Mild Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a description that has some complexities.
When we think of the term ‘narcissism’ or ‘narcissist’ there may be a number of characteristics that come to mind. Manipulative, self-absorbed, unempathetic and vain may be a few of them. We think of narcissists as the type of people who will use others for their own selfish motives, intentionally hurt people either physically or emotionally or compulsively lie to get what they want. While this stereotype may capture some people with narcissistic traits, it may not necessarily depict everyone who falls under this umbrella.
It is important to acknowledge that there is a difference between ‘mild’ narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). To be diagnosed with NPD you need to meet specific criteria as outlined in the DSM-5 – things like having a sense of entitlement, lacking empathy, being interpersonally exploitative, among others. You need to meet 5 out of 9 of these criteria.
‘Mild’ narcissism on the other hand refers to people who score relatively highly on narcissistic traits however do not meet the criteria for NPD. While some people argue that NPD and mild narcissism are separate entities all together, others believe that narcissism can be thought of as on a spectrum, with lower levels what we might consider mild narcissism and higher levels which we would call NPD.
Mild Narcissistic Personality Disorder
People who we might consider to be mild narcissists may be seen as very confident, exaggerate their skills or abilities, or appear somewhat arrogant. While people with NPD will often experience significant personal and interpersonal issues, in large due to their preoccupation with themselves and how they are perceived by others, this is not necessarily true of people with mild narcissism. In fact, people with mild narcissism are often able to maintain a positive self-image even when they are faced with challenging circumstances. This positive self-image (even when sometimes unrealistic) seems to ward off high levels of neuroticism, depression, and overall psychological distress.
Furthermore, mild narcissistic traits such as leadership, authority, superiority, and self-admiration have been associated with occupational success, particularly in careers which require high levels of autonomy such as a CEO. So, it seems that ‘mild’ narcissism might be associated with psychological health and even success, this is not necessarily true of people with NPD.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
While many of the symptoms of ‘mild’ narcissism are similar to those with people who have NPD there are also significant differences between the two. A sense of entitlement, lack of empathy and an expectation that others should treat them as if they are special or better than others, are all central traits of people with NPD.
People with NPD tend to become significantly psychologically distressed when their exaggerated sense of self-worth is threatened in some way. When this occurs, they may become angry, frustrated, anxious, or upset. It is however worth noting that people with NPD will usually become quite good at subconsciously altering any information they receive either from their external or internal world in order to maintain this perception of their perfect self.
So, while there is such a thing as ‘mild’ narcissism, NPD is quite different. And while there are similarities between the two, there are important differences between them as well. Labelling someone as a narcissist, therefore, may not necessarily be as simple as it seems.
If you are worried that you or someone you know may be impacted by NPD, therapy can help. Our counsellors are warm, approachable, and ready to meet you where you are at. If you are ready to take this step, you can book a counselling appointment here.
