It’s true that narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is sometimes overused to describe common attitudes and behaviors that aren’t exactly symptoms. However, NPD is a real condition that has negative effects on the person’s life and the lives of the people close to them. The difference is in the number of narcissistic traits a person has and the degree to which those traits interfere with their life. They exist on a spectrum of mild and infrequent to extreme. They can also occur individually or as part of a larger pattern. 

Some see NPD as a controversial diagnosis because they see potential difficulties in distinguishing between ordinary behaviors and clinically significant symptoms. The diagnosis of NPD can also be controversial due to overlapping symptoms with other personality disorders, potential stigma associated with the label and challenges in treatment engagement. Some mental health professionals debate the usefulness of the diagnosis, advocating for a focus on specific behaviors and symptoms rather than labeling. Some people also think the term “personality disorder” implies that these qualities can’t be changed, which creates more stigma that can be a barrier to treatment.

The following are some of the most common narcissistic traits:

• Self-importance or belief in their own superiority
• Preoccupation or bias toward being or having “the best” (seeking out the best people, being the most successful)
• Sense of entitlement
• Constant need for admiration
• Lack of empathy toward others
• Tendency to exploit others

Many people who fit the criteria for narcissistic personality disorder may be resistant to treatment at first. It can be hard for those who aren’t licensed clinicians to tell when a loved one should seek clinical treatment and when they should try to work through things themselves. However, people with this condition need both effective treatment and social support. It is possible for them to see how mental health treatment can change their lives for the better and commit to seeing a therapist or completing a program. When they have access to the right treatment and resources, they’re able to reduce their symptoms significantly.

This blog post lists six factors that may cause someone to develop narcissistic personality disorder.

6 potential causes of narcissistic personality disorder

Narcissistic traits and behavior aren’t always symptoms of a treatable mental health condition. In fact, most people have them during certain developmental stages between age 8 and young adulthood. A person can be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder when these qualities affect multiple aspects of a person’s life, to the extent that they have a negative impact on their relationships with themself and others. Without treatment, the condition may last well into adulthood.

Researchers haven’t determined exactly why and how people develop narcissistic personality disorder. There are several potential causes that may contribute to it, including biological, psychological, social, and developmental factors.

The following are six possible factors that may contribute to narcissistic personality disorder in different combinations:

• Genetics — Narcissistic personality disorder usually has a genetic component, though it’s rare that genes are the only cause.
• Imitation — When children grow up with parents who have untreated NPD, they may mimic their behaviors. They may also develop beliefs that most other people have the same feelings and thought processes.
• Negative developmental experiences — Childhood abuse, trauma and neglect are present in the lives of many people with narcissistic personality disorder. Negative experiences may also include things like emotional neglect, rejection and ego fragility. The defense mechanisms people use to relieve internal conflict and interpersonal anxiety can turn into narcissistic tendencies. For example, some people fantasize that they’re kinder, smarter or more successful than they really are. They may project their problems onto others. Or they may “split” their consciousness to view situations, people or their own actions as all good or all bad.
• Parenting style — When a parent’s words and actions aren’t consistent with a child’s experiences, they may develop a personality disorder such as NPD in response. Parenting styles that involve excessive pampering, lack of appropriate boundaries or inconsistent feedback can contribute to the development of narcissistic traits. Overvaluation by parents, where a child is constantly praised without realistic grounding, may lead to an inflated self-image. 
• Medical conditions — Some medical conditions are associated with personality changes. People could potentially develop symptoms similar to NPD after head trauma or heavy metal poisoning or in the course of cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, endocrine disorders and others.
• Culture — People may be more likely to develop NPD in cultures that put an emphasis on individualism and personal independence. In contrast, people who grow up in cultures that value community and collaboration are less likely to develop it.

Each person who develops narcissistic personality disorder is a unique individual with a unique history. There’s usually more than one factor that leads them to develop the condition. Rather than looking for situations or people to blame, it’s much more helpful to try to empathize with the person and try to understand their experiences. If you have a loved one with NPD, you can show them compassion while expressing concern for their attitudes and their actions at the same time. It’s also important for you to set boundaries to protect yourself and your relationship.

At Lightfully, we don’t let a person’s diagnosis dictate the type of treatment they receive. We treat people first and foremost, and we recognize the importance of building up positive foundations for long-term mental wellness. Our Precision Care Model (PCM) ensures that each person in our care receives a personalized treatment plan that’s responsive to their life and their needs. 

Are you seeking a higher level of care for yourself or a loved one? Please contact us with any questions or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team to schedule an assessment.