On a day-to-day basis, it is common to hear people calling other narcissists or even to see that there are people who consider themselves narcissistic, but is this really the case? What does narcissism mean? What is a narcissist? Are there several types? Can you be more or less narcissistic? How do I know if I am or if someone around me is?
Throughout today's article on Psychology-Online we will see some of the different types of narcissism and the characteristics they have to identify them.
Based on the manual of mental disorders DSM 5 (2013)[1], narcissism would be known for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (TPN). To be diagnosed with this, according to said manual, five or more of the following symptoms must be presented from the beginning of adulthood:
- An exaggerated and unfounded sense of his own importance and talents (greatness).
- Concern for fantasies of unlimited achievements, influence, power, intelligence, beauty or perfect love.
- Belief that they are special and unique and that they should only associate with people of the highest level.
- Need to be admired unconditionally.
- A sense of right.
- Exploitation of others to achieve their own goals.
- A lack of empathy.
- Envy of others and belief that others envy them.
- Arrogance and pride.
On the other hand, this variety of symptoms and not having all those diagnosed with Personality Disorder Narcissistic themselves, we find different types of narcissism, and then we will see some of they.
1. Unconscious narcissist
This type of narcissism is characterized by the attitude of grandiosity, self-glorification, arrogance and denial of their weaknesses.
2. Vulnerable narcissism
The vulnerable narcissist, also called hypervigilant and hypersensitive, exhibits withdrawal and shame. He is a very sensitive person and with feelings of inferiority, which is in great need of attention.
3. Powerful narcissism
These types of narcissistic people like to be in control of the situation and that others are subject to their command. Likes impose your will to that of others.
4. Covert narcissism
The covert narcissist approaches others through deception, they look lovely with others when, in reality, they only seek to obtain their own benefit of each relationship. They are suspicious and controlling. It is usually related to the psychopathic personality due to the symptoms that both disorders have in common, such as lack of empathy. In this article you will find more information about undercover narcissists.
5. Dependent narcissist
Those with dependent narcissism have a dire need for approval for others. They consider that they are superior to the others but that this is not being carried out, so perform different behaviors so that the approval and recognition that they believe they deserve are comply. In addition, to compensate for such "injustice", people with this type of narcissistic personality disorder They need special treatment from others with which they are provided all kinds of flattery and compliments.
6. Narcissistic savior
This type of narcissist believes that he has the ability to transform the lives of those around him. Believe that he possesses the absolute truth and that everyone must think like him in order to have a better life. He constantly emphasizes that he is right and does not open up to dialogue or change of opinion.
7. Narcissistic martyr
The person with this type of narcissistic personality disorder considers himself extremely good person and he emphasizes all those sacrifices that he makes for others. In addition, he values his suffering as part of his caring and self-sacrificing personality.
8. Impulsive narcissist
People with this type of narcissism are people with a very low tolerance for frustration. Dan disproportionate responses to situations that they consider unfair to them. This leads to constant conflict with others.
9. Imaginative narcissist
This type of narcissism occurs by constant inconsistencies. On the one hand, in real life, you consider your attitude and your daily life mediocre, so tends to take refuge in an imaginary world where their way of being corresponds to the greatness they consider they have.
10. Superficial narcissist
This type of narcissist focuses, above all, on his physical appearance and body image. She always seeks to fit in with the different beauty canons of the moment and has the need to receive constant compliments.
11. Perverse narcissist
People with this type of evil or perverse narcissism act without thinking about the consequences that their actions will have. She wants to be in control of everything and puts into practice strategies to achieve her goal. In this article you will find more information about Characteristics of the perverse narcissist.
12. Narcissistic in the couple
This narcissism is seen in the realm of love relationships. The signs that a partner has a TPN is the attempt to control everything that concerns the relationship. They are jealous people who are used to checking their cell phone, subjecting their partner to questioning about their private life, have a very low tolerance for rejection... narcissistic personality in the partner.
Surely you have identified yourself, or have identified someone you know in any of the symptoms or in some type of specific narcissism. Does this mean that you suffer or that said person suffers from Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
It is common for people to present some characteristics of different mental disorders at some point in our life. However, this does not mean that we present a problem as such. Many times, even when initiating psychological treatment for a person, they are classified as "people with features of a certain disorder" without being able to diagnose it. In any case, if you think that these types of traits are affecting your daily life, do not hesitate to answer your questions with the help of a professional. To help you narrow down the symptoms, this narcissism test offers you simple questions.
If you have detected several symptoms in someone close to you, it will be useful to know these guidelines about how to treat a narcissist.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
