NPD Statistics
“It is estimated that NPD is present in 0.5% of the general United States population and in 2-16% of those who seek help from a mental health professional. NPD is found in 6% of the forensic population, in 20% of the military population (the actual disorder as well as narcissistic traits), and in 17% of first-year medical students.
NPD is more commonly found in males than in females and of those diagnosed with the disorder, approximately 75% are male. No racial or ethnic predilection has been identified.”
“Prevalence of lifetime NPD was 6.2%, with rates greater for men (7.7%) than for women (4.8%). NPD was significantly more prevalent among black men and women and Hispanic women, younger adults, and separated/divorced/widowed and never married adults. NPD was associated with mental disability among men but not women. High co-occurrence rates of substance use, mood, and anxiety disorders and other personality disorders were observed. With additional comorbidity controlled for, associations with bipolar I disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizotypal and borderline personality disorders remained significant, but weakened, among men and women. Similar associations were observed between NPD and specific phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar II disorder among women and between NPD and alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, drug dependence, and histrionic and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders among men. Dysthymic disorder (a chronic mood disorder) was significantly and negatively associated with NPD.”
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Although it is said that NPD is more common in men, I like to think because its due to men seeking more power and have more higher status often than there female partners, as women become mother’s, and stay with children longer, so of course it will be more observable with men. However, when a women is married to a person with NPD or another controlling behavior, often times they also develop more narcissistic traits as they get older, and eventually they are also more narcissistic, manipulative and controlling as they have more power in family as they age and feel more secure. The passive behaviors of earlier years develop more into resentment and anger. Sadly, in many cultures the mother in law also treats their daughter and son in laws in more narcissistic ways, as they seem a threat to their own self and in order to have power and to control over their own children. I don’t believe its that simple to say its more common in men than women, as its easier to see and detect in men, and women act more lady like, submissive and passive but in reality they also develop these traits as time passes. Unless if they are more consciously aware of their own behaviors and work on their own personalities.
Hi Sharon,
I do think NPD is underdiagnosed in women. There are many narcissistic mothers out there.
It is also true that in some cultures the status of the mother is elevated over that of the partner of their child and therefore, the mother has a control and influence that it unhealthy. This interferes with the autonomy of their child and is detrimental to all involved.
Thank you for your comment.