According to research, narcissistic personality disorder is present in 5% of the population in the U.S.
It’s just a small percentage, yet it’s something worrying! We’ve seen a lot of articles lately based on this topic, and if you’re a subscriber, you probably read many from our page too. However, we will be “sitting on it for a while” because it is a vast topic to investigate and the subject of many research papers.
This time around we will talk more about narcissistic personality disorder and what may cause it, how it affects a person’s self-esteem and identity, and most importantly, how they end up treating the others around them because of this condition.
It is generally acknowledged that a variety of factors can influence a person’s lifetime risk of developing NPD, and the possible causes of narcissistic personality disorder are listed below:
What is narcissistic personality disorder?
This term comes from the Greek, Narcissus, a hunter from mythology. The myth states that Narcissus was unable to stop staring at his reflection in a pool of water because his beauty so consumed him. Until he passed away, he did nothing but gaze at his reflection.
This is why people think that the term narcissism is associated with physical appearance, but in reality, this is just a tiny bit of what it really means. Intelligence, charm, artistic talent, athletic prowess, wealth, power, success, and more fall under the umbrella of what NPD is.
Furthermore, an excessive need to feel significant or impress others is a sign of NPD. That need may be powerful enough to motivate destructive actions that harm both you and those around you.
What causes narcissistic personality disorder?
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, it may affect 0.5% to 5% of Americans, according to research data. Men and those assigned male at birth are affected in between 50% and 75% of cases. However, a lot of people are very good at hiding their narcissistic traits, so it can be challenging to determine whether or not they have this disorder.
Narcissistic personality disorder: What causes it? In actuality, there is no known cause for NPD, although several possible causes have been found. NPD is most likely caused by a combination of factors. Instead, scientists think that many factors may contribute to an individual’s development of NPD.
The sad thing is that people with narcissistic personality disorder are born with this predisposition, and their need for validation and support from others around them is bigger, if they’re also raised in an unhealthy family environment, the outcome can be quite devastating and harsh.
However, some of the possible causes of this disorder are:
(Bad) Parenting
Some studies have connected narcissistic personality disorder to a wide range of parental behaviors. While some parenting behaviors, like abuse, neglect, and maltreatment, are intentionally harmful, other behaviors can result from parents who genuinely mean well.
For instance, some studies have demonstrated that being overly protective raises the risk of both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Additionally, there is a link between parental leniency or overvaluation and narcissistic personality disorder. Later in life, children who aren’t given boundaries or who receive excessive praise for their achievements are more likely to exhibit characteristics associated with NPD.
Moreover, it has been shown that criticism from other authority figures, such as teachers, can have a similar impact, excessive parental criticism can raise the risk for NPD.
Although there are many ways that parenting affects kids, it’s crucial to remember that no one parenting approach can lead to NPD. Consequently, certainly, narcissistic personality disorder is not always caused by parental behaviors, even though some parenting techniques are associated with higher levels of narcissism.
Genetics
Research indicates that common personality traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder, such as grandiosity and entitlement, may be passed down from older generations. Although their diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder may raise the likelihood that their children will acquire it, parents with NPD are unlikely to pass these traits on to the next generation.
Additionally, some people are probably genetically predisposed to NPD. Even though they might not go on to exhibit narcissistic traits, exposure to specific risk factors may put them at higher risk for NPD.
Have you ever met a narcissist, or worse, were you somehow involved with one? If so, then you’re probably stronger than you thought you were. Narcissists are so manipulative they can easily damage your mental health without you even noticing it.
However, if you’re still stuck with that person and going to therapy isn’t fit for you or your finances at this moment, then you may want to check out the book How to Handle a Narcissist: Understanding and Dealing with a Range of Narcissistic Personalities. Written after years of research on this topic, this guide might be able to help you understand this condition better and, more importantly, how to get over a failed relationship with a narcissist. The book is available on Amazon at this link.
Molecular imbalance
Another root cause of narcissistic personality disorder may be a molecular imbalance that can strain the body. Scientists say that after various brain scans show that people who suffer from this condition have less gray matter in that part of the brain that shows empathy. Now it all makes sense, right?
Neuroscientists have also discovered a connection between differences in prefrontal brain structure and NPD. In the future, it may be possible to identify narcissistic personality traits simply by examining a person’s brain, but more research is needed. So that means that we could go to the doctor with our partner for a regular checkup and ask for a brain scan too? Would be easier for sure! Then probably a lot of people would break up with the narcissist right away.
According to some researchers, physical characteristics or appearance may even play a role in NPD. Strength, physical attractiveness, and athletic prowess are all linked to higher narcissistic traits. After all, a person’s appearance is just one of many factors that are thought to influence their personality.
Sociocultural background
The emphasis on achievement, celebrity, and outside approval in contemporary culture can encourage narcissistic tendencies. People may internalize the idea that one’s value is determined by one’s accomplishments or outward appearance in societies that value individualism over community.
Social media often makes it easier for people to seek validation and admiration in ways that can feel more commercialized. It can be tough when your sense of worth becomes tied to likes and shares! People may feel pressured to fit in by unrealistic social expectations, which can lead to a totally wrong quest for perfection.
These ideals have the potential to alter one’s perception of oneself and impair emotional health when they take precedence over genuine connections and personal authenticity. These factors may worsen vulnerabilities over time, creating the conditions for narcissistic tendencies to develop into a personality disorder. They say to choose your friends and the people you surround yourself with carefully, and it’s 100% true!
Can narcissistic personality disorder be treated?
The answer is yes. It can be treated, and it’s important to be done as soon as possible; otherwise, it can lead to serious life changes for both the person who suffers from it and for all the people around them as well. While medications per se aren’t exactly the straightforward path to recovery, psychotherapy is. And since there are a lot of therapy methods, before starting any, it’s advised to talk to a specialist.
The best treatment for narcissistic personality disorder is thought to be cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication (anticonvulsants, anxiolytics, and antidepressants are the most recommended ones that may help with all the symptoms related to the disorder).
- Related article: Evil but Common Things Narcissists Do After a Breakup.
