HR File: How to cope with a narcissist

Narcissism is a personality behavioural disorder where an individual has misrepresented feelings of inflated self-worth, often masking very low confidence. Narcissistic individuals have a profound need for attention and adoration and are often described as egotistical, egocentric, self-centred and entitled.

People with this personality disorder can find it incredibly difficult to build and sustain relationships and those around them can experience time spent together as highly toxic and even abusive.

Generally, men are more affected than females. As with many mental health disorders, the causes of narcissistic personality disorder are often complex and may stem from relationships with parents that feature a mix of excess adoration followed by inappropriate criticism. Healthy behaviour and thinking may have been altered by a traumatic life event. Some characteristics may also be inherited.