Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration.

While everyone has some narcissistic traits, individuals with NPD have an extreme sense of entitlement and a belief that they are superior to others. Here are the three types of narcissistic personality disorder, and how to identify them.

Malignant Narcissists

Malignant narcissists are the most severe type of narcissist. They are often cruel, manipulative, and enjoy causing harm to others. They have a grandiose sense of self-importance and believe they are entitled to special treatment.

They lack empathy and are unable to see things from another person’s perspective. When they feel threatened, they become defensive and may lash out with aggression.

Some common characteristics of malignant narcissists include:.

Arrogance and haughty behavior
A sense of entitlement
Exploitative behavior
Lack of empathy
Jealousy and envy of others
Belief that they are unique and special
Unwillingness to compromise

Vulnerable Narcissists

Vulnerable narcissists are the opposite of malignant narcissists in that they appear shy, insecure, and withdrawn. They often seek attention and validation, but have difficulty accepting criticism.

They have a fragile self-esteem and may become defensive or angry when they feel rejected or criticized. They may also engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse or self-harm.

Some common characteristics of vulnerable narcissists include:.

Insecurity and self-doubt
Need for validation and attention
Hypersensitive to criticism
Fear of rejection
Envious of others
Difficulty handling stress

Grandiose Narcissists

Grandiose narcissists are the classic image of a narcissist: confident, assertive, and demanding. They have an exaggerated sense of their own importance and abilities, and may come across as arrogant or entitled.

They tend to seek out positions of power and influence, and may manipulate or exploit others to achieve their goals.

Some common characteristics of grandiose narcissists include:.

Arrogance and a sense of superiority
Grandiose sense of self
Exploitative behavior
Lack of empathy
Obsession with success and power
Desire for admiration and attention
Tendency to belittle others

How to Identify Narcissistic Traits

Narcissistic traits can often be identified by a pattern of behavior that is consistent across multiple situations and interactions. Here are some common warning signs:.

An inflated sense of self-importance
Constantly seeking attention and admiration
Belittling or dismissing others’ feelings and experiences
Talking about oneself excessively
Difficulty accepting criticism or negative feedback
Unwillingness to compromise
Exploiting others for personal gain
Lack of empathy or concern for others
Highly defensive or aggressive when challenged

Conclusion

Identifying narcissistic traits can be challenging, as individuals with NPD often have a way of making themselves appear charming and likable on the surface.

However, by recognizing common patterns of behavior and taking steps to protect yourself, you can minimize the impact of narcissistic individuals in your life.