What Is A Narcissist?

A narcissist is a person who is overly preoccupied with their own self-interests at the expense of others. Narcissists are generally considered to be manipulative, deceitful, and exploitative. They tend to be very selfish, self-centered, and lack empathy for others.

Narcissists are often charming and charismatic but tend to be extremely self-centered and self-absorbed. They rarely show empathy or compassion for other people’s feelings, and they may use others to get what they want.

Narcissist vs Narcissistic Traits

It’s important to note that there’s a difference between having narcissistic traits and being a full-blown narcissist. People with narcissistic traits tend to be very self-centered and self-absorbed. They often have trouble getting along with others because they don’t consider other people’s feelings and may exploit or manipulate them for their own benefit. This, however, is not necessarily an actual mental disorder.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is different from having narcissistic traits; it refers to a mental health condition in which someone has an inflated sense of importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. Signs of NPD, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:

• Unreasonably high sense of self-importance and require constant, excessive admiration.
• Feel that they deserve privileges and special treatment.
• Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements.
• Make achievements and talents seem bigger than they are.
• Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate.
• Believe they are superior to others and can only spend time with or be understood by equally special people.
• Be critical of and look down on people they feel are not important.
• Expect special favors and expect other people to do what they want without questioning them.
• Take advantage of others to get what they want.
• Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others.
• Be envious of others and believe others envy them.
• Behave in an arrogant way, brag a lot and come across as conceited.
• Insist on having the best of everything.

People with NDP are also extremely failure-resistant, making them quick to anger if they fail. They will usually try to avoid situations in which they might fail, but if they do, they will react poorly.

What To Do If You Suspect Someone You Know May Be A Narcissist?

People with NPD need to seek medical treatment. Unfortunately, getting a narcissist to do so is very difficult to do. Telling them you think they have a problem does not work, as they take criticism poorly. Truthfully, your best option is to do your best to distance yourself from them.  If you think you are narcissistic, or at least you express narcissistic characteristics, seek help. Talk to your healthcare provider. They can set you up with a licensed therapist who can help you manage and/or overcome these traits.