close
close

I’m a psychiatrist – here are nine signs you may be a narcissist

Posted on by Larry
I’m a psychiatrist – here are nine signs you may be a narcissist

By Gina Kalsi

Published: | Updated:

A consultant psychiatrist has revealed the nine signs that someone may have a narcissistic personality.

Dr. Jaleel Mohammed from London often makes clips on Instagram to educate people about the different symptoms of conditions such as social anxiety, borderline personality disorder and depression.

He said most narcissists exhibit at least five signs, including jealousy, self-righteousness and exploitation.

The first sign is that they have a lot of self-interest and think they are superior to other people – even when there is no evidence to support their belief.

Dr. Mohammed said narcissists will often “constantly fantasize about how beautiful or brilliant they are.”

I’m a psychiatrist – here are nine signs you may be a narcissist

Dr. Jaleel Mohammed, from London, often makes clips on Instagram to educate people about the different symptoms of conditions

Those with narcissistic traits will also believe that they are special, unique and can only be understood by people who are on the same level as them. They may also believe that they should only associate with high-status individuals.

He said: ‘This reflects their deep need to reinforce their own perceived superiority.’

Dr. Mohammed added: ‘(Another sign) is that people are constantly admiring them or paying them excessive compliments.

‘They constantly look for confirmation and are often concerned with how they are perceived by others.

‘This need for attention is accompanied by a strong sense of entitlement, without question expecting favorable treatment and compliance with their expectations.’

The fifth indication is when the person thinks he is entitled to things even if he does not deserve them.

Narcissists can also “constantly” exploit people, according to Dr. Mohammed, in addition to a lack of empathy and care for others.

The psychiatrist added: ‘Their interpersonal relationships are often disturbed because of their tendency to exploit others.

He said most narcissists exhibit at least five signs, including jealousy, self-righteousness and exploitation.

He said most narcissists exhibit at least five signs, including jealousy, self-righteousness and exploitation.

The clip received thousands of views and likes, with many in the comments asking the psychiatrist how to deal with it.

The clip received thousands of views and likes, with many in the comments asking the psychiatrist how to deal with it.

‘They use people to achieve their own ends and show little concern for the needs or feelings of others.

‘This lack of empathy is a hallmark of narcissists, where understanding or concern for the emotions of others is minimal or non-existent.’

The medical professional said they will often be “very jealous of other people” and believe that people are jealous of them.

‘Narcissists often harbor jealousy. They believe that others are jealous of them or that they themselves are jealous of the successes or possessions of others,” Dr. Mohammed added.

The final clue that someone may be a narcissist is if they are arrogant or haughty and tend to ‘look down’ on other people.

Dr. Mohammed said, “Remember, these are all personality traits, so there are things the person does consistently over a long period of time, not just one-off behaviors or the person does here and there.”

The clip received thousands of views and likes, with many asking the psychiatrist in the comments how to deal with it.

One wrote: ‘Sir can you please tell me how to deal with this person.’

Another wrote: ‘I’ve lived with it for nine years.’

A third said: ‘My ex has all nine! Total energy vampire.”

A fourth commented: ‘My husband is exactly the same way.’

What is the narcissistic abuse cycle and how does it work?

According to psychologists, the cycle of narcissistic abuse roughly takes the form of three to four stages. These are:

1. Idealize

Once a narcissist has latched onto a new form of supply, he will pursue it vigorously and shower him with affection to ensure that he can secure his source of supply.

They will “love bomb” the new object of their affection and throw praise to bond them with it.

They may use the word “love” early in the relationship and imply that their victim is their “soulmate.”

2. Devalue

Once the narcissist is sure that his new form of supply is addictive and unlikely to go anywhere, his attitude towards that person changes and the words of affection stop.

The narcissist will become cold and uncaring, and in many cases will tell their victim things that make them feel inadequate.

They may pick on the person’s appearance or personality, which gradually takes away their self-confidence and leaves them feeling incredibly confused.

3. Throw away

This is when the narcissist decides he wants to find a new form of supply and breaks up with his victim.

Many victims of narcissistic abuse may feel that the relationship ended very suddenly and in a cold, hurtful way.

They often blame the victim, say they are ‘crazy’ and make them feel small.

They will wage a smear campaign to make their victim feel as low and broken as possible, which can have serious mental health consequences.

4. Vacuum cleaner

This phase of the narcissistic abuse cycle does not always occur, but it can occur in many cases.

It happens when the narcissist makes attempts to bring his victim back into his life after a period of distance.

To suck their victim back in, they will pull at their heartstrings and turn the charm back on.

They can come up with any excuse to reach out so they can get back in touch with the victim.

If the victim decides to give the narcissist another chance, there is a good chance the cycle will start all over again.

Sources: Psychology Today, Narcissistic Abuse Support