Navigating Narcissistic Traits in Teenagers: Signs and Support

Narcissistic Personality Disorder In Teens

People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) tend to exhibit a pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and an inflated sense of self-importance. However, research suggests that to some degree narcissistic traits are a normal part of human development. These traits tend to begin in childhood and increase in adolescence before decreasing in adulthood. However, it can be challenging for parents to know if a teen is displaying typical adolescent behavior or the early signs of NPD.

Below, we’ll explore some of the signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder in teens.

What is narcissistic personality disorder?

NPD is a cluster B personality disorder, along with antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), cluster B personality disorders feature “dramatic, emotional, or erratic features.”

Some of the general symptoms of overt and vulnerable narcissism may include:

• Having a grandiose sense of self-importance
• Fantasizing about having or feeling deserving of power, success, beauty, intelligence, or love
• Believing one is superior, special, or unique and one should only associate with others who are worthy
• Needing admiration due to self-doubt, emptiness, or low self-esteem
• Fishing for compliments
• Being preoccupied with what others think of oneself
• Expecting favorable treatment
• Using others, consciously or unconsciously
• Having a lack of empathy
• Seeing the feelings of others as a weakness
• Envying what others have
• Talking down to people or being condescending
• Being hypersensitive to rejection or criticism and reacting with anger
• Faking humility

NPD can affect children, teens, and adults. However, per the DSM-5, people under 18 can typically only be diagnosed with a personality disorder if the symptoms are “pervasive, persistent, and unlikely to be limited to a particular developmental stage or another mental disorder” and have been present for one year. Generally, though, many healthcare providers may be hesitant to diagnose a personality disorder in teens as their personalities are typically still developing.

Narcissistic traits vs. NPD in teens

Everyone can have some narcissistic aspects to their personality. One of the typical differences between narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and narcissistic traits is that, with NPD, individuals often feel wronged or victimized to the point that it can affect their relationships.

This idea can also apply to teenagers. Many of the general symptoms of NPD may be considered typical teen behavior. Teens may be more likely to fish for compliments, expect favorable treatment, envy what others have, or be afraid of appearing vulnerable. While teenagers may exhibit self-centered or narcissistic behavior, teens with NPD may behave in ways that interfere with their relationships.

Here are some possible signs of NPD in children and teens:

• They belittle others.
• They monopolize conversations.
• They exaggerate their accomplishments.
• They have a hard time empathizing with others.
• They are quick to anger.
• They push back against authority figures when they don’t get what they want.

As mentioned above, some narcissistic behaviors may be expected, depending on a teen’s development. Children can develop narcissistic tendencies beginning at age 8, and they generally worsen in adolescence. Many teens grow out of these behaviors in early adulthood.

Causes of NPD in teens

Researchers have not identified an exact cause of NPD, but many factors may contribute to it, including genetics and environmental factors, such as parenting styles.

Indifferent and cold parenting may prevent children from developing a realistic view of themselves due to a lack of mirroring, but too much mirroring through overparenting may be problematic as well. Both overparenting and lenient parenting can limit the ability of a child to correct the grandiose behavior that may manifest in childhood.

Other theories posit that the traits of NPD may result from over-evaluation by parents, which can lead to overly positive self-views. When children in this type of household go beyond the family system, they may develop feelings of inferiority because they aren’t getting the same type of reassurance and praise as they do from their parents.

Other factors that may contribute to teenage narcissistic personality disorder include the following:

• Abuse
• Adoption
• Death of a parent or caregiver
• Excessive criticism
• Narcissistic parenting
• Neglect
• Parental divorce
• Social influences

How to support a teen with NPD

If you suspect that your teen is showing signs of NPD, you might consider talking to your child about their behaviors and how they affect other people. You can also encourage them to have empathy and then model empathetic behavior when you can.

If you are concerned about your child’s behavior, particularly if NPD runs in your family, it may also help to talk to a mental health professional who specializes in children and adolescent mental health. This may help you gain insight into whether the symptoms you’re seeing are related to an NPD diagnosis or are part of a developmental phase. Narcissistic personality disorder treatment typically involves talk therapy, and a therapist who specializes in this age group can guide you in the next steps. In some cases, family therapy may also be helpful, not only for teens but also for the whole family unit.

As a parent of a teenager, you may also benefit from speaking with a therapist about your own mental health. Since parental behavior can affect child development, it may help to take some time to look within with the help of a therapist who has experience working with parents. Working with a therapist may help you understand your own emotions and how you may react to the world around you. Therapy may also help to reduce stress related to parenting a teenager, which can be especially challenging at a time when social media can significantly affect teens’ mental health.

If you’re interested in talking to a mental health professional but don’t have time for traditional in-person therapy, telehealth services like ReachLink can be an excellent option. With ReachLink’s virtual therapy platform, you can connect with a licensed clinical social worker from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule. ReachLink’s secure video conferencing allows for effective therapeutic relationships without the need to travel to appointments, which can be particularly helpful for busy parents.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy. One study published in 2017 found that telehealth counseling is just as effective as in-person therapy for a variety of mental health conditions, including personality disorders. This makes virtual therapy a valuable and accessible resource for families seeking support for teens showing signs of NPD.

In conclusion, recognizing and supporting a teen with narcissistic personality disorder can be complex due to the overlap between typical adolescent behaviors and more concerning narcissistic traits. Understanding the difference is crucial, as early intervention through therapy and family support can make a significant difference in a teen’s development and relationships.

Parents and caregivers should remain patient, empathetic, and proactive in seeking professional help when needed. By fostering an environment that encourages open communication, empathy, and healthy boundaries, families can help teens navigate the challenges associated with NPD while promoting their emotional growth and well-being.

If you suspect your teenager might be struggling with narcissistic traits or NPD, reaching out to a qualified mental health professional is an important first step toward meaningful support and healing.