The Unyielding Mirror: Narcissistic Personality Disorder as a Pervasive and Treatment-Resistant Malady

Dr Ashok Jahagirdar

Abstract: Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) represents one of the most challenging and destructive conditions within the spectrum of personality pathology. Characterised by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a profound need for admiration, and a stunning lack of empathy, NPD is distinguished by its remarkable resistance to therapeutic intervention. This paper argues that the confluence of core diagnostic symptoms including the absence of subjective distress, ego-syntonicity, and manipulative interpersonal behaviors - renders NPD effectively "incurable" in a conventional sense. Furthermore, the paper will explore how the behavioral manifestations of the disorder, often perceived by victims as "evil" or "immoral," and the individual's imperviousness to logical discourse, create a uniquely damaging dynamic for those in their orbit. The paper concludes by examining the insidious nature of NPD, which allows high-functioning individuals to operate undetected in society, inflicting significant psychological harm while evading clinical or social accountability.

Keywords: Narcissistic Personality Disorder, treatment-resistant, ego-syntonic, lack of empathy, psychological abuse, gaslighting, malignant narcissism

How to Cite?: Dr Ashok Jahagirdar, "The Unyielding Mirror: Narcissistic Personality Disorder as a Pervasive and Treatment-Resistant Malady", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 494-495, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251205054239, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251205054239