Can Narcissists have Anxiety?

Indeed, it is plausible for individuals embodying narcissistic tendencies to experience sensations of anxiety. Despite their typical presentation, characterised by a façade of certainty and an elevated perception of self, narcissists can be subject to an underlying mixture of emotions, including feelings of insecurity, vulnerability, and anxiety. Nonetheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that the manifestation of their anxiety may deviate from that observed in individuals devoid of narcissistic traits.

Anxieties experienced by narcissists may centre around the preservation of their self-image, the incessant pursuit of validation and adoration from others, as well as the potential threat posed to their perceived superiority. Primarily focused on how they are perceived by their peers, narcissists experience a constant dread of being exposed as inadequate or flawed, thereby fuelling their unwavering quest for attention, achievement, and dominion over those around them.

Simultaneously, narcissists may grapple with a profound sense of emptiness and diminished self-esteem, ultimately contributing to the complex tapestry of anxiety. Their insatiable need for constant validation, often sought externally, stems from a desperate endeavour to assuage these lingering feelings of insecurity and unease.

It is essential to underscore the intricate nature of treating anxiety in individuals harbouring narcissistic traits, as it inevitably intertwines with their narcissistic disposition and the unwavering aspiration to sustain their artificially magnified self-image. Addressing the ever-present narcissistic tendencies and the accompanying psychological issues that come with them assumes an indispensable role within the context of comprehensive therapeutic intervention.