The term “narcissist” is commonly used to insult self-serving and malicious people. But in psychological terms, the official diagnosis of a narcissist is more neutral. People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may behave selfishly and cruelly to hide shame and extremely low self-esteem. When they endure a blow, like a rejection or humiliation, they may reach a breaking point, feeling as if the situation is validating all of their deep-rooted self-criticisms. This can lead to what’s known as a narcissistic collapse, and their symptoms can become debilitating.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
In general, narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition where a person displays a sense of grandiosity, a need for admiration, a sense of entitlement, self-preoccupation, and a lack of empathy, according to Harvard Health. Alexandra Cromer, a Licensed Professional Counselor with Thriveworks in Richmond, VA, explains that people with NPD lack a certain self-awareness. To Very Well Mind, he says these individuals don’t have “a lot of insight into how [their] thoughts, behaviors, [and] actions impact other people, and it tends to be an enduring character trait, that while symptoms can be managed, that’s something that’s always going to be present.”