Healthy Self-Confidence Or Narcissistic Personality Disorder? -By Mutalib Jibril

Meet Dantani, a charismatic and confident individual whose charm was evident from secondary school days. With an opinion on everything, Dantani believed in a brilliance that transcended academic grades, dismissing any inconsistency as mere envy from teachers. This self-assured attitude garnered a devoted following enchanted by the constant smile and unwavering confidence.

As Dantani ventured into the professional world after university, the perceived brilliance solidified into a conviction that the world underestimated their intelligence. Tolerating only those who praised them, Dantani displayed condescension and brutality towards those deemed inferior. The need for constant praise became evident, with colleagues and partners describing Dantani as both abrasive and manipulative.

In Dantani’s world, teamwork meant unquestioning acceptance of leadership and agreement with their supposedly superior ideas. Dissent was met with hostility, as Dantani saw it as a manifestation of envy. Apologies were foreign concepts in their vocabulary, as admitting fault was inconceivable for someone so convinced of their infallibility.

The story of Dantani is one where charisma and confidence mask a manipulative and praise-dependent personality, creating a narrative of strained relationships and a distorted sense of superiority in various aspects of life.

Historical origins of Narcissism

The concept of narcissism finds its roots in ancient mythology, specifically in the story of Narcissus from Greek mythology. According to the myth, Narcissus was a beautiful youth who became infatuated with his own reflection in a pool of water. Unable to tear himself away from the captivating image, he eventually withered away and died, his obsession leading to his demise.

The term “narcissism” itself is derived from Narcissus and was popularized by the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud in the early 20th century. Freud introduced the term to describe a personality trait characterized by excessive self-love and a lack of empathy for others. He further developed the concept in his work on psychoanalysis.

Thus, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Individuals with NPD often have an exaggerated sense of their own importance, believe they are unique or special, and require excessive admiration.
Beneath this outward charm often lies a delicate self-esteem, and critiques are typically met with resistance. Consequently, their interpersonal connections, whether in , hostels, marriages, school environments, workplaces, or within the community, are riddled with challenges.

These individuals may employ manipulation as a tool to achieve their objectives, maintaining pretenses for extended periods. However, prolonged and intimate engagements almost inevitably lead to the unveiling of their true nature, resulting in either a tumultuous separation or the manifestation of abusive behaviors.

Signs and symptoms of NPD

Grandiosity:
Exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Need for Admiration:
Strong belief that others should recognize and cater to their needs.

Interpersonal Exploitation:
Taking advantage of others to achieve personal goals.

Belief of Being Envious:
Tendency to be envious of others or dismiss their achievements.
Arrogant or Haughty Behavior:

Displaying condescending behaviors.

Expecting special treatment and unquestioning compliance with their expectations.

Fragile Self-Esteem:
Reacts strongly to criticism or perceived threats to their self-worth.

It’s important to note that occasional manifestation of one or two narcissistic traits doesn’t imply Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). A formal diagnosis requires a sustained pattern of multiple symptoms deeply integrated into an individual’s identity. The resulting distress should be evident in their relationships at work, home, or within the community. To establish a diagnosis accurately, a qualified mental health professional must conduct a comprehensive psychological assessment.

Can Narcissistic Personality Disorder Be Treated?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can be challenging to treat because individuals with this disorder may resist acknowledging their issues. However, psychotherapy, particularly approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy, can help manage symptoms and foster healthier behaviors. It often requires a long-term commitment and willingness from the individual to address and work on their patterns of thinking and behavior.