Self-Esteem Issues Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) have particular difficulties with self-esteem issues. For this reason, they have a heightened sensitivity to criticism or defeat and feel especially hurt or injured by these experiences.
People with NPD have great difficulty shrugging off what they perceive to be criticism or defeats, even though they do not show their distress outwardly. In response to such perceived “defeats,” the person with Narcissistic Personality Disorder may well feel
They may respond to perceived criticism or defeat with
- Humiliated
- Degraded
- Hollow
- Empty
As a consequence of fearing the judgment or punishment of others, the person with Narcissistic Personality Disorder may
- Disdain
- Rage
- Defiant counterattack
- Withdraw socially
- Act in a humble manner that actually hides and nurtures their grandiose self-opinion
Interpersonal Relationship Issues The person with Narcissistic Personality Disorder typically has impaired relationships with others due to problems rooted in their
- Attitude of entitlement
- Need for admiration
- Relative disregard for the feelings, needs, and accomplishments of others
Performance-Related Issues
- High Achievement: May be a high achiever due to the powerful drive of their ambition and high self-confidence. However, this person may also experience difficulties because of the great difficulty they have accepting criticism or defeat.
- Low Achievement: May demonstrate poor vocational performance because of an unwillingness to take risks when there appears to be “competition” from others or in situations where the person fears defeat is possible.
Other Characteristics Narcissistic Personality Disorder may also present with one or more of the following characteristics:
- Masochism
- Antisocial behavior
- Borderline features
- Promiscuity
- Excessive rage
- Suicidal behavior
Additional Issues For discussions of additional aspects of the Narcissistic Personality Disorder, click on any of the following links:
Pathological Narcissistic Personality Styles
Personality Disorder
