Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Adolescents / Teens

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? Not established modern diagnostic estimate
Is it more common among adolescents / teens? Personality pathology can emerge developmentally, but traits are still changing
Are adolescents / teens at higher risk? Younger age associated with higher NPD prevalence, but adolescent diagnosis requires caution
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? High / diagnostic caution
Does it show up differently among adolescents / teens? Yes developmentally
How might it look different? Identity formation, self-esteem instability, peer status and normal adolescent egocentrism complicate diagnosis
What commonly occurs alongside it? Depression/anxiety; other emerging personality pathology
What can it be confused with? Normal adolescent narcissism; BPD; conduct disorder; bipolar disorder
Common screening tool NPI - Narcissistic Personality Inventory
Separate screening tool for adolescents / teens None
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