narcissistic personality disorder
narcissistic personality disorder — noun
1. a mental health condition in which a person has an extremely strong belief in th
a mental health condition in which a person has an extremely strong belief in their own importance, needs constant admiration from other people, and has great difficulty understanding or caring about the feelings of others.
During her training, the psychiatrist learned how to identify patients who might have narcissistic personality disorder.
domain: clinical psychology / diagnosis context
Eliska's narcissistic personality disorder made it nearly impossible for her to accept that she had made a mistake at work.
collocation: made it impossible to accept
Therapists often use long-term talk therapy to treat patients diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder.
The Watanabe family noticed their son's extreme need for praise and took him to a psychologist for an evaluation.
- NPD
the standard abbreviation used in clinical writing and diagnosis
用法筆記
This is a formal clinical diagnosis used by mental health professionals. It is not a casual label for someone who seems self-centered — the condition involves persistent patterns that seriously affect a person's relationships and daily life.
常見錯誤
2. the pattern of attitudes and behavior typical of this condition, especially show
the pattern of attitudes and behavior typical of this condition, especially showing excessive pride, looking down on other people, and treating them with disrespect or false kindness as if they are less important.
João's patronizing tone and constant name-dropping were seen by the clinic as clear signs of narcissistic personality disorder.
collocation: patronizing tone / constant name-dropping
Pim would interrupt his colleagues and dismiss every idea they presented, a behavior pattern linked to narcissistic personality disorder.
The documentary showed how narcissistic personality disorder can lead someone to ignore the needs of their own children and partners.
Dr. Okonkwo referred her patient for an assessment after he refused to admit his arrogant attitude caused problems at home.
- pathological narcissism
a broader term that includes NPD but also covers narcissistic traits that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria
用法筆記
This sense focuses on the observable behaviors — arrogance, disdain, and patronization — rather than the internal clinical criteria. Distinguish from sense 1, which describes the formal diagnostic framework.