10 Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms

By james

Reviewed: Dr. Mera

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In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a hunter that found himself to be so beautiful that he became fixated by his own reflection in a pool. Such was his fixation that he lost the will to do anything else, and he died as a result. The story of Narcissus has inspired the name for a personality disorder known as narcissism.

Generally speaking, a narcissist will have an exaggerated sense of self-importance. The condition is estimated to affect around 0.5% of the general population in the US, with up to 75% of those being men. The effects of the condition can range from having a mildly negative effect on those afflicted and those around them to potentially destroying numerous lives. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Symptom #1: Lacking Empathy

The vast majority of us are able to understand how others are feeling. Then we will generally act accordingly, reassuring people and offering sympathy if they are sad. For the narcissist, though, empathy does not come so easily. Even if you are having a terrible day, the narcissist is unlikely to sympathise, they may not even understand why you are sad at all.

The narcissist is also unlikely to feel bad about any of their own actions that may have caused upset to other people. Instead, they will continue as normal as though nothing has happened. A narcissist is also likely to expect others to feel the same and may even be surprised or annoyed when other people do show empathy.