General Symptoms of NPD
The symptoms of narcissism in children are similar to the symptoms seen in adults with NPD. However, there are some differences between the two groups, and things to consider when narcissistic personality disorder is suspected.
Children go through phases throughout development that may include tendencies to be self-centered or have an inflated image of themselves. This is normal. It becomes more of a concern when these traits are still present after puberty.2
General symptoms of NPD include:
- Arrogance and a sense of superiority
- Belittlement of others
- Desire to only associate with people viewed as superior to others
- Entitlement (feels they have the right to something that they don’t)
- Envy
- Excessive need to be admired and have attention
- Exploitation of others
- Extreme, negative emotions or lack of emotion in response to negative or lack of attention
- Extreme sense of self-importance, talent, or achievement
- Fantasies of unlimited access to things such as power, sex, money, and attractiveness
- Feelings of uniqueness, as if they are special
- Hidden insecurities and shame
- Lack of empathy
- Perfectionism and negative emotions in response to falling short of perfection
