1) Personality disorders (PD) consist of a loosely-bound cluster of sub-types. Which of the following common features are evident in PD?
2) Which of the following is the most well-known of the Personality disorders ?
3) Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of individuals with paranoid personality disorder
4) An Individual with a schizotypal personality disorder will usually exhibit which of the following characteristics?
5) Which of the following is a subtype of Dramatic/Emotional Personality Disorders (Cluster B)
6) The term 'sociopath' or 'psychopath' is sometimes used to describe which type of personality disorder
7) An individual with narcissistic personality disorder will routinely overestimate their abilities and inflate their accomplishments, and this is characterized by which of the following?
8) The apparent lack of empathy and the tendency to exploit others for self-benefit, has lead psychologists to compare narcissistic personality disorder with which one of the following?
9) Which of the following are considered to be the main features of avoidant personality disorder?
10) Some clinicians have come to believe that antisocial personality disorder and social phobia are both components of a broader spectrum called:
11) An Individual with Dependent Personality Disorder will exhibit which of the following?
12) An Individual with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder will exhibit which of the following characteristics?
13) Which of the following is NOT considered to be a risk factors for personality disorders ?
14) The formalistic similarities between Cluster A disorders and schizophrenia have led researchers to argue that they are part of a broader
15) According to psychodynamic theory which of the following is NOT deemed to be characteristic of the parents of an individual with paranoid personality disorder
16) Antisocial Personality Disorder is closely associated with criminal and antisocial behaviour. Because of this, considerable effort has been invested in attempting which of the following?
17) Personality disorders are an enduring patterns of behaviour that persist from childhood into adulthood and because of this fact, one of the best predictors of APD in adulthood is a diagnosis of
18) Behaviour of individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder often appears impulsive and unpredictable due to switching quickly and unpredictably between:
19) More recent research has linked Borderline Personality Disoder (BPD) with bipolar disorder, and the two are often comorbid. Some individuals with BPD belong to a broader:
20) Evidence suggests that individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder have a number of brain abnormalities that may give rise to impulsive behaviour. There is evidence for dysfunction in brain:
21) According to psychodynamic theory individuals are sometimes motivated to respond to the world through the perspectives they have learnt from important other people in their developmental past. This is called:
22) Psychodynamic theories of personality disorders that individuals with weak egos engage in a defence mechanism called:
23) Narcissistic personality disorder is also closely associated with antisocial personality disorder (APD),. Which of the following is not a way in narcissistic individuals will regularly act:
24) Which of the following is not usually associated with Avoidant Personality Disorder?
25) Which of the following is a particular example of psychodynamic treatment which attempts to strengthen the individual's weak ego so that they are able to address issues in their life without constantly flipping from one extreme view to another:
26) There is one particular form of therapy that has been successfully used to treat individuals with personality disorders and involves providing them with insight into their dysfunctional ways of thinking, and is designed to provide them with the necessary skills to overcome these problematic ways of thinking and behaving. Which of the following is this therapy ?
27) Cognitive behavioural therapy may be used to treat an individual with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder by challenging:
28) In the treatments of individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder a therapist may change dysfunctional schemata by:
29) Which of the following could be described as a stage of schemata therapy for personality disorder?
30) Which of the following is not a DSM-IV-TR criterion for schizoid personality disorder?
“Covert narcissist” is a term used to describe a person who has narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) but does not display the grandiose sense of self-importance that psychologists associate with the condition.
Other names for covert narcissism include “closet narcissism” or “introverted narcissism.” Researchers tend to use the term “vulnerable narcissism,” as people with this subtype of NPD appear to lack self-confidence.
This article discusses covert narcissism in more detail, including the signs and causes. It also explains how a person can respond to narcissistic behavior.
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Narcissism is a general term that encompasses several personality traits, including:
- self-interest
- a sense of entitlement to special treatment
- vanity
The term comes from the ancient Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who fell in love with his reflection.
Anyone can behave in a narcissistic way at times. However, someone who displays highly narcissistic traits consistently across all situations may have NPD.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), NPD is a long-term mental health condition that presents with symptoms such as:
- a constant need for admiration
- an unrealistic sense of self-importance
- a lack of empathy
- difficulty forming meaningful relationships
Narcissism and self-esteem
It is worth noting that self-importance is not the same as self-esteem. A person with good self-esteem feels valuable in themselves and does not feel the need to assert their superiority over others.
