What is the Difference Between Pathological Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

The main difference between pathological narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) lies in the severity and impact of the symptoms on an individual's life and functioning. Here are some key distinctions between the two:

Severity: Narcissism is a trait that can vary in intensity, while NPD is a pervasive pattern of behaviors that significantly impacts all areas of life and functioning.
Diagnosis: NPD is a mental illness listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), and to receive an NPD diagnosis, a person must experience at least five of the nine formal symptoms. In contrast, pathological narcissism is not a formally diagnosed mental illness.
Accountability: A person with narcissistic traits may be able to recognize and take ownership when hurting others, while someone with NPD may struggle to do so.
Stability in relationships: Individuals with NPD often have an exploitative component in their relationships, which can occur in various relational dynamics, such as romantic, familial, or workplace relationships.
Context and duration: For NPD to be present, symptoms must manifest across different contexts and over an extended period.

In summary, while narcissism is a trait that can be present in various degrees, Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a more severe and pervasive condition that significantly impacts an individual's life and relationships. It is possible to have narcissistic traits without meeting the criteria for NPD.

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What is the Difference Between Pathological Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Comparative Table: Pathological Narcissism vs Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Here is a table comparing the differences between pathological narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder:

Feature	Pathological Narcissism	Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Definition	A mental condition causing severe disturbances in interpersonal relationships.	A mental illness listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) with specific diagnostic criteria.
Mental Illness	Not considered a mental illness.	Considered a mental illness.
Symptoms	Causes individuals to feel obnoxious when they feel superior to others and do not recognize the needs and feelings of others.	Symptoms must manifest across different contexts and over a long duration to be considered NPD.
Accountability	May have limited capacity to recognize and take ownership when hurting people.	May be resistant to admitting faults or receiving constructive feedback but has the capacity to do so, albeit limited in some cases.
Stability in Relationships	Exploitative component in relationships, which can occur in any relational dynamic.	Relationships may be unstable due to the exploitative nature and the need for constant praise and admiration.

In summary, pathological narcissism is a mental condition that causes disturbances in interpersonal relationships, while narcissistic personality disorder is a mental illness with specific diagnostic criteria. Pathological narcissism is not considered a mental illness, and individuals with this condition may have a limited capacity for accountability and empathy. In contrast, individuals with narcissistic personality disorder exhibit unstable relationships and may be resistant to admitting faults or receiving constructive feedback.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.