The personality traits you must have to be a diagnosed narcissist have been revealed - probably not a title you'd want, to be honest.
It's a tricky topic, but one that has been in the spotlight a lot recently, with people being more aware of narcissism among people, or narcissistic behaviours displayed by loved ones that they try to highlight.
Narcissists themselves have tried to explain traits from their perspective, while experts have had their say too.
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Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can be defined as a need for admiration, pattern of grandiosity and lack of empathy, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
It is a condition that is being given more attention, as it has been recognised as a 'complicated' and 'urgent' medical condition that links to conflicts in close relationships, families or in work-related contexts, to name a few.
More time has been dedicated to studying the disorder more, to the point where there is now a list of nine personality traits to look for, and if you have just five of these, you may meet the diagnosis of NPD.
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According to McLean Hospital, this is what you should be wary of:
Grandiose sense of self-importance
This can be seen through examples where people exaggerate achievements and talents, having the need to be recognised as superior despite not proving it.
They feel like they should be treated better than everyone else, essentially.
Fantasies of success/power/beauty
They may also even imagine their brilliance being praised by others or having an 'ideal love', which is likely to be a toxic and twisted take on what love actually is.
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Believing that they are 'special'
If someone displays this trait, they express that they should only be associated with 'special' or 'high-status' people/groups as they are the only ones that can understand them because of how unique they are.
Requiring excessive admiration
Needing attention, validation and love constantly from people is an unreasonable ask, and is almost impossible, though this may be linked with their warped idea of what love is.
Sense of entitlement
Unreasonable expectations of being treated differently or expecting others to comply and agree with your every need and requirement can signal entitlement, as well as expecting things to always go your way, no matter what.
Taking advantage of others for personal gain
Narcissists do this knowingly or unknowingly, but every relationship in their life is made to benefit themselves, either to help them achieve a goal, or to get what they want from the relationship, failing to consider the other person at all.
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It can result in difficulties to make long-term friendships and relationships.
Lacking empathy
This is a common one among narcissists, failing to have the ability to recognise or identify the feelings of those around them is a sure-fire sign of NPD.
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Failing to see the feelings of others at all will result in them disregarding them completely.
Envious of others
They may long to have the things that a certain person who is richer or more successful than them has.
They might also believe other people are envious of them, for no real reason at all other than to feed their own ego and way of thinking.
Arrogance
The final sign to look for, displaying feelings of arrogance, haughty behaviours or vain attitudes are another sign of NPD, if grouped in with four of the previous personality traits.
Topics: Mental Health, Health
Joshua Nair