The Narcissistic Behavior Spectrum

The word narcissist is commonly thrown around nowadays. But what dictates the difference between narcissistic behavior and a narcissistic personality disorder?

Think of narcissism as a spectrum of behavior. Someone who is a high-spectrum narcissist is on the extreme end of this continuum. However this does not mean that they automatically meet the criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In order to be diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, individuals must meet a certain criteria from the DSM-5-TR which is the current guideline for diagnosing psychological disorders. 

In short, someone can display high-spectrum narcissistic behaviors without being diagnosed with the formal personality disorder.

Breaking Down the Traits Within the Spectrum:

On the low end of the narcissism spectrum, individuals may display traits such as:

• Appropriate amounts of self-esteem (as opposed to grandiose or absent self-esteem)

• The ability to self reflect (think about and take responsibility for your actions)

• Empathy (putting yourself in other’s perspectives)

This end of the spectrum is a healthy amount of self-focus that everyone needs to have a balanced personality.

On the moderate portion of the narcissism spectrum, traits may present as:

• Acting defensive 

• Needing excessive validation from external sources 

• In stressful situations, can become selfish (instead of incorporating other’s perspectives)

• Has the ability to repair from conflict (ie via self-reflection and communication)

• Capable of empathy

Individuals on the high end of narcissism spectrum, experience most or all of these traits:

• Impaired ability to experience empathy

• Inferior based view of self-esteem which is overcompensated with superiority

• Constant redirection of blame away from self and onto others

Relational tensions are a common denominator in all personality disorders. Due to the fact that high-spectrum narcissists share traits with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, high-spectrum narcissists often have trouble maintaining or dealing with conflict within relationships. This is reflected in traits such as:

• Constantly putting others down (to maintain fragile superior view of themselves)

• Need for control by instilling fear or guilting others

• Stonewalling (refusal to communicate with others) or anger during conflict

These traits often cause conflict within relationships, causing distress for those surrounding them. Commonly, people who are around high-spectrum narcissists experience:

• Dysregulation of nervous system/inability to regulate emotions 

• Constantly being on edge or alert

• Loss of trust in self

It may seem that high-spectrum narcissists are easy to spot, however they all present differently. Examples of presentation of high-spectrum narcissists include appearing charismatic, religious/moral, constantly feeling victimized or noble. High spectrum narcissists are not defined by their presentation, but by the extremity of their traits.

If you or a loved one are experiencing distress from behaviors of high-spectrum narcissism and need support, we are here to help. Visit www.georgetowncouplestherapy.com or call 416 949 9878 to book a free no obligation consultation.