personality disorder may be a maladaptive defense of the abused child's or adolescent's emotional splitting, resultant cognitive distortions, and negative/hostile worldview. People with narcissistic personality disorder also have difficulty recognizing the needs and feelings of others, and are dismissive, contemptuous and impatient when others share or discuss their concerns or problems. They are also oblivious to the hurtfulness of their behaviour or remarks, show an emotional coldness and a lack of reciprocal interest, exhibit envy (especially when others are accorded recognition), have an arrogant, disdainful and patronizing attitude, and are quick to blame and criticise others when their needs and expectations are not met. People with narcissistic personality disorder tend to seek out individuals whom they perceive as equal to their own self-image or to whom they attribute the same special talents and qualities they see in themselves. They may insist on having "the best" of everything - car, athletic club or social circles.

Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Common Causes and Risk factors of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Infantile.

Defensive personality structure in response to abuse and trauma.

Unpredictable or unreliable caregiving from parents

Severe emotional abuse in childhood

Being praised for perceived exceptional looks or talents by adults

Learning manipulative behaviors from parents

Signs and Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Sign and Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.

It is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her

Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

Requires excessive admiration

Haughty or arrogant behaviors

Sense of belonging to an exclusive group of people who truly understand each other

Treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Common Treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

People with narcissistic personality disorder may be defensive about the process because they were compelled or encouraged to seek therapy by an employer or family member.

Pharmacotherapy is rarely used, though there is one unofficially documented observation of therapeutic response with the atypical anti-depressant bupropion.

Medication use is limited, but a doctor may recommend drugs to treat related symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.