Narcissistic Behavior in Teens
While less common than other conditions, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is present in the teenage population. When left untreated, it can evolve and severely hinder an individual’s quality of life during adulthood. Read on to learn the signs of NPD and how to approach it.
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What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
According to the Mayo Clinic, NPD is “a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration.” It is the only learned personality disorder, and begins growing during adolescence. Contrary to outward appearance, the disorder stems from a fragile and low self-esteem, making the individual sensitive to even the slightest criticism.
Is your teen a narcissist, or just normal?
The fact is that a certain degree of narcissism is expected during adolescence. Teens are branching out and discovering independence, and self importance often accompanies them on the journey. One could say that it’s healthy for them to show some signs of narcissism.
Problems arise when teens rely on other people to feel confident. They have an inflated sense of their skills and abilities, and no one can convince them otherwise. Their desire for special treatment is unrealistic, and if not met, can result in angry (sometimes violent) outbursts.
Other signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder include:
- · Bragging about current or future success
- · Exploitation of others
- · Arrogance
- · A sense of entitlement
- · Exaggeration of one’s skills or accomplishments
- · Little to no concern for others
Nature vs. Nurture
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) has nothing to do with nature, and everything to do with nurture. As stated earlier, it is the only learned personality disorder, and it takes root during adolescence. It is often the result of well-meaning parents overindulging their child with undeserved praise and acknowledgement. Other catalysts include:
- · Undeserved admiration or praise
- · Emotional abuse during childhood
- · Unreliable parenting and care
- · Learned manipulative behavior
- · Little to no accountability for actions
What should parents do?
Treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is difficult, as it involves convincing the patient that he or she is lacking in some area. Due to the patient’s inflated sense of self, this presents a challenge. Medication is seldom used, unless the teenager is diagnosed with depression or some other condition. But through professional counseling, it is possible to retrain the brain into empathizing and valuing others, as well as the self.
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Angie Woodward is a Registered Nurse in Wyoming and is the founder and owner/director of Trinity Teen Solutions, Inc. TTS is a licensed Christian Residential Treatment center for at risk teen girls and their families. Call 307-645-3384 for a free consultation.
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