Based on some overlapping symptoms, borderline personality disorder (BPD) and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are two mental health disorders that are often mistaken for one another.
People oftentimes throw the term "narcissist" around without much awareness of its clinical meaning. It is possible for a person to demonstrate narcissistic traits without having a narcissistic personality disorder, and there is such a thing as healthy narcissism.
Non-narcissists have empathy. They have a good self-esteem within themselves and don't feel the need to prove they are superior to others. They aren't prone to arguing. They listen without judging, able to accept another person faults and all, because they realize they also want to be accepted…
People with NPD, for example, see themselves as superior to others. They have an inflated sense of their own abilities and their accomplishments. In contrast, those with BPD have an unstable self-image and often see themselves as “bad” or worthless.
Habitual Non-Listening
Ever spoken with someone who responded dismissively to everything you said? Narcissists brush aside or deprecate what others say instead of truly listening. One tip-off is the word, "But..." But deletes whatever came before. "But a better way to look at it is..." Another tip-off is tone of voice.
Other psychiatric disorders can imitate narcissistic traits and NPD. An individual must fulfill specific criteria to be diagnosed with NPD. Suffering from depression, PTSD, or substance abuse disorder can mimic NPD.
Answer: NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) is often diagnosed with other mental health disorders (such as the Borderline, Histrionic, or Antisocial personality disorders).
The most official of the narcissism tests, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), is commonly used to determine if someone displays narcissistic behaviors.
However, narcissistic symptoms associated with an external traumatic event may be reflexively and erroneously attributed to PTSD, no matter how small or insignificant the traumatic stressor. Mistaking TANS for PTSD usually results in treatment failure.
You Don't Feel Empathy for Others
A lack of empathy for anyone and everyone is a hallmark of narcissism. A narcissist can't or won't recognize the feelings and needs of others, and may even be envious of those around them or think others envy them. Emotional support is crucial in relationships.
The opposite of a narcissist is someone who has a healthy level of self-esteem, empathy for others, and humility. This type of person may be called an empath, altruist, or echoist. Unlike narcissism, echoism isn't a personality disorder.
Mild: A mildly narcissistic person might be egotistical or boastful about their accomplishments but still function well in society.
“To what extent do you agree with this statement: 'I am a narcissist.'”
Final Thoughts on the Red Flags of a Narcissist
Narcissistic individuals often exhibit traits such as a lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, and an inflated sense of self-importance. It's essential to understand that dealing with a narcissist can be draining and challenging.
Someone with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may or may not be aware of what they're doing. “When it cuts into an antisocial personality or sociopathic personality, some of them are very well aware," says Peykar. "For others, it may just be how they show up in relationships.
They Have Grandiose Fantasies
On the outside, a person with covert narcissism will seem quiet, meek, and self-critical. However, on the inside, they feel an intense sense of specialness. Despite their jealousy, envy, and apparent shyness, covert narcissists will believe they are better than everyone else.
Other narcissist "tests" are not at all scientifically validated, such as the so-called narcissist smile test, which claims that you can tell if someone is a narcissist based on how they react if you smile, look them in the eye, and tell them "no" in response to something they ask of you.
Healthcare providers diagnose NPD when you have at least five of the following characteristics: Overinflated sense of self-importance. Constant thoughts about being more successful, powerful, smart, loved or attractive than others. Feelings of superiority and desire to only associate with high-status people.
For a diagnosis of NPD, people must have at least 5 of the following criteria: an exaggerated sense of self-importance. fantasies of great success, power, attractiveness, beauty or ideal love. believing themselves to be special, and only able to be understood by others who are also special.
Narcissistic personality (NPD) and histrionic personality (HPD) are both cluster B personality disorders. These personality disorders are characterized by the following: Patterns of thinking and behavior that seem erratic or unpredictable.
Similar Personality Traits
The following symptoms overlap across both mental health conditions: Lack empathy: Limited empathy is a major problem for those with sociopathy and narcissism. This can cause people with both conditions to manipulate or harm others for their own gain.
Type As can also be dangerous to narcissists
Although they can be targeted, type A people can also become a narcissist's worst nightmare. One of the most important defenses against dark personalities is having strong boundaries yourself, and type A people are usually aware they have the right to build them.