Adverse childhood experiences leading to narcissistic personality disorder: a case report

Abstract Background Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is associated with a complex interplay of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. In this case report, we discuss the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the development of NPD in adulthood. Case presen...

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Main Authors: Allen G. Ross, Santosh Giri, Anayochukwu E. Anyasodor, Shakeel Mahmood, Feleke H. Astawesegn, M. Mamun Huda, Kedir Y. Ahmed, Utpal K. Mondal, Subash Thapa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-11-01
Series:BMC Psychiatry
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-06307-9
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author Allen G. Ross
Santosh Giri
Anayochukwu E. Anyasodor
Shakeel Mahmood
Feleke H. Astawesegn
M. Mamun Huda
Kedir Y. Ahmed
Utpal K. Mondal
Subash Thapa
author_facet Allen G. Ross
Santosh Giri
Anayochukwu E. Anyasodor
Shakeel Mahmood
Feleke H. Astawesegn
M. Mamun Huda
Kedir Y. Ahmed
Utpal K. Mondal
Subash Thapa
author_sort Allen G. Ross
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is associated with a complex interplay of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. In this case report, we discuss the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the development of NPD in adulthood. Case presentation Here, we report a clinical case of NPD to illustrate how ACEs, particularly physical and emotional neglect, combined with early life parental overvaluation, can impair emotional regulation and self-worth, contributing to the development of narcissistic traits. We analyse, in light of existing literature, how ACEs are associated with a wide spectrum of personality disorders, how parental overvaluation is linked to grandiose narcissism, and how childhood neglect and abuse are associated with vulnerable narcissism. Conclusion ACEs are the primary risk factor for the development of NPD in adulthood. Dysfunctional household environments and parenting practices compound the association between ACEs and pathological narcissism. It is important to address childhood trauma for the prevention and treatment of NPD. Further research is necessary to clarify how individual factors influence the relationship between ACEs and pathological narcissism.
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spelling doaj-art-235dcb945a914baa90e95bed93ef4b5e2025-08-20T02:33:06ZengBMCBMC Psychiatry1471-244X2024-11-012411610.1186/s12888-024-06307-9Adverse childhood experiences leading to narcissistic personality disorder: a case reportAllen G. Ross0Santosh Giri1Anayochukwu E. Anyasodor2Shakeel Mahmood3Feleke H. Astawesegn4M. Mamun Huda5Kedir Y. Ahmed6Utpal K. Mondal7Subash Thapa8Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt UniversityRural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt UniversityRural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt UniversityRural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt UniversityRural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt UniversityRural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt UniversityRural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt UniversityRural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt UniversityRural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt UniversityAbstract Background Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is associated with a complex interplay of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. In this case report, we discuss the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the development of NPD in adulthood. Case presentation Here, we report a clinical case of NPD to illustrate how ACEs, particularly physical and emotional neglect, combined with early life parental overvaluation, can impair emotional regulation and self-worth, contributing to the development of narcissistic traits. We analyse, in light of existing literature, how ACEs are associated with a wide spectrum of personality disorders, how parental overvaluation is linked to grandiose narcissism, and how childhood neglect and abuse are associated with vulnerable narcissism. Conclusion ACEs are the primary risk factor for the development of NPD in adulthood. Dysfunctional household environments and parenting practices compound the association between ACEs and pathological narcissism. It is important to address childhood trauma for the prevention and treatment of NPD. Further research is necessary to clarify how individual factors influence the relationship between ACEs and pathological narcissism.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-06307-9Adverse childhood experiencesHousehold dysfunctionNarcissistic personality disorderParentingPsychosocial risk factors
spellingShingle Allen G. Ross
Santosh Giri
Anayochukwu E. Anyasodor
Shakeel Mahmood
Feleke H. Astawesegn
M. Mamun Huda
Kedir Y. Ahmed
Utpal K. Mondal
Subash Thapa
Adverse childhood experiences leading to narcissistic personality disorder: a case report
BMC Psychiatry
Adverse childhood experiences
Household dysfunction
Narcissistic personality disorder
Parenting
Psychosocial risk factors
title Adverse childhood experiences leading to narcissistic personality disorder: a case report
title_full Adverse childhood experiences leading to narcissistic personality disorder: a case report
title_fullStr Adverse childhood experiences leading to narcissistic personality disorder: a case report
title_full_unstemmed Adverse childhood experiences leading to narcissistic personality disorder: a case report
title_short Adverse childhood experiences leading to narcissistic personality disorder: a case report
title_sort adverse childhood experiences leading to narcissistic personality disorder a case report
topic Adverse childhood experiences
Household dysfunction
Narcissistic personality disorder
Parenting
Psychosocial risk factors
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-06307-9
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