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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffIt's not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder. As with other mental disorders, the cause is likely complex. Some evidence links the cause to a dysfunctional childhood, such as excessive pampering, extremely high expectations, abuse or neglect. Other evidence points to genetics or psychobiology — the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking.
- Narcissistic personality disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Sept. 8, 2009.
- Skodol AE, et al. Personality disorders. In: Hales RE, et al., eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Sept. 8, 2009.
- Narcissistic personality disorder. In: Moore DP, et al. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/157868696-3/883355123/1243/142.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02911-6..50142-1_1318. Accessed Sept. 8, 2009.
- Reichborn-Kjennerud. Genetics of personality disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2008;31:421.
- Young JQ. Narcissistic personality disorder. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/157868696-3/883355123/1701/392.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50017-3--subchapter1_8371. Accessed Sept. 8, 2009.
