ivy
Throughout history, society has been made up of countless individuals, each with their unique personality and way of thinking. Some people view themselves positively, while others struggle with negative self-perceptions. To build healthy relationships and navigate the world effectively, individuals need to have a clear understanding of themselves and maintain an objective view of who they are. However, when self-love becomes excessive, it can cause significant challenges in social functioning.
Narcissism exists in everyone to some degree—it is simply a matter of intensity. At its core, narcissism involves an inflated view of one’s appearance, abilities, and achievements and an intense admiration of oneself. In the field of psychology, when these traits become extreme, they are classified as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). This is not just a tendency toward self-centeredness but a serious mental health condition that often requires clinical attention.
Several key symptoms characterize NPD, and while they may vary from person to person, certain patterns commonly appear. One of the most prominent traits is grandiosity. People with NPD often exaggerate their accomplishments and believe they are superior or unique compared to others. Another prominent symptom is a lack of empathy, which refers to difficulty understanding or caring about the feelings and needs of others. This can cause serious problems in both personal and professional relationships.
Additionally, individuals with NPD tend to have a constant need for admiration. They frequently seek praise and validation from others, and when they do not receive it, they may experience intense feelings of anger or depression. Sensitivity to criticism is also common. Even minor critiques can provoke strong emotional reactions, often because their self-esteem is more fragile than it appears. In response, they may become defensive or even aggressive. Lastly, people with NPD often engage in exploitative relationships. They may use others to achieve their own goals, finding it challenging to form genuine and reciprocal emotional bonds. This behavior can closely resemble traits seen in sociopathy and can be particularly painful for those around them.
The causes of NPD are typically divided into two main categories: genetic and environmental. From a genetic standpoint, some studies suggest that impulsivity and problems with empathy may be partially inherited. Neuroscientific research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has also uncovered notable findings. For instance, individuals with NPD often show irregular responses in the amygdala, the brain region involved in processing emotions such as fear, anger, and threat detection. These abnormal responses—whether excessive or diminished—may impair their ability to recognize and react appropriately to emotional situations.
In addition to the amygdala, other brain regions involved in emotional processing—such as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and the mirror neuron system—also exhibit lower levels of activity in individuals with NPD compared to the general population.
Environmental factors are equally important. One significant influence is the excessive praise and idealization that often occur during childhood. When children are repeatedly told they are exceptional in their appearance, abilities, or achievements—beyond what is realistic—it can lead to the formation of an inflated self-image. This fosters a belief that they are inherently better than others. Conditional love and performance-based parenting also play a significant role. When children feel loved only when they perform well, they may internalize the idea that they are not worthy of love unless they meet certain expectations. As a result, they may become disconnected from their true self and become fixated on gaining approval from others.
Because Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a clinical condition, it requires long-term observation and structured treatment. Fortunately, advancements in modern science and technology have made various treatment methods available. One widely used approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs. For example, CBT works to reduce unrealistic fantasies about being “special” and encourages a more balanced and grounded view of oneself.
Another promising area is brain-based therapy, particularly neurofeedback treatment. Using EEG or fMRI, patients receive real-time feedback on their brain activity, allowing them to learn how to regulate their neural responses. Technological interventions are also becoming more common. Digital therapeutic programs have been developed to target brain functional connectivity. One such method, Role-Reversal Simulation (RRS), uses virtual reality or guided imagery to help individuals re-experience situations from another person’s perspective. This can stimulate activity in the temporoparietal junction (TPJ), an area of the brain associated with empathy and the ability to take another person’s perspective.
While individuals need to develop a healthy sense of self-worth, it is equally crucial to recognize when that self-regard becomes excessive and harmful. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is more than just a personality trait—it is a psychological and neurological condition that can be understood and treated through science. Thanks to continued progress in scientific research and technology, a wide range of treatment options is now available. These treatments not only help individuals with NPD live more balanced and fulfilling lives but also contribute to greater social harmony and mutual understanding.
As science continues to advance, we can look forward to even more effective therapies in the future. With hope and commitment, we can move closer to building a brighter and more compassionate world.
By: Ireh Park
Write and Win: Participate in Creative writing Contest & International Essay Contest and win fabulous prizes.
About the Author
