The medical profession say around 1% of the population has Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). I personally believe the actual figure is much higher.
I think there’s MANY sufferers of NPD who go undiagnosed. At a guess I’d say there’s more like 5% of the population with it. If I’m correct, that means only 1 out of every 5 sufferers are diagnosed.
EDIT – A study has shown that 6.2% of people qualify for full narcissistic personality disorder.
Here’s a few reasons why I feel the majority of narcissists go undiagnosed…
Please Check Out This Short Video To Aid Your Understanding…
Difficult To Diagnose Narcissist Children
To be diagnosed with NPD, you must show traits such as grandiosity, strong sense of entitlement, manipulation, and a maladjusted or lack of empathy.
The problem is that most children display these traits anyway. Children are supposed to be narcissistic for their survival. A child with NPD may be a bit more narcissistic, but they generally blend in with their peers. It’s only when they grow older that their behaviours stand out more.
Children change rapidly. And most mental health professionals are reluctant to diagnose a child with NPD. There’s a chance they might grow out of it. And it would be unfair to misdiagnose someone young.
Once they’re older, they’re no longer under as much scrutiny. They don’t go to school, and their parents aren’t in charge of their health. So it’s largely up to them to seek help. But…
Narcissists Don’t Seek Diagnosis
A common trait of narcissism is they think they’re better than everybody else. They feel they’re blessed with something special that elevates them above ordinary mortals. So they naturally don’t think anything is wrong with them.
Narcissists usually believe that everybody thinks like them. It’s just they’re better at control and manipulation. Far from being flawed and needing help, narcissists believe they’re superior. So why would they seek medical help?
Narcissists Hide Their Symptoms
Narcissists wear many masks. They’re masters of pretending to be someone they’re not.
Narcissists think nothing of pretending to be an ideal partner to a new love interests. They fake their personality to match what they think they like. And they can keep this up charade for months, even years.
Narcissists want to be adored. So they often play the kind, friendly, charming role. It’s only behind closed doors they unleash their narcissistic ways. Often only close family see their true colours.
But most narcissists aren’t daft. They know they can’t push family too far. So they sometimes play the nice. They might drop in the odd compliment or kind gesture here and there.
Narcissists have a knack of knowing how far to push people, without quite pushing them away. So even close family don’t always know the full extent of their problem.
Narcissists frequently deflect blame onto their loved ones. They’re so clever and calculating that many fall for it. And they accept responsibility for the narcissists actions. So many narcissists fly under their family’s radar too.
Narcissists Are Difficult To Diagnose
NPD is difficult to diagnose with certainty. Medical professionals have a limited time with the narcissist. And can only ask questions. They can’t observe them in day to day life.
Narcissists are hierarchical in nature. They talk down to the janitor, but suck up to the boss. A narcissist commonly sees a medical professional as someone to look up to. And they’re likely to treat them with respect. Thus disguising their narcissistic traits.
As I’ve mentioned, narcissists are masters of deception. They can easily play the nice act for a few hours whilst they talk to a medical professional. If they don’t want to be diagnosed, then most narcissists can charm their way through.
Lack Of Knowledge Of NPD
The average person has little or no knowledge of NPD. They might know that a loved one is difficult to be around, but they don’t question if they have NPD. It’s not on their radar.
Most general doctors have little knowledge on NPD. So they’re unlikely to spot the signs. Especially when they might only spend 10 minutes every few months with them.
Neither family nor doctors are likely to refer someone with NPD to see a mental health professional. And even if they did, would the narcissist actually attend? And if they did attend, would they be honest with their thoughts and feelings?
Final Thoughts
With all these hurdles, it’s not surprising many NPD sufferers go undiagnosed.
I feel there needs to be more awareness of narcissism. Which is why I started this blog.
With more awareness, sufferers can seek help. And people with narcissists in their life can learn how to handle them better.
Whilst there’s no cure for NPD, a diagnosis helps sufferers make sense of their thoughts and behaviours. With psychotherapy, they can learn to channel them in more positive ways. And people armed with more knowledge can decide whether they want the things a narcissist brings in their life.
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