Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health disorder characterized by a long-standing pattern of grandiosity (either in fantasy or actual behavior), an overwhelming need for admiration, and usually a complete lack of empathy toward others. Narcissistic people exude an aura of entitlement, assuming and demanding things they insist or feel they should have just because they desire it. People with this disorder often believe they are of primary importance in everybody’s life or to anyone they meet. People with narcissistic personality disorder often display snobbish, arrogant, disdainful, or patronizing attitudes. For example, an individual with this disorder may need to prove his or her intelligence by demeaning or overly correcting others. Their behavior may also consist of complaints regarding another person not being able to get something right, taking too long, or not doing thing as well as the narcissistic person does.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder not only influences and effects the individual’s attitude and behaviors but how he or she engages with others and the world around them. NPD causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships (familial, social, and romantic), work, school or financial affairs. You may be generally unhappy and disappointed when you're not given the special favors or admiration you believe you deserve. Others may not enjoy being around you, and you may find your relationships unfulfilling.

Symptoms of NPD include:

• Arrogant or condescending demeanor

• Extreme grandiosity

• An insatiable need for admiration

• Feelings of entitlement

• Retains beliefs he or she is unlike anyone else, unique and can only associate with others that are successful, brilliant, powerful, etc.

• Engages in exploitive behaviors that involve taking advantage of others to satisfy his or her own need.

• Lacks empathy for anyone other than themselves.

• Behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

Although some characteristics of NPD may appear as confidence or over confidence it is not the same. NPD crosses the border of healthy confidence into thinking so highly of yourself that you put yourself on a pedestal and value yourself more than you value others. Unfortunately, many people with NPD are most likely to seek treatment only when they develop symptoms of depression — often because of perceived criticisms or rejections.

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