What behavior is typically associated with a narcissistic personality disorder?

The behavior typically associated with narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by grandiosity and a need for admiration. Individuals with this disorder often have an inflated sense of their own importance and a strong desire for recognition and approval from others. They may exhibit behaviors that suggest they believe they are superior to others, which can manifest in their conversations, actions, and expectations of how others should treat them.

The grandiosity part includes a preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, or beauty, and they often expect to be recognized as superior even without commensurate achievements. The need for admiration drives them to seek out validation and attention, often pushing them to monopolize conversations and downplay others’ contributions or feelings. This need can lead to difficulties in relationships and a lack of empathy for others, as their focus remains on themselves and their needs.

In contrast, behaviors associated with overwhelming empathy, fear of rejection, or self-sacrifice do not align with narcissistic personality disorder. Those traits are typically exhibited in other contexts or psychological profiles, but within narcissism, the focus is on self-centeredness and seeking external validation.