A narcissist is typically described as a person with an excessive sense of self-importance, a strong need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. The term is often used in both colloquial and psychological contexts. In psychology, narcissism is a key feature of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), which is a diagnosed condition characterized by certain traits, including:
- Grandiosity: An inflated sense of self-worth and importance.
- Need for Admiration: An ongoing requirement for excessive attention and admiration from others.
- Lack of Empathy: Difficulty recognizing or caring about the feelings and needs of others.
- Entitlement: Believing that one deserves special treatment or that others should cater to their needs.
- Exploitativeness: Taking advantage of others to achieve one's own goals.
- Interpersonal Difficulties: Struggles in relationships due to self-centeredness.
It's important to note that while many people may exhibit narcissistic traits, not everyone with these traits has NPD, which is a more severe and chronic form of narcissism. Diagnosing NPD should be done by a qualified mental health professional.