Do INTJs have Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?
By
PsychReel
This blog will explore the relationship between INTJs and Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and cover topics like the INTJ personality type, what is a narcissistic personality disorder, its signs, symptoms of NPD, treatment of NPD, and frequently asked questions.
Do INTJs have Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?
Yes, INTJs are known to be at a higher risk of developing a narcissistic personality disorder. However, this does not mean that all INTJs have a narcissistic personality disorder and also that not all people who have narcissistic personality disorder are INTJs.
Let us explore the reason INTJs are more likely to develop narcissistic personality disorder in further sections.
Who are INTJs?
INTJ is one of the 16 personality types of the Myers and Brigs personality types. INTJs are great friends to contact in times of distress since they are highly structured and always ready to solve difficulties.
They think in a methodical manner, which, in most cases, greatly aids in the development of successful answers. They are intelligent and loyal, as well as self-assured and self-sufficient.
A person with INTJ personality type is a person who possesses the personality traits of Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Judging. These clever strategists like mastering the finer points of life, combining creativity and logic in everything they do. Their inner life is largely private and complicated.
At the top, it might be lonely. Architects (INTJs) are one of the rarest personality kinds – and also one of the most capable. Architects may find it difficult to locate personnel who can keep up with their constant examination of everything around them.
What is a narcissistic personality disorder?
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a type of personality disorder in which individuals have an exaggerated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, problematic relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. But beneath this confident front hides fragile self-esteem that is easily shattered by the tiniest criticism.
A narcissistic personality disorder can affect many facets of one’s life, including relationships, the workplace, school, and finances.
People with narcissistic personality disorder may be sad and upset when they aren’t given the special privileges or acclaim they believe they deserve. Others may not enjoy being around them because their relationships are unfulfilling.
Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is often used to treat narcissistic personality disorder.
What are the signs and symptoms of NPD?
Signs and symptoms of NPD include:
- Feel a sense of entitlement towards everything in their life
- Require constant attention
- Exaggerate your accomplishments and abilities.
- Fantasize about power, brilliance, money, or a perfect partner
- They believe they are superior and can only associate with those who are likewise exceptional.
- Belittle people to feel superior to them
- Don’t hesitate to take advantage of others in order to get what they want
- Make it a point to have the best of everything.
- Are jealous of others and make people feel jealous of them
- When they don’t receive the special treatment they become irritated
- Have difficulty in managing emotions
Causes of narcissistic personality disorder
NPD is a condition whose causes are unknown. Many cases of NPD, however, are thought to be caused by inherited genetic abnormalities. Environmental elements that may play a role include:
- Emotional trauma faced during childhood
- Being constantly pampered by parents and other family members
- Unrealistically high goals set by parents
- Cultural factors that influence the upbringing
- sexual promiscuity (often accompanies narcissism)
Why are INTJs predisposed to narcissistic personality disorder?
Due to a highly sensitive temperament and some childhood emotional trauma, INTJ’s can become predisposed to narcissistic personality disorder.
INTJs’ introversion, combined with criticism, physical abuse, and isolation, causes them to retreat inside their thoughts, where unfiltered ideas and imagination bloom.
As a result, this secure zone transforms into a haven for self-absorption, self-importance, and self-aggrandizement. Self-aware INTJs use their healthy or adaptive narcissism to fuel ambition and achieve extraordinary personal and professional success.
“…As long back as 1938, Harvard psychologist Henry Murray observed another kind of narcissist among his undergraduates: the covert narcissist,” writes Kaufman (2013).
While “overt” narcissists were more prone to emotions of neglect or dismissiveness, oversensitivity, anxiety, and delusions of persecution, “covert” narcissists were more prone to feelings of neglect or dismissiveness, oversensitivity, anxiety, and delusions of persecution.”
But just like every 6 ft tall person doesn’t automatically become a basketball player, similarly it is not necessary that every INTJ will have a narcissistic personality disorder.
Nature and nurture both play an important role in shaping an individual’s personality. A tall, gifted athlete may thrive in that field if provided with a nurturing environment, motivation, and success incentives.
Under Kern’s definition, a very sensitive, intellectually, and academically motivated INTJ who is in a constant atmosphere of criticism, bullying, and emotional abuse may become narcissistic.
The environment influences how an athlete and a narcissist display their abilities. The predisposition already exists, and it just needs to be kindled by external factors.
According to Michaels (2020), INTJs have mainstream values and believe in fair play. They frequently develop an unrealistically optimistic view of human nature at a young age, as well as the following beliefs:
- They grew up feeling isolated and self-contained, resulting in a lack of physical and mental safety.
