Narcissism

Overview

Narcissism describes a mental state where a person has an inflated sense of their own importance, a need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Someone with narcissistic tendencies may come across as conceited, demanding, and self-centered; and may make little jabs at people to make themselves feel like they are better than everyone else.

Key Things to Know About Narcissism 

• Narcissism can cause significant challenges in relationships and social interactions.
• If these behaviors become severe and impact a person's daily life, they might be diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). NPD is a persistent and enduring pattern of behavior that affects all areas of a person’s life. 
• Narcissism and NPD, and the challenges they create, can be addressed through therapy or other mental health services.