Narcissistic Personality Disorder Test: How This Personality Disorder Gets Diagnosed

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. This personality disorder is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with oneself, vanity, and egotism. People with NPD often have problems forming healthy relationships and can be difficult to work with due to their intense need for attention and validation.

Furthermore, it is observed that NPD is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women. Some studies suggest that men are likelier to exhibit the grandiose and externalizing behaviors associated with NPD. In contrast, women may exhibit more internalizing and vulnerable narcissistic traits, which can be less noticeable and may not meet the diagnostic criteria for NPD as frequently.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have NPD, it is important to seek professional help for a proper diagnosis. One way of determining whether someone has NPD is through the use of a narcissistic personality disorder test. These tests are designed to assess specific traits and behaviors commonly associated with NPD. They can be administered by a mental health professional or taken online.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Test: What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition where a person thinks they are essential, wants a lot of attention, and struggles to understand or care about other people's feelings.

People with NPD often believe they are super talented and successful and daydream about being even more powerful, attractive, or loved. NPD is one of several personality disorders recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), used by mental health professionals for diagnosis.

Here are some key features and criteria associated with narcissistic personality disorder:

• People with NPD often feel incredibly important and better than everyone else.

• They often fantasize about unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love. These fantasies can be unrealistic and may not align with their actual achievements.

• They constantly need lots of praise and attention from others to feel good about themselves.

• Individuals with NPD may believe they are entitled to special treatment and privileges. Some people with NPD may exploit others for personal gain. They may manipulate or take advantage of others to achieve their goals.

• They struggle to understand or care about how others feel. They may be dismissive of others' emotions and struggles.

• People with NPD often experience envy of others and believe that others are envious of them. They may view themselves as superior and others as inferior.

• Surprisingly, they can have a delicate self-esteem that easily gets hurt by criticism or rejection.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Test: Are There Different Types of Narcissism?

Yes, within the broader concept of narcissism, some different types or subtypes can manifest with varying characteristics. Some of the notable subtypes of narcissism include:

Grandiose Narcissism

This is the classic form of narcissism characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a need for constant admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. People with grandiose narcissism often exhibit behaviors such as bragging, seeking attention, and belittling others.

Vulnerable Narcissism

Unlike grandiose narcissism, individuals with vulnerable narcissism tend to have low self-esteem and may be more sensitive to criticism. They may appear shy or anxious but still harbor a sense of entitlement and need special treatment.

Malignant Narcissism

This subtype combines narcissistic traits with antisocial behavior, sadism, and a desire for power and control over others. People with malignant narcissism may be manipulative, aggressive, and willing to harm others to achieve their goals.

Communal Narcissism

Some individuals may display narcissistic traits primarily when seen as altruistic or selfless. They may seek recognition and admiration for their generosity, philanthropy, or caregiving.

Collective Narcissism

In this form, narcissistic traits are projected onto a group or collective identity, such as a nation, religion, or social movement. Group members see themselves as superior to others and demand recognition and validation for their collective identity.

Somatic and Cerebral Narcissism

These subtypes focus on different aspects of self-esteem. Somatic narcissism emphasizes physical appearance and attractiveness, while cerebral narcissism centers around intellectual abilities and achievements.

These subtypes are not mutually exclusive, and people may exhibit a combination of traits from different subtypes. Additionally, the concept of subtypes is not universally accepted among psychologists and researchers, and the field continues to evolve in understanding the complexity of narcissism. Diagnosing and understanding narcissistic personality traits require a nuanced approach considering individual differences and contexts.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Test: What Causes Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Narcissistic personality disorder is influenced by various factors. Genetics can contribute, especially if someone has a family history of narcissistic traits or personality disorders, which may increase their risk of developing NPD. Childhood experiences also matter; excessive praise or criticism during early life can shape narcissistic traits to cope with those experiences.

Additionally, psychological factors like low self-esteem or past trauma can make people more vulnerable to adopting narcissistic traits as a defense against feeling inadequate. Environmental factors are important, too. Societal values that stress materialism, success, and self-promotion can unintentionally encourage narcissistic traits. 

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Test: How Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder Diagnosed?

Diagnosing narcissistic personality disorder is a thorough process conducted by mental health professionals, like psychiatrists or clinical psychologists. There isn't a single test for NPD. Still, it relies on a mix of clinical observations, interviews, and criteria from the DSM-5.

First, a counselor will chat with the person to gather information about their thoughts, actions, feelings, and relationships. They pay attention to things like being full of themselves, not understanding others' feelings, and craving lots of admiration - which are the core features of NPD. After that, the DSM-5 sets the rules for diagnosis.

