Since Kohut's initial description, there have been many other theories about the causes of narcissistic personality disorder. Kohut believed that narcissistic personality disorder could be cured through 'self-object transference,' in which the patient transfers the need for mirroring from real people to the therapist. Without this crucial form of validation, children may develop an understanding of inferiority and insecurity. Mirroring is the process by which parents reflect back to their children a sense of self-worth and acceptance.

Kohut described narcissism as a developmental disorder that results from a lack of adequate parental mirroring during childhood. The German psychiatrist Heinz Kohut made the first formal description of narcissistic personality disorder in 1971. The term 'narcissism' comes from the Greek word 'narkissos,' which means 'self-love.' He was so entranced by what he saw that he wasted away and died.

In the story, Narcissus was a handsome young man who fell in love with his own reflection. When they don't receive the attention they crave, they may become depressed or angry.Īs the name suggests, narcissism originated with the Greek mythological character Narcissus. People with NPD may appear to have high self-esteem, but it is often fragile and can be quickly shattered by criticism or failure. Too much or too little narcissism can be harmful. It helps people to be self-confident and assertive. Healthy narcissism is a necessary part of a well-balanced personality. NPD differs from healthy narcissism, which is not a mental disorder. The disorder is also sometimes called 'ego-syntonic.' The mainstay of treatment for NPD is talk therapy. It is more common in men than women and often begins in adolescence or young adulthood. It is named after the Greek mythological character Narcissus, who fell in love with his reflection. People who exhibit narcissistic traits may have difficulty forming close relationships due to their lack of empathy and behavioral problems.Īs a mental health diagnosis, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a condition that affects about 1% of the general population. They may also seem to be unemotional and have a sense of entitlement. What is narcissism? In casual language, we might describe someone as “narcissistic” when they display an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

What is the meaning of narcissist