Kuala lumpur: Beneath a charming smile and confident demeanour, some individuals hide a toxic trait that silently disrupts social harmony. Often appearing charismatic, intelligent, and admirable, those with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can deeply impact the mental and emotional well-being of those around them, turning supportive relationships into sources of stress and manipulation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, many people may not realise that such traits are signs of narcissism or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)-a condition in which individuals present a flawless image to the public while hiding deep psychological issues that can seriously affect those around them. Experts warn that the presence of a narcissist in any relationship can transform what should be a loving, supportive environment into one marked by emotional strain and psychological distress.
Registered counsellor Faizah Mohamed Othman explains that in psychology, narcissism refers to a personality pattern centred on a sense of grandiosity or self-admiration in thoughts and behaviours. As a personality disorder, narcissists tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, individuals diagnosed with NPD tend to have a grandiose sense of self, an obsession with success, power, intelligence, beauty, and romance.
Faizah added that those with NPD often appear stylish and charismatic, are eloquent to the point of influencing others, have multiple personas, hold grudges, are aggressive, lie, and frequently portray themselves as victims. She said narcissists can easily charm new acquaintances, but only those who have known them for a long time will uncover their true nature. However, not all individuals displaying these traits can be diagnosed with NPD-only a psychiatrist can make that determination, she stressed.
Faizah said narcissistic individuals are highly protective of their image and often deflect their weaknesses onto those closest to them, thus presenting themselves as flawless. She noted that many victims of narcissists suffer mental and emotional pressure due to the narcissist’s tendency to create conflict, manipulate, control, and threaten others. This leads to victims feeling exploited, guilty, or as if they deserve punishment.
Despite the challenges, Faizah mentions that narcissistic traits can be beneficial in certain contexts. Individuals with such traits may make effective leaders due to their confidence and pursuit of perfection, which can drive both themselves and their teams toward exceptional achievements.
Meanwhile, Dr Nurazah Ismail, a medical lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), said various factors contribute to the development of NPD or its traits. Studies show that genetics play a role, and neuroimaging reveals differences in the prefrontal cortex of individuals with NPD, a crucial area in regulating emotions and empathy. Some people also develop narcissistic traits due to life experiences, such as being victims of bullying.
Dr Nurazah explained that individuals are generally unaware of their narcissistic tendencies and often believe their behaviour is normal. This is because many are raised in environments that reinforce such traits, resulting in low levels of self-awareness. She noted that narcissists often refuse to accept blame and instead project it onto others as a self-defence mechanism.
Dr Nurazah said one of the main challenges in treating NPD is the individual’s unwillingness to acknowledge their flaws, making voluntary treatment difficult. If they are open to receiving help, the primary treatment is psychotherapy, focusing on building empathy, enhancing self-awareness, and learning emotional regulation strategies. Although NPD is a long-term personality disorder, positive change is still possible with consistent commitment and support.