To be diagnosed with NPD, a person has to show a consistent pattern of feeling super important, needing heaps of admiration, and not getting others' feelings across various situations. This pattern should be stable over time and evident since early adulthood. The clinician determines if these criteria fit based on what they learned during the interview. They might also talk to family, friends, or people close to the person being assessed.

This helps better understand their behavior and relationships because folks with NPD might not always realize or admit to their issues.

In short, someone gets diagnosed with NPD if they meet the specific criteria in the DSM-5 and their behavior and traits are causing severe problems in their personal life, social life, or job. Remember, only trained experts should diagnose NPD because it's a tricky process that needs a deep understanding of personality disorders and psychological evaluation.

Suppose you think you may be experiencing symptoms of NPD. In that case, you can take the following narcissistic personality disorder test and then discuss the results with a qualified mental health professional specializing in diagnosing and treating psychiatric or personality disorders.

Remember that this test is for educational and entertainment purposes and should not be considered a professional assessment. Narcissism is a complex personality trait that should be evaluated by trained professionals in clinical settings for a definitive diagnosis. This test provides an overview of narcissistic tendencies but should not be used as a substitute for professional evaluation.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Test: The Narcissism Assessment Test

Narcissism can manifest in various ways and can be associated with both positive and negative outcomes in one's life. This test aims to help you better understand your narcissistic propensities by assessing different aspects of your personality. Please answer the following questions honestly, based on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Instructions:

• Respond to each question by selecting the option that best describes you.

• Choose the answer most closely reflects your feelings and behavior over the past year.

• There are no right or wrong answers; this is simply a self-assessment.

Scoring

At the end of the test, you will find instructions for scoring your responses to determine your level of narcissistic traits. 

Question 1

I have a natural talent that sets me apart from others.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 2

I often expect special treatment because I believe I deserve it.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 3

I enjoy being the center of attention in social situations.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 4

I tend to exaggerate my achievements and abilities when talking to others.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 5

It bothers me when others don't acknowledge my accomplishments.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 6

I often find myself daydreaming about unlimited success, power, beauty, or ideal love.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 7

I have difficulty empathizing with the problems and concerns of others.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 8

I tend to get angry or frustrated when I don't receive the admiration I feel I deserve.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 9

I believe I am more intelligent and talented than most people.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 10

I enjoy competing with others, even over minor things.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 11

I have a tendency to exploit others to achieve my goals.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 12

I often feel envious of others who seem more successful or attractive than me.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 13

I expect my closest friends and partners to cater to my needs and desires.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 14

I tend to dominate conversations and steer them towards topics about myself.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 15

I believe that I am entitled to success, love, and admiration.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 16

I often feel that others don't fully appreciate or recognize my worth.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 17

I tend to manipulate people to achieve my own goals.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 18

I find it challenging to accept criticism and often react defensively when criticized.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 19

I have a strong desire for power and control in my personal and professional life.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Question 20

I have a tendency to belittle or demean others when they don't meet my expectations.

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Scoring Instructions

To score your narcissistic traits, assign the following values to your responses:

Strongly Agree: Five points

Agree: Four points

Neutral: Three points

Disagree: Two points

Strongly Disagree: One point

Now, calculate your total score by adding up the points for all 20 questions. The higher your score, the greater your narcissistic tendencies. 

Interpreting Your Score

80-100 points: High narcissistic traits

60-79 points: Moderate narcissistic traits

40-59 points: Low narcissistic traits

20-39 points: Very low narcissistic traits

20 points: Minimal narcissistic traits

This narcissism test is for people who want to check if they have traits linked to narcissism. Anyone curious about their personality and how it relates to narcissism can take this test. It's not for diagnosing any medical condition. It's just to help you learn more about yourself and how you behave regarding narcissism.

The accuracy of the test depends on the honesty and self-awareness of the individual taking it. People may underreport or overreport their behaviors and feelings, consciously or unconsciously, which can affect the accuracy of their results. Narcissistic traits can be complex, and individuals with narcissistic tendencies may not always accurately perceive their behavior. Some individuals may lack insight into their narcissistic traits, while others may be highly self-aware.

The questions in this test are subjective and open to interpretation. Different people may interpret the same question differently, leading to variations in results.

Struggling With Narcissistic Personality Disorder? The Forge Recovery Center Will Help

Remember that this test can't replace getting help from a pro.

Suppose you're worried about your narcissistic traits and how they affect you. In that case, talking to a mental health expert at The Forge Recovery Center is a good idea. Our experts can look at your situation closely and give you the right help and advice.

We’ll help you build a happier life. Reach out to The Forge Recovery Center today!

Written by

Brian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

October 28, 2023