No two narcissists are exactly alike.
Learn how narcissism exists on a spectrum.
They may exhibit some behaviors of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
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However, having some narcissistic traits does not necessarily mean they are diagnosed with NPD.
Narcissism is a personality trait that ranges along a spectrum.
They may be overbearing, extroverted, social, egotistic, and excessively competitive.
Their narcissistic behavior is obvious.
Their behavior is much less obvious and more subtle.Covert narcissistsdont behave loudly, nor are they outgoing.
They are still highly focused on themselves with a thirst for praise from others.
For instance, their concern for others is not authentic or genuine.
Their intentions for expressing moral outrage are based on gaining social power or elevating self-importance.
A longitudinal study looked at narcissism and popularity in the development of peer relationships over time.
Malignant Narcissism
The most severe bang out of narcissism ismalignant narcissism.
Some mental health researchers have considered this as a mixture of narcissism andantisocial personality disorder.
A person with malignant narcissism displays symptoms of NPD.
This makes research and diagnosis difficult for this presentation.
However, someone with traits of narcissism may not be diagnosed with NPD.
Mental health providers will use theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)to clinically diagnose someone with NPD.
Some experts conceptualize five types of narcissism, with malignant narcissism being the most extreme.
Communal and antagonistic are types of overt narcissism.
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