Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a form of mental illness listed on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV-TR (DSM IV-TR) and the International Classification of Diseases. Manifested by a lack of empathy, an extreme sense of entitlement, and a need to be constantly adored and admired, it is often referred to as psychopathic narcissism. Falling into the realm of personality disorders, NPD also has a particularly deviant form, frequently discussed as a syndrome, given the term malignant narcissism. It is the disease that many associate with individuals who receive the label of psychopath or sociopath.
Personality disorders are a category of psychological conditions in which the affected individual displays disturbing behavior patterns that present problematic problems in daily life functioning in at least two of several areas, including emotional, cognitive, social, or emotional control. of self-control With regard to narcissistic personality, for a true diagnosis of this disorder, a minimum of five manifestations must be present, the most prominent symptom being a propensity to have a grandiose, completely self-absorbed perspective of oneself, including complete self-absorption and arrogant attitude. Other behavioral characteristics include a marked belief that he or she is, in fact, unique, possessing an imagined special talent or quality. The difference between this and high self-esteem is that a psychopathic narcissistic person exhibits a false and exaggerated success, one that is a superficial display, while underneath is an insecure person with low self-esteem.
People considered psychopaths or sociopaths actually suffer from a mental condition called antisocial personality disorder (ASD), one of three diagnoses that encompass narcissism malignant syndrome, an express psychological illness in which narcissism and paranoid personality disorders also they play an important role. Psychopathic narcissism varies in its severity, with NPD at the low end and its malignant version at the extreme. NPD also has different levels of intensity within it and some theorists conclude that there are subtypes of it. Thought to be a more severe variation on antisocial personality disorder, narcissism malignant syndrome is often described as a profiling trait of serial killers and other violent offenders.
The causes of psychopathic narcissism are not known with certainty; It is largely seen as a myriad of areas working together involving early childhood trauma as well as nurturing and biological aspects. Psychologists have theorized that severe trauma during the early years may prompt children to create a way of coping, developing another reality in which they remain in control. Physical or sexual abuse and emotional neglect, especially extreme cases, are considered examples of direct primary causes.
The prognosis is generally poor for psychopathic narcissism, especially NPD. For patients with the malignant form, certain parts of it are treatable, such as paranoia and antisocial effects. Some disorders tend to co-exist with personality disorders, such as anxiety and depression, for example; for these, patients receive effective help with medication and psychotherapy.