Am I a Narcissist? Take the Test

Narcissism has become something of a buzzword in recent years, and is often thrown around (too) casually in reference to people who behave in a way we don't like.

That said, there are certain traits and behaviors that are associated with both the common usage of the term "narcissist" as well as narcissistic personality disorder. This fast and free quiz can help identify whether or not you or someone you know may exhibit these traits.

Who Is This Narcissism Test For?

This test is for anyone who is having challenges in personal and/or professional relationships and may be questioning their behaviors toward others and their feelings about themselves. While it can’t diagnose narcissistic personality disorder, it can tell you if you or someone you know may have higher or lower amounts of narcissistic traits.

About This Narcissist Test

This narcissist test is based on elements of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, which was developed in 1979 using the third edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to measure narcissistic personality disorder traits.

These scores can’t diagnose narcissistic personality disorder. They are a starting point to measure for narcissistic personality traits.

What to Know About Narcissistic Personality Disorder

You’ve probably heard the term narcissist used pretty freely. People often use it to describe actions or behaviors in a situation. While someone might demonstrate a few narcissistic behaviors or traits, it doesn’t mean they have the disorder.

Narcissistic personality disorder was historically classified as a cluster B personality disorder based on the DSM-IV-TR cluster system. Other personality disorders in this category include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorders.

Now, disorders are more typically categorized based on the 5 domains of traits from the DSM-5:

• Negative affectivity
• Detachment
• Antagonism
• Disinhibition
• Psychoticism

Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

NPD impacts social relationships and can cause issues in daily interactions. Someone with the disorder may have trouble relating to others or sustaining long-term relationships.

People with NPD demonstrate at least five of the following behaviors or traits in order to be diagnosed: 

• Grandiosity or high level of self-importance and entitlement
• A need for constant admiration or praise 
• Belief that they’re special and can only be understood by others who are also special
• Lack of empathy and ability to identify with the needs of others
• Frequent fantasies about success, power, or perfection
• Sense of entitlement and expectations of favorable treatment
• Arrogance 
• Manipulates or takes advantage of others
• Envious of others

These signs can vary from person to person, and only a mental health professional can make a formal diagnosis.

Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

NPD is a complex disorder that researchers are still learning about. It’s believed to be caused by a combination of genetics, experiences during childhood development, and cultural environment. 

Someone could develop NPD from negative experiences in early childhood, such as: 

• Getting rejected  
• Being abused
• Having a parent or guardian with the disorder
• Abandonment 

On the other hand, overly praising a child and telling them they have extraordinary abilities and traits is also thought to be a cause of NPD.

It’s hard to predict why someone develops enough narcissistic traits to be diagnosed as having NPD because everyone reacts differently to childhood experiences.

Treatments for Narcissistic Personality Disorder

There’s no specific treatment or medication for NPD. People with the disorder also aren’t likely to seek out treatment for narcissistic traits. They may recognize trouble with relationships or conflict at work as being issues but may not realize their behavior is contributing to these issues. 

Since NPD is often diagnosed along with other mental health conditions, someone may seek treatment for anxiety, depression, or impulse or mood control issues. Treating these conditions may also help the person with NPD.