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What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)? Signs, Causes & Treatment

Author

bloomhappymind@gmail.com

Date

19/02/2026

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What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)? Signs, Causes & Treatment

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition that is often misunderstood. Many people casually use the word “narcissist” to describe someone who seems self-centred, arrogant, or attention-seeking. But clinically, NPD is more complex than that.


At bloomhappymind.com, we believe that mental wellness starts with awareness and emotional clarity. NPD affects how a person thinks about themselves, how they relate to others, and how they manage emotions like shame, insecurity, and criticism. It can also deeply impact relationships, family dynamics, and workplace environments.
NPD is not just about “loving yourself too much.” In fact, many people with NPD struggle with fragile self-esteem and deep insecurity beneath the surface. Understanding this disorder can help you protect your emotional health, build stronger boundaries, and seek the right support when needed.

What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a personality disorder characterised by a long-term pattern of:

A strong need for admiration

A sense of superiority or entitlement

Difficulty handling criticism

Lack of empathy for others

A fragile self-esteem hidden behind confidence

People with NPD may appear extremely confident, charming, and successful. But beneath that surface, many struggle with emotional vulnerability, insecurity, and fear of rejection.

It’s important to remember:
NPD is a clinical diagnosis, and only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose it. Not everyone who displays narcissistic traits has NPD.


The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.

William James

Psychologist

NPD vs Narcissistic Traits: What’s the Difference?

Most people show narcissistic traits occasionally. For example, wanting appreciation, feeling proud of achievements, or being confident are normal human behaviours. However, NPD is different because the traits are: Persistent and long-term Extreme and disruptive Harmful to relationships Affecting work, family and emotional wellbeing A person with NPD often struggles to maintain healthy emotional connections because relationships may feel like a tool for validation rather than mutual care.

Common Signs and Symptoms of NPD

Narcissistic Personality Disorder can show up in many ways. Some individuals are openly grandiose, while others may appear shy or sensitive but still seek validation.

1. An exaggerated sense of self-importance

They may talk as if they are more talented, intelligent, or special than others—even without evidence.

2. Constant need for praise and admiration

They may feel upset, angry, or depressed if they don’t receive attention or compliments.

3. Lack of empathy

People with NPD may struggle to understand or care about others’ emotions, needs or pain.

4. Entitlement

They may expect special treatment, even in situations where it isn’t appropriate.

5. Difficulty handling criticism

Even gentle feedback can trigger strong reactions like anger, defensiveness, or humiliation.

6. Manipulative or controlling behaviour

They may use guilt, gaslighting, silent treatment, or emotional pressure to maintain control.

7. Exploiting relationships

They may take advantage of others emotionally, financially, or socially for personal gain.

8. Envy and jealousy

They may envy others’ success or assume others are jealous of them.

9. Superficial charm

Some individuals with NPD can appear very charismatic initially, especially in romantic relationships.

10. Emotional sensitivity beneath the surface

Many people with NPD experience deep shame, insecurity, or fear of abandonment, even if they don’t show it openly.
Related Post

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Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stress Relief

What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)? Signs, Causes & Treatment

Author

bloomhappymind@gmail.com

Date

19/02/2026

Share Now

What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)? Signs, Causes & Treatment

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition that is often misunderstood. Many people casually use the word “narcissist” to describe someone who seems self-centred, arrogant, or attention-seeking. But clinically, NPD is more complex than that.


At bloomhappymind.com, we believe that mental wellness starts with awareness and emotional clarity. NPD affects how a person thinks about themselves, how they relate to others, and how they manage emotions like shame, insecurity, and criticism. It can also deeply impact relationships, family dynamics, and workplace environments.
NPD is not just about “loving yourself too much.” In fact, many people with NPD struggle with fragile self-esteem and deep insecurity beneath the surface. Understanding this disorder can help you protect your emotional health, build stronger boundaries, and seek the right support when needed.

What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a personality disorder characterised by a long-term pattern of:

A strong need for admiration

A sense of superiority or entitlement

Difficulty handling criticism

Lack of empathy for others

A fragile self-esteem hidden behind confidence

People with NPD may appear extremely confident, charming, and successful. But beneath that surface, many struggle with emotional vulnerability, insecurity, and fear of rejection.

It’s important to remember:
NPD is a clinical diagnosis, and only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose it. Not everyone who displays narcissistic traits has NPD.


The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.

William James

Psychologist

NPD vs Narcissistic Traits: What’s the Difference?

Most people show narcissistic traits occasionally. For example, wanting appreciation, feeling proud of achievements, or being confident are normal human behaviours. However, NPD is different because the traits are: Persistent and long-term Extreme and disruptive Harmful to relationships Affecting work, family and emotional wellbeing A person with NPD often struggles to maintain healthy emotional connections because relationships may feel like a tool for validation rather than mutual care.

Common Signs and Symptoms of NPD

Narcissistic Personality Disorder can show up in many ways. Some individuals are openly grandiose, while others may appear shy or sensitive but still seek validation.

1. An exaggerated sense of self-importance

They may talk as if they are more talented, intelligent, or special than others—even without evidence.

2. Constant need for praise and admiration

They may feel upset, angry, or depressed if they don’t receive attention or compliments.

3. Lack of empathy

People with NPD may struggle to understand or care about others’ emotions, needs or pain.

4. Entitlement

They may expect special treatment, even in situations where it isn’t appropriate.

5. Difficulty handling criticism

Even gentle feedback can trigger strong reactions like anger, defensiveness, or humiliation.

6. Manipulative or controlling behaviour

They may use guilt, gaslighting, silent treatment, or emotional pressure to maintain control.

7. Exploiting relationships

They may take advantage of others emotionally, financially, or socially for personal gain.

8. Envy and jealousy

They may envy others’ success or assume others are jealous of them.

9. Superficial charm

Some individuals with NPD can appear very charismatic initially, especially in romantic relationships.

10. Emotional sensitivity beneath the surface

Many people with NPD experience deep shame, insecurity, or fear of abandonment, even if they don’t show it openly.
Related Post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *