Someone with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) has an abnormal love of self, and is self-centered and self-absorbed. The person is unable to empathize with the effects of his or her behavior on others.

What is going on in the body?

Everyone has characteristic patterns of perceiving and relating to other people and events. These are called personality traits. Someone with a personality disorder is not aware that his or her behavior or thought patterns are inappropriate. The individual often believes that his or her patterns are normal and right. A person with a narcissistic personality disorder has a sense of superiority and an exaggerated belief in his or her own value or importance.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown. One theory is that the parents of people who develop NPD need their children to be talented or special in order to maintain their own self-esteem.