Difference Between Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

We have all experienced the person who struts around thinking they are all that. These folds are puffed with pride and reeking of condescension, obsessed with themselves. This may just be the way they are wired, as vain self-centered people who spend copious amounts of time curating their social media feeds and staring at their loveliness in the mirror.

As obnoxious as these narcissistic types are, this is a separate animal from those with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). NPD is a mental health disorder that is characterized by harmful, cruel behavior that is sustained and consistent. The primary symptoms of NPD include:

• Concerned only with self
• A grandiose opinion of self, oversized ego, sense of entitlement
• Exploits others’ weakness
• Mood swings, unpredictable anger
• Unpredictable and explosive fits of rage
• Highly sensitive to criticism, lashes out when corrected
• Condescending, boastful, and arrogant
• Does not admit blame for actions, does not apologize
• Lacks empathy and compassion
• Manipulates others to achieve their objectives
• Attempts to isolates the victim from family and friends

NPD is a serious disorder that is resistant to treatment efforts. There is no medication to manage the traits of the disorder, but psychotherapy, if sustained for an extended period, may yield some positive effects in the individual is truly committed to making needed changes. These therapies include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Family therapy

The basic difference between having narcissistic tendencies and having NPD is that the former involves self-centered actions while NPD involves inflicting serious emotional harm on victims.

By Marissa Katrin Maldonado, Founder, Mental Health Hope