Warning Signs Of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Lacks Empathy

An individual with narcissistic personality disorder typically lacks empathy, though it is important to note a variety of mental health conditions can also appear with a lack of empathy. This means a lack of empathy by itself isn't a sign of a pathology. Empathy is the ability to understand and feel what others are feeling. Some individuals might have low empathy while also having very high levels of sympathy and compassion. However, narcissists also tend to lack compassion and sympathy because they struggle to focus their attention on others. Failing to care for or about others can be an indicator an individual has narcissistic personality disorder or another personality disorder, such as borderline personality disorder. Some psychologists theorize narcissistic personality disorder and its associated behaviors are rooted in a lack of empathy for others. Additionally, they believe this is because those with this disorder are experiencing a developmental arrest. Because they didn't get the attention and care they needed in childhood, they're constantly seeking validation and attention without being self-actualized.

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Believe Others Envy Them

Narcissistic personality disorder patients often have a complicated relationship with the concept of envy. They may experience strong feelings of envy themselves while simultaneously believing themselves to be the envy of others. This tends to be tied in to their inflated sense of self-importance. They may believe they are more special and more talented than those around them, and that others wish they could have the same amount of talent. Some narcissists might also use this to rationalize to themselves why others respond negatively to them. It's easier to assume everyone around them is envious than to examine why individuals might be unhappy with them. If someone tries to raise concerns about the narcissist's behavior or performance, the narcissist may lash out or more quietly believe the issue to be rooted in jealousy. It can be frustrating to confront a narcissist who is uninterested in changing their behavior because of the way they deflect criticism or play the victim.

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