There are few mental health terms thrown around more than the word “narcissist.” People use it to describe a difficult boss, hurl the insult at a parent after a fight, or use it as an explanation for odd celebrity behavior. It’s a buzzy term, but most people aren’t narcissists, and there is a huge difference between having narcissistic tendencies and having a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder.
You can have narcissistic moments — like bragging about a work achievement or seeking attention from loved ones — without having narcissistic personality disorder, said Zoe Kinsey, a licensed mental health counselor at Self Space in Washington state.
While both things can be harmful, narcissistic personality disorder is much more serious and dangerous.
“NPD, to begin, is a really nuanced personality disorder and diagnosis. Not everybody is going to present the same,” said Kinsey.
“So, a more traditional definition … NPD is a personality disorder often characterized by extreme beliefs of grandiosity and self-importance, a severe lack of empathy, unrealistic expectations toward themselves and others, fear of rejection, and a significant need for praise and adoration that often comes at the exploitation of others,” Kinsey said.
