A narcissistic personality disorder is a diagnosis of people with an excessive, inflated sense of their own importance. This isn’t the same with narcissism because the disorder has to do with the environment and genetics.
People with NPD may experience narcissistic rage-this is an outburst of strong anger or silence. This happens when the person feels that someone or something is threatening or may harm their self-worth and self-esteem.
These people act superior to others and have feelings of grandiosity.
For example, they may require special treatment and honor, despite not actually doing anything to deserve it.
These people deeply feel insecure and unable to handle criticism. When their deepest selves are revealed, they may feel threatened because their self-esteem is diminished.
Rage is one of the ways they react when this happens.
How Does Narcissistic Anger Look Like?
All humans want to be admired and to be given attention by those around us. However, in narcissistic disorders, these people react with anger and rage if they’re not given the attention they think they deserve.
This anger and rage may include yelling and screaming, but also moments of passive-aggressive avoidance and silence. These episodes exist on a continuum-on one end, he/she may be withdrawn or aloof and hurt others through their absence.
The other end of the continuum may include explosivity and outbursts. Again, the goal is to transform their hurting into an attack on other people as a way of defense.
Not every rage and anger outburst means a person has this disorder.
Anyone can have outbursts of anger and rage. Those with NPD may also experience other complications besides these rage and anger episodes, including episodes of depression, paranoid delusions, and bipolar disorder.
What Causes People with NPD to Experience Narcissistic Rage & Anger?
- Their self-worth and self-esteem is compromised
The inflated opinion that narcissistic people have of themselves is just a cover for their easily-hurtable self-esteem.
When they’re hurt by others, they will lash out as defense and believe cutting others out or hurting them with violence or words will keep them safe.
- Their sense of self is being questioned
If others say a person with NPD isn’t as talented or capable as they say they are, this challenge to their sense of self may cause an outburst of anger and rage.
- Their confidence is put at the test
NPD individuals try to boost their confidence through lies and false personalities.
When others push them and reveal them for who they really are or point out some of their weaknesses, they may react strongly with anger and rage as a means of protecting their persona.
NPD can cause problems in people’s lives, relationships, work, as well as finances. These people struggle with illusions of grandiosity and superiority.
They may also have other problems like addictions and narcissistic rage.
Mental health specialists such as psychiatrists and therapists can diagnose this condition and help them find the proper treatment.
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