- The “only kid” and firstborn had to care for themselves.
- They have a high level of insecurity and low self-esteem.
- They had to construct ideas and systems for generating a sense of authority in order to survive physically and mentally.
Other factors that can lead INTJs to have NPD
High Intelligence
INTJ’s are very smart people. They love thinking, observing and creating. The power of analyzing things comes naturally to them. These things almost always ensure a good and sometimes a winning outcome which actually boosts their ego. Their smarts can also cause them to easily question and disprove other people’s perspectives
Relationships
Since INTJ’s are introverted, relationships don’t come easy to them. Their ineptness in dealing with emotions that come with relationships can lead them to be perceived as detached. They are not very good at comforting their partner which can lead the other person to feel that they are apathetic.
They often talk about their victories
INTJs often try to ignore their faults and shortcomings and like to talk about their good side more. If someone else is bragging in front of them, they don’t get upset, instead, they take it as a challenge to showcase their plus points more.
Indifference towards emotions
INTJs care less about emotions and more about logic. This puts them in a much less kind light in front of people. If you go to them with your problems, instead of providing you hugs or comforting you, they will look at the situation from a very practical lens.
While this may be useful in some circumstances, others can often feel that their feelings are not being acknowledged. They can even end up correcting or criticising you regarding the wrong decisions you took and what you could’ve done instead.
Treatment of NPD
Talk therapy, often known as psychotherapy, is the most common form of treatment for NPD. If signs of NPD coexist with depression or another mental health problem, the other disorder may be treated with suitable drugs. NPD, on the other hand, is not treatable with medicine.
Talk therapy can help you improve your interpersonal connections and make them more fun, intimate, and fulfilling. Positive contacts with others can considerably improve a variety of aspects of your life. In addition, talk therapy can teach you how to:
- Cooperate with colleagues and peers
- Maintain your personal relationships
- Recognize your abilities and potential so that you can accept criticism and failure.
- recognise and control your emotions
- deal with any self-esteem problems
- set achievable goals for yourself
If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.
Attend all of your treatment sessions and take the medicines prescribed by your doctor. You’ll notice a difference in yourself and your interactions with others with time.
Conclusion
NPD symptoms normally improve over time with psychotherapy. You will most likely be able to restore damaged relationships and become happier with your daily life if you stay motivated and actively work toward change.
We explore the relationship between INTJs and NPD and understood how an INTJ is predisposed to the condition of NPD
Frequently asked questions (FAQs): Do INTJs have Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?
What should I do if I encounter someone with a narcissistic personality disorder?
This is dependent on your relationship with the person who suffers from NPD. If it’s just a passing acquaintance, you might be able to deal with them for a short time or perhaps feel compelled to avoid them entirely.
If the person with NPD is a family member, and you don’t want to forfeit the relationship, you must change your conduct in response to the person with NPD’s behavior.
What is the behavior of a narcissist?
A pattern of self-centered, arrogant thinking and conduct, a lack of empathy and respect for others, and an obsessive need for praise characterize narcissistic personality disorder. People with NPD are frequently described as arrogant, manipulative, egotistical, pompous, and demand by others.
What is the prevalence of narcissistic personality disorder?
Experts estimate that up to 5% of the population suffers from NPD. One of ten personality disorders is narcissism. People with these disorders think, feel, and act in ways that are harmful to themselves or others. Personality problems commonly manifest themselves in late adolescence and early adulthood.
What criteria are used to diagnose narcissistic personality disorder?
If you experience core symptoms of NPD, you should consult a mental health expert such as a psychologist or psychiatrist (psychotherapist). Your psychotherapist will offer you questions to fill out and then meet with you to discuss them.
You will discuss the issues that are bothering you. Long-term patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving, and interacting with others will be the focus of the research. Other mental health issues will be identified and ruled out by your psychotherapist.
Is it possible to take a test to check whether I have narcissistic characteristics?
Your psychotherapist may use personality tests to determine whether or not you exhibit narcissistic characteristics. The tests are simply questions that you must answer truthfully. They help your psychotherapist have a deeper understanding of your thoughts and feelings. The following tests are performed:
- Personality diagnostic questionnaire-4 (PDQ-4).
- Millon clinical multiaxial inventory III (MCMI-III).
- International personality disorder examination (IPDE).
How can I avoid being a narcissist?
You have a significantly increased chance of acquiring NPD if one of your parents has it. However, specialists believe that heredity is only one of a number of factors that contribute to NPD. Consult a mental health professional if you suspect you or a loved one has NPD.
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