Key Takeaways
- The narcissism test can show if you have traits linked to narcissistic personality disorder.
- Narcissistic personality disorder affects relationships and can show through traits like a lack of empathy and arrogance.
- People with narcissistic personality disorder do not often seek treatment but talk therapy can help.
Narcissism has become something of a buzzword in recent years, and is often thrown around (too) casually in reference to people who behave in a way we don’t like.
That said, there are certain traits and behaviors that are associated with both the common usage of the term “narcissist” as well as narcissistic personality disorder. This fast and free quiz can help identify whether or not you or someone you know may exhibit these traits.
Who Is This Narcissism Test For?
This test is for anyone who is having challenges in personal and/or professional relationships and may be questioning their behaviors toward others and their feelings about themselves. While it can’t diagnose narcissistic personality disorder, it can tell you if you or someone you know may have higher or lower amounts of narcissistic traits.
About This Narcissist Test
This narcissist test is based on elements of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, which was developed in 1979 using the third edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to measure narcissistic personality disorder traits.
These scores can’t diagnose narcissistic personality disorder. They are a starting point to measure for narcissistic personality traits.
What to Know About Narcissistic Personality Disorder
You’ve probably heard the term narcissist used pretty freely. People often use it to describe actions or behaviors in a situation. While someone might demonstrate a few narcissistic behaviors or traits, it doesn’t mean they have the disorder.
Narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD, is an actual mental health diagnosis. It’s part of a list of personality disorders outlined in the DSM-5 and often occurs with other mental health conditions.
Narcissistic personality disorder was historically classified as a cluster B personality disorder based on the DSM-IV-TR cluster system. Other personality disorders in this category include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorders.
Now, disorders are more typically categorized based on the 5 domains of traits from the DSM-5:
- Negative affectivity
- Detachment
- Antagonism
- Disinhibition
- Psychoticism
Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
NPD impacts social relationships and can cause issues in daily interactions. Someone with the disorder may have trouble relating to others or sustaining long-term relationships.
People with NPD demonstrate at least five of the following behaviors or traits in order to be diagnosed:
- Grandiosity or high level of self-importance and entitlement
- A need for constant admiration or praise
- Belief that they’re special and can only be understood by others who are also special
- Lack of empathy and ability to identify with the needs of others
- Frequent fantasies about success, power, or perfection
- Sense of entitlement and expectations of favorable treatment
- Arrogance
- Manipulates or takes advantage of others
- Envious of others
These signs can vary from person to person, and only a mental health professional can make a formal diagnosis.
Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
NPD is a complex disorder that researchers are still learning about. It’s believed to be caused by a combination of genetics, experiences during childhood development, and cultural environment.
Someone could develop NPD from negative experiences in early childhood, such as:
- Getting rejected
- Being abused
- Having a parent or guardian with the disorder
- Abandonment
On the other hand, overly praising a child and telling them they have extraordinary abilities and traits is also thought to be a cause of NPD.
It’s hard to predict why someone develops enough narcissistic traits to be diagnosed as having NPD because everyone reacts differently to childhood experiences.
Treatments for Narcissistic Personality Disorder
There’s no specific treatment or medication for NPD. People with the disorder also aren’t likely to seek out treatment for narcissistic traits. They may recognize trouble with relationships or conflict at work as being issues but may not realize their behavior is contributing to these issues.
Talk therapy focused on personal expression and identifying and understanding personal emotions and the emotions of others is typically used in the treatment of NPD.
Since NPD is often diagnosed along with other mental health conditions, someone may seek treatment for anxiety, depression, or impulse or mood control issues. Treating these conditions may also help the person with NPD.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
-
Bilotta E, Carcione A, Fera T, Moroni F, Nicolò G, Pedone R, Pellecchia G, Semerari A, Colle L. Symptom severity and mindreading in narcissistic personality disorder. PLoS One. 2018 Aug 15;13(8):e0201216. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201216
-
Kacel EL, Ennis N, Pereira DB. Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Clinical Health Psychology Practice: Case Studies of Comorbid Psychological Distress and Life-Limiting Illness. Behav Med. 2017 Jul-Sep;43(3):156-164. doi: 10.1080/08964289.2017.1301875
-
Mitra P, Fluyau D. Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023
-
Schmalbach B, Zenger M, Nanette Tibubos A, Borkenhagen A, Strauss B, Brähler E. The Narcissistic Personality Inventory 8: Validation of a Brief Measure of Narcissistic Personality. Int J Psychol Res (Medellin). 2020 Jul-Dec;13(2):68-77. doi: 10.21500/20112084.4855
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?
Helpful
Report an Error
Other
