Narcissistic personality disorder - overt and covert. What are the differences and similarities between these two very controlling behaviour patterns
Narcissism is indicated by 5 or more of the following (please note that NPD is not diagnosed in children and adolescents since many of its symptoms are common in their developmental stages).
Has a grandiose sense of self-importance.
Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty or ideal love.
Believe that he or she is ‘special’ and unique and can only be understood by or should associate with, other special or high-status people.
Requires excessive admiration.
Has a sense of entitlement.
Is inter-personally exploitative.
Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognise or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.
Shows arrogant, haughty behaviours and attitudes.
There are also the overt and covert characteristics which change the outward appearance of NPD to those around them.
Overt narcissists are characterised by grandiose, attention seeking and entitlement, with an ‘inflated’ sense of self which is commonly expected of. They are arrogant and preoccupied with fantasies of being successful with wealth and power. Having strong desires of being admired, they expect others to treat them with respect and admiration. In their relationships with others, it is often shallow, displaying lack of empathy of others. These types of narcissists are often socially charming, successful and hardworking, in order to gain admiration of others.
Covert narcissists are usually characterised as fragile, vulnerable and introverted. They are often sensitive to the criticisms of others and imagine themselves having grandiose achievements or high statuses but are often not expressed outwardly. They are often unable to achieve their full potential in goals and ambitions resulting in feeling depressed, hurt and self-pity. They are unable to fully trust or depend on others and are envious of other’s possessions or talents. They also exhibit disregard for others.
There is a big difference between those who have some narcissistic traits (many of us do, especially when we are unhappy, low-mood, unsupported, overwhelmed etc).
NPD has a lack of warmth and empathy for others. It is typically thought that an NPD sufferer carries a high self-esteem, however, in reality, they suffer from a fragile dysfunctional one, protected by layers of grandiose, and by promoting this, their interpersonal relationships are often built for enhancement or protection of self-esteem.
Psychotherapy is considered to be the most effective treatment of NPD. A psychotherapist will seek to construct a new, more realistic image. NPD can be difficult to change and takes time to change long-standing behaviours that often stem from childhood. An NPD sufferer is often completely unaware of the consequences of their actions due to the lack of warmth and empathy of others and an over-arching desire to preserve self.
If you recognise these traits in others or yourself and feel that you have been adversely affected by this then please get in touch for a no-obligation chat or alternatively, you can seek further learning and understanding from reputable sources online.
