In psychology, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, or NPD, is designated as a personality disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic classification system for mental disorders. NPD is characterized by a manipulation and fascination with oneself. It's an exaggerated view of one's importance, abilities and beauty. The narcissist requires excessive amounts of reassurance; he is absorbed with gaining recognition and attaining prestige devoid of any consideration for others.
History
The word "narcissist" is derived from the Greek myth of a hunter named Narcissus who was celebrated as being one of the most beautiful men in the territory of Thespiae. Yet, he was extremely prideful and despised all those who fell in love with him. Echo, a nymph, fell in love with Narcissus, only to be rejected by him. Echo and other nymphs who had been scorned by Narcissus prayed to the gods that he would be forced to experience unrequited love. The god Nemesis heard their prayers; he punished Narcissus by making him fall in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. Narcissus died of sorrow because he was unable to acquire the object of his love---himself.
Significance
Narcissism is a condition of fixation on the meaning of events for oneself, especially regarding actions that make one seem significant. Narcissists may have encountered situations in the past in which their opinion was not valued, and in which they failed to experience an empathic association with others. Because of this failure to connect with others, the narcissist may come to fear that he is isolated and insignificant. Consequently, he obsesses about his importance in an attempt to convince himself and others that he isn't worthless. Narcissists are profoundly influenced by feelings of inadequacy and attempt to overcompensate for these emotions by communicating grandiose regard for themselves, causing severe interpersonal disturbances.
Diagnostic Criteria
In order for someone to be diagnosed with NPD, the onset of behavior must begin in adolescence or early adulthood and he must display an invasive and consistent pattern of five or more of the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM. Some of the symptoms of NPD are: inflated sense of self-importance; preoccupation with unrealistic power, success, love or beauty; believes that he can only associate with those of the same "important' status"; requires disproportionate amounts of praise; maintains a sense of entitlement and elevated expectations; exploits others in order to achieve his own success; unwilling to empathize with needs or emotions of others; extreme jealousy of others or a belief that others envy him.
Causes
There is no specific known cause for NPD, but psychologists and researchers agree that there is evidence that narcissistic behavior may develop as a defense mechanism for coping with psychological pain from childhood experiences. A psychological evaluation is conducted in order to understand the causes of the individual instance.
Treatment
Psychotherapy is often used as a deliberate and controlled method of interaction for treating narcissistic behaviors. Psychotherapy may be conducted in an individual or group setting, depending on the individual emotional and physical needs, as well as the severity of the condition. Patients who suffer from severe cases of NPD may require hospitalization in order to prevent self-destructive behavior.
