Is Narcissism Genetic? Causes & How to Diagnose

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Someone with a narcissistic personality tends to feel that they are superior to other people. They find it difficult to accept criticism because they always think they are correct. These individuals are also prone to manipulating people around them to do their bidding. 

If you know a narcissist, you might wonder if it was inherited or learned. In this article, you will get an informative answer to the question, “Is narcissism genetic?” You will also learn the causes of narcissism and how to diagnose genetic narcissism.

What does narcissistic personality disorder mean?

Narcissistic Personality disorder, also known as NPD, is a disorder in which an individual has a grandiose sense of self-importance. Someone with this disorder needs acceptance and admiration, but they don’t care about others’ feelings. They are often entitled and lack the ability to accept criticism. 

There is no single known cause of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, but it involves a combination of environmental, psychological, and genetic factors, thereby answering the question, is narcissism genetic?

Does genetics play a role in narcissistic personality disorder?

Genetics plays a role in developing Narcissistic Personality Disorder, but it is one of the contributing factors. There is no specific cause of NPD, but various factors contribute to it. 

Concerning the question, “Is narcissistic personality disorder genetic,” some of the studies that show how genetics play a role in NPD include Heritability Estimates, Family History, Gene-Environment Interaction, Genetic Markers, etc.

What are the causes of narcissistic personality disorder?

Narcissistic personality disorder is a complex disease that has various contributing factors. No known cause of Narcissistic Personality Disorder exists, but some factors might contribute.

1. Genetics

Can narcissism be genetic?

It is not entirely understood how genes play a pivotal role in developing Narcissistic Personality Disorder. However, it is essential to note that a family history of this disorder can increase the chances of developing NPD, which further answers concerns like, “Is narcissism genetic?”

2. Childhood experience

Bad parenting during childhood can be one of the contributing factors to developing Narcissistic Personality Disorder. If a child was abandoned and not cared for while growing up, they could develop narcissistic traits, thereby answering the question, “Is narcissism genetic?” 

3. Cultural influence

The culture where a child grows up increases the risk of developing Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Some cultures where people are focused on personal independence and individualism are more likely to encourage NPD than cultures where a sense of togetherness of community is inspired. 

4. Traumatic experiences

If someone experiences a traumatizing event during their formative years, there is a chance that they might develop a narcissistic personality disorder. 

The development of this disorder might be their way of protecting themselves from similar events and ensuring that they hold the reins of power. This can provide more insight into the question, “Is narcissism hereditary?”

5. Peer influence

If you have friends with narcissistic traits, you might find yourself behaving like them. The chances are higher when you see how they treat people around them, and you may follow suit if care isn’t taken. 

6. Being unable to empathize

Some people cannot empathize due to different reasons, and it can be one of the contributing factors to developing a narcissistic personality disorder. 

At what age does narcissism develop?

The development of narcissism can begin at any age but often starts in childhood and adolescence. Some children may display early signs of narcissism, focusing on their desires without caring about others. 

However, some of them become more empathetic as they learn to consider the needs of others. Therefore, not everyone who displays narcissistic traits during their formative years will develop a narcissistic personality disorder, thereby explaining more on the question, “Is NPD genetic?” 

7 steps to diagnose genetic narcissism

When it comes to helping people with genetic narcissism, it is vital to know how to diagnose the traits. The diagnosis involves a multifaceted consideration of the person’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. 

Here are some ways to understand the question is narcissism genetic and how to diagnose genetic narcissism

1. Clinical 

The mental health professional conducts a clinical assessment of the individual to gather sufficient data about their childhood experiences, family, personal history, past relationships, etc. This assessment might be a conversation where the individual narrates everything the mental health professional needs to know about their past. 

2. Behavioral observation and assessment

One of the easiest ways to tell if someone is a narcissist genetic is by observing their behaviors for some signs of the disorder. Some common behavioral symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include a sense of self-importance, entitlement, arrogance, lack of empathy, desire to be admired, etc. 

3. Interview with third parties

Another way to detect narcissism genetic traits is by speaking with people close to the individual, like their family members, friends, or work colleagues. They might be able to give a wholesome assessment of their acts and conducts.

4. Information gathering form

This questionnaire contains questions individuals need to answer. These questions help individuals to evaluate their behaviors and personality traits. More so, the questionnaires or self-report measures contain metrics or features associated with narcissistic traits providing the mental health professional with more insights.

5. Family history

It can be easier to diagnose genetic narcissism when considering the family history. If an individual comes from a family that exhibits narcissistic traits and mental health problems, it suggests a genetic tendency that they would be narcissistic.

6. Psychological testing

This diagnosis method is pivotal in evaluating personality disorders and traits, including narcissism. Psychological testing often begins with the mental health professional selecting assessment tools, then conducting psychological tests like objective and projective tests. 

7. Functional Impairment

The mental health professional will assess if the person’s narcissistic traits affect them in different aspects of their lives like work, relationships, well-being, etc.

Commonly asked questions

Here are the answers to some pressing questions that can help you understand narcissism better:

• Is it possible to have a happy relationship with someone who has NPD?

Having a healthy and happy relationship with someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder can be challenging. This is because people with this disorder lack empathy and may struggle to establish authentic emotional connections with their romantic partners. 

Therefore, if you want to have a happy relationship with someone who has NPD, begin by understanding the disorder, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. 

• Can parents transmit narcissistic traits to their children?

While some evidence exists that children can get some narcissistic traits from their parents, these traits are influenced by psychological, environmental, and genetic factors, which answers the question whether narcissism is genetic or not. 

Regarding the question, “What causes narcissism?” narcissistic traits can be transmitted from parents to children through modeling behavior, neglect, lack of empathy, etc. 

• Can children be narcissistic if their parents are narcissistic?

If parents are narcissistic, there is a high chance that their children will develop the disorder, thereby explaining how does NPD develops. Factors like emotional neglect, parental influence, and unrealistic parental expectations can make children narcissistic.

Watch this video on how your childhood affects relationships:

• Can narcissism be regarded as a mental health disorder?

Narcissism can be considered a mental health disorder when it gets to a chronic stage, and the condition is diagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder. When narcissism becomes a disorder, it is characterized by a pattern of lack of empathy, manipulation, exaggeration, grandiosity, a sense of entitlement, etc. 

• Can narcissism have a negative meaning?

In psychology, narcissism often comes with a negative undertone because individuals focus on themselves and find it challenging to empathize with others. They are often preoccupied with their achievements and look down on others. Narcissists can also be manipulative and exploitative, with a sense of superiority complex. 

Summing up

Having read this article, you will be able to understand the concept of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, its causes, diagnosis, and answer to the question, “Is narcissism genetic?” 

If you think that you have this disorder, or you suspect that someone you know is showing some traits of NPD, seek the services of a mental health professional. 

Being in a relationship with someone who has NPD can be tough, but a relationship expert might help you steer the union in the right direction.