Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

Diagnostic criteria: grandiosity, need for admiration and lack of empathy.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is clinically diagnosed when a persistent pattern of grandiosity (in imagination or behavior), an insatiable need for admiration, and a marked lack of empathy is identified.

To confirm the disorder, at least five of the criteria established by manuals such as the DSM must be met.

The individual possesses an exaggerated sense of self-importance, expecting to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements to justify it.

Imagine an amateur writer who demands to be treated like a Nobel laureate, even though he has never published anything, convinced that his genius is misunderstood.

Fantasies of unlimited success, power, beauty or ideal love occupy much of their mental life.

They believe themselves to be "special" and unique, feeling that they can only be understood by, or should be associated with, other people or institutions of high status.

There is a demand for excessive admiration; common respect is not enough, they need to be the center of attention and receive constant praise.

Interpersonal exploitation is frequent: they use others to achieve their ends without remorse.

Lack of empathy is nuclear; they do not recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.

In addition, they tend to be envious or believe that others envy them, showing arrogant and haughty attitudes.

Typologies: Grandiose Narcissism (Overt) vs. Vulnerable Narcissism (Covert)

Although all narcissists share core traits, the outward manifestation can vary radically.

The "Grandiose" or overt narcissist (Overt) is the classic profile: extroverted, bold, arrogant, and exhibitionistic.

Their grandiosity is explicit; they openly proclaim their superiority and demand preferential treatment, genuinely believing that they are above the common rules.

They are visible "egomaniacs" who do not hesitate to publicly deva lue others in order to exalt themselves.

In contrast, the "Vulnerable Narcissist" or covert (Covert) is more difficult to detect.

It is characterized by hypersensitivity to criticism, defensiveness and social withdrawal.

Although internally they feel superior and believe they deserve more, their visceral fear of rejection or failure leads them to avoid the direct spotlight.

Their narcissism is expressed through victimhood, silent resentment and passive fantasies of recognition.

While the great one says "I am the best", the vulnerable one thinks "I am the best, but the world is unfair and does not recognize me", hiding an extreme fragility under a mask of modesty or suffering.

Epidemiology and the cultural "epidemic" of narcissism

Clinical statistics suggest that NPT affects approximately 1% of the general population, although estimates vary up to 6% in some studies, being more preva lent in males (between 50% and 75% of diagnoses).

However, beyond strict clinical diagnosis, psychologists warn of a significant increase in narcissistic traits in modern society, often described as an "epidemic".

Contemporary cultural factors have created an ideal breeding ground for narcissism.

The rise of social media, which encourages constant self-promotion and the search for external validation through "likes," coupled with a celebrity culture that values fame and appearance over character, are shaping increasingly self-centered behaviors.

Permissive parenting, which sometimes inflates children's self-esteem without linking it to real effort, and the weakening of traditional community ties in favor of extreme individualism, also contribute to this upward trend.

Summary

This disorder is defined by a pattern of grandiosity, insatiable need for admiration and lack of empathy. The individual perceives him/herself as superior, exploits others and lacks remorse.

There are two main typologies: the grandiose narcissist, who is arrogant and exhibitionistic, and the vulnerable, who is hypersensitive and shy. While one openly demands attention, the other seeks it through victimhood.

It affects approximately 1% of the population, predominantly males. Modern cultural factors, such as social networking and permissive parenting, have fostered an "epidemic" of narcissistic traits in today's society.