Last reviewed:
Jul 20th 2023
M.A., LPCC
Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition that can impact mood regulation, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and behaviors. Narcissistic rage is a common behavior in people with NPD that can cause significant issues within social and professional relationships.
Narcissistic rage is an episode of anger displayed by someone with narcissistic personality disorder. It may be an outward expression of anger, expressed through verbal or physical aggression, or more passive, resulting in withdrawal and withholding of communication [1].
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by exaggerated self-esteem and grandiosity, a lack of empathy, and attention-seeking behaviors. Often, people with NPD have difficulty forming and maintaining meaningful relationships due to these symptoms and may have little genuine interest in others [2][3].
Narcissistic personality disorder can present either overtly or covertly. Someone with overt NPD often displays outward grandiose behaviors and emotions, while someone with covert NPD is associated with inward expressions [3][4].
Narcissistic rage is often triggered by an event or circumstance that creates feelings of anger in someone with NPD, leading to an emotional outburst [5][6].
Following an episode of narcissistic rage, it is common for someone with NPD to feel shame or become self-critical about their actions and behaviors. This can then lead to additional feelings of resentment or anger toward others.
Some with NPD often believes others are to blame for their rageful episode, potentially due to rejection or criticism [7][8]. This contributes to another triggering circumstance, restarting the narcissistic rage cycle of trigger, rage, and shame [6].
Often, people with NPD struggle to reflect on their episodes of rage or harmful behaviors, despite recognizing a feeling of shame afterward. Without self-awareness and insight into their behaviors and emotions, they cannot break this cycle unless professional intervention is provided [3].
NPD is often related to early childhood experiences and attachment issues. Research suggests that the condition's development is linked to emotional control, dismissiveness, or coldness from parents [3].
These childhood experiences are thought to impair the child’s ability to regulate their emotions and understand appropriate and healthy relationship dynamics and communication. As such, this can lead to the later development of NPD [3][9].
Commonly, people with NPD experience insecurities and low self-esteem, whether this is expressed overtly or covertly. As such, if they are criticized or shamed for a specific action or situation, they may become disproportionately angry and unable to control this anger [1][4].
An inability to control their anger is often related to an inability to regulate emotions, which is a common symptom in personality disorders. As such, people with NPD can be very reactive to distressing or triggering situations and display disproportionate emotional outbursts with no control or regulation [5][9].
It is important to note that emotional dysregulation is a common symptom of various conditions, including borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Therefore, episodes of rage and anger are not exclusive to NPD and may occur in other conditions [4].
People with NPD typically feel a sense of superiority over others and a sense of importance. When this is challenged, it can result in narcissistic rage [4][5]. This could occur if:
Similarly, someone with NPD might experience an episode of rage if others are given attention while they are not. This may occur in the case of siblings, in a classroom, at work, or at a social event. They may resent the person receiving attention and ruminate on this resentment until comes out through an aggressive outburst [2][9].
People with NPD can experience feelings of suspicion toward others. They may think someone at work is trying to prevent them from achieving something or that a romantic partner is having an affair. They might think about these suspicions, ruminate on their anger, and eventually express their feelings in an episode of rage [1].
Narcissistic rage and other symptoms of NPD can significantly impact the individual and others around them. These effects can include [3][4][6][9]:
Receiving a diagnosis and professional treatment for NPD is the best way to manage symptoms, including episodes of narcissistic rage. Unfortunately, diagnosing NPD can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms and criteria of other conditions, such as bipolar disorder and antisocial personality disorder [4].
Additionally, people with NPD commonly also experience symptoms of other conditions, such as depression, substance use disorders, and eating disorders, thereby further complicating recognition and diagnosis [3].
It can be difficult for people with NPD to remain engaged in treatment due to distrust or doubt in the abilities of the healthcare provider. Similarly, if a loved one or professional suggests that they need support or treatment, it may trigger their vulnerability and shame, worsening their feelings of anger.
Because of the complexity and severity of NPD symptoms, therapeutic treatment for this condition often requires specialist intervention from a highly trained professional [3][9].
The best option in treating NPD is psychotherapy, although the effectiveness of these interventions may vary depending on the individual, their symptoms, and their ability to engage with treatment.
Therapeutic approaches that have been shown to be effective for many with NPD include [3][4]:
Managing narcissistic rage in others is challenging and will depend on your relationship with the individual.
If you have a close relationship with the individual and aim to improve and maintain this relationship, you may wish to do the following:
If you work alongside an individual with NPD who displays narcissistic rage, you may wish to do the following:
In situations with a stranger or someone you don’t have a close relationship with, walk away from narcissistic rage. Do not engage or try to resolve or escalate the conflict. Maintain your safety and leave the situation immediately.
Call the police in any circumstance where the individual, yourself, or others are at risk of serious harm.
Resources:
About MentalHealth.com
MentalHealth.com is a patient-first technology company driven by its mission to make optimal mental health attainable for everyone. With a focus on expanding care access, empowering choice, and enhancing care quality, the company delivers innovative solutions that support individuals throughout their mental health journey.
Medical Content
Our Medical Affairs Team is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience who actively contribute to the development of our content, products, and services. They meticulously evaluate and review all medical content before publication to ensure it is medically accurate and aligned with current discussions and research developments in mental health. For further information, please visit our Editorial Policy.