WHAT IS NARCISSISM? WHEN DOES IT MOVE TO NPD?

Almost every human possesses a healthy level of influence over some others, overconfidence in themselves and in what they can do, magnificent personality, which is the hallmark of authority and power, a healthy sense of superiority and meanness, a healthy dose of self-centeredness and insensitivity. This is called healthy narcissism. But when the abovementioned personality or behavioral trait becomes abnormally present, persistently increasing as an overriding behavioral pattern and significantly conditioning social and personal relations between one human and another, it becomes an indication that there is functional impairment.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) classified an abnormal shift from healthy narcissism as a mental disorder called narcissistic personality disorder. This disorder affects more men than women and is present in about two in every 20 adults. It is a disorder that has genetic and psychological indications.

The study also proved that long term abuse can also cause it, coupled with faulty or negative parenting. My motivation for writing this book is to reach out to those living with NPD, and to those who are in close communication with them, letting them know that there are ways one can effectively handle the disorder and the attendant pain that comes with it.

I also gave a rundown of the pathology, in case one finds it difficult to ascertain if he has the disorder or not. A narcissistic personality disorder is real and it affects real people. And my earnest wish is that after you must have finished reading this book, you will find every reason to seek help and get help.