Many people with NPD will have high self-esteem, but this is not always the case. In fact, many can have low self-esteem, as their self-image depends on comparing themselves with other people.
A 2018 study found that people with overt narcissism tended to have higher levels of self-esteem, while those with covert narcissism had lower scores.
Experts split NPD into two subtypes: grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism. Or, as some people call them, overt and covert narcissism.
Both types of NPD share the same traits, such as a need for admiration and a lack of empathy. However, the outward behavior of those with each subtype can be very different.
People with overt narcissism are typically extroverted, bold, and attention-seeking. They may become aggressive or violent if a person or situation challenges their sense of status.
The covert subtype is less obvious. A person with covert narcissism may come across as shy, withdrawn, or self-deprecating. However, they will still be self-absorbed and believe that they are better than other people.
Psychologists are still learning about the causes of narcissistic personality traits and NPD. However, research shows that a mixture of factors may play a role.
A 2015 study found that adults with narcissistic personality traits frequently had parents who overvalued their achievements, emphasizing status and praise. The researchers speculate that this teaches children that they are superior to their peers.
By contrast, parents with warm, affectionate parenting styles were more likely to have children with healthy self-esteem. The researchers theorize that parental affection teaches children that they are valuable rather than superior.
The causes of NPD are likely more complex. Personality disorders typically have links with:
- genetics
- childhood trauma
- verbal or sexual abuse
People with covert narcissism may have a parent who displays similar traits, abused them as children, or both. Psychologists do not yet understand why some people develop covert NPD rather than overt NPD.
Although covert narcissism is less apparent than the overt subtype, several signs can indicate that a person has this disorder.
Secret sense of superiority
Researchers say that while people with covert narcissism appear to be modest, they believe that they are superior to other people. As a result, they avoid situations or tasks that challenge this sense of superiority.
For example, they may avoid doing work they believe is beneath them.
Avoids social situations
People with covert narcissism may lack interest in socializing or avoid it due to social anxiety, fear of comparing themselves with others, or envy.
Hypersensitive to criticism
People with vulnerable or covert NPD are very sensitive to criticism. They may perceive insults where others do not and are likely to become defensive easily. They may act in a vindictive or passive-aggressive way if they believe that someone has slighted them.
Difficulty with relationships and work
The way a person with covert narcissism behaves often makes it difficult for them to stay in work. Sometimes, they may choose not to work because it does not match their sense of self. They may also find it difficult to maintain relationships.
Depression and anxiety
People with covert narcissism are likely to experience depression, anxiety, and symptoms of other personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder.
Regularly interacting with someone with covert NPD can be challenging.
Someone with a close friend or family member with NPD may find that this individual’s narcissistic behavior affects their mental health. In these cases, a person might benefit from setting some boundaries.
For instance, the person could limit their interactions with the friend or family member with NPD so that they only see them on specific days or for certain periods. They may also want to limit the amount of personal data they share with them.
If someone experiences abuse or trauma due to their relationship with a person who has NPD, they may need to cease contact with them entirely.
Anyone living with mental health symptoms that interfere with their work or personal life should consider seeking help. Speaking with a doctor or psychotherapist is a good first step. These healthcare professionals can assess the problem and recommend treatments.
A person recovering from an unhealthy relationship with someone who has NPD may benefit from the support of organizations such as Narcissist Abuse Support.
If someone is in an abusive relationship with a person with narcissistic traits, they may require help leaving the relationship. Abuse can include:
- physical abuse, such as hitting, scratching, or kicking
- emotional abuse, including gaslighting or guilt-tripping
- verbal abuse, such as insults, yelling, and threats
- financial abuse, in which the abusive person seizes control of the partner’s money
- sexual abuse, such as rape
Narcissism is a personality trait that involves self-interest, a sense of entitlement, and vanity. Some people have NPD, which is a lifelong mental health condition causing a lack of empathy, feelings of superiority, and a need for admiration and attention.
People with the vulnerable or covert form of NPD may appear shy, withdrawn, and lacking in confidence.
Interacting with someone with covert narcissism may be difficult. In some cases, a person may need to limit or break contact with the individual to protect their mental and physical well-being.
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