What Is Narcissistic Rage, Know What Can Lead to Narcissistic Rage & Its Consequence?

Narcissistic rage is common among individuals with a condition known as narcissistic personality disorder. NPD is a mental ailment characterized by an individual’s inability to be empathetic to others and often show traits of exaggerated sense of self-worth and grandiose. When an individual with narcissistic personality disorder feels like they are being defeated or criticized to the point of causing emotional scarring, they can easily develop a narcissistic rage, which can either be mild or severe. That feeling of criticism is referred to as narcissistic injury.^[1]

There are two types of narcissistic rage namely; explosive narcissistic rage and passive-aggressive narcissistic rage. The former often occurs completely unrevoked and can lead to verbal and physical attack which can harm both the narcissist and victim. The latter type is milder and the narcissist usually punishes the victim by retreating or withdrawing all communications until he/she feels their message has been acknowledged.^[2]

A narcissistic rage can be identified as an unreasonable anger, aggression or a passive-aggressive behavior. Individuals who are narcissistic can easily get into a narcissistic rage if they do not get what they want, or receive a blow to their superficial, idealized self-imagery. This can happen at home, or work, with loved ones and colleagues as well.

Here are a few incidences that can make a person with narcissistic personality disorder have a narcissistic rage;

• Criticism in any kind of way, even when made in a positive, reasonable and diplomatic way.
• A contradicting event to their infatuated self-image such as not being given special treatment or exception of some kind.
• Not being treated as the center of attention, despite there being more important priorities.
• Being caught when in the wrong such as breaking rules, disregarding boundaries, or violating social norms and asked to be accountable for their actions.
• A reminder of their charade, exploitation, manipulation, shame, self-loathing and inadequacy traits.
• The lack of control of their surroundings and any activities occurring around them as well as in their relationships.
• The feeling of defeat in any kind of situation including inability to complete a given task prior of their counterparts at work.^{[3] [4]}

A narcissistic rage in any of the aforementioned occasions can lead to grave consequences such as;

• Damaged reputation, which can lead to grievous self-loathing as narcissist’s value their reputation.
• Missing various opportunities due to their lack of ability to connect well with others.
• Breaking rules, especially at work, could lead to financial, legal and career problems.
• Being estranged from their loved ones – friends and family.
• Troubles in their relationships, whereby their relationships fall apart or are divorced from their partners.
• Loneliness and isolations since narcissists cannot maintain interpersonal relationships on any level.
• Development of a deep-seated fear of being unimportant and rejected.^{[3] [4]}

Narcissism, formally referred to as narcissistic personality disorder is a condition where an individual is self-centered only thinking of their own issues, personal adequacy and disregarding others in that they are not compassionate or empathetic for others. Although many narcissistic people act all high and mighty, they are very fragile and sensitive to criticism or being defied in any way. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder also need constant admiration and attention from others so as to keep their self-esteem high. Therefore, if at any one point they feel threatened, be it in a challenge, having a disagreement with others, be criticized or rejected, they easily get into a narcissistic rage. They take any form of failure personally to the extent that they get sudden fits of intense anger, where they can get violent or withdraw away.

Naturally, the levels of anger start with stress, followed by anxiety, agitation, irritation, frustration, anger, and then rage as the last resort. Before a normal person gets into a rage, then the causative situation must have been very disturbing. However, for narcissistic people, they jump right into rage, regardless of the degree of irritation they experience.^[5]

Narcissists are easily triggered into a rage by anything that would typically provoke anger in normal individuals. People living with narcissistic personality disorder have various un-admirable traits such as being poor listeners, having extreme concerns for themselves and belittle those they see as inferior, and are easily angered by criticism. Despite their undesirable traits, narcissists can change, provided they are aware of their actions and the implications they have, and are willing to get help so that they can change for the better.^{[1] [4]}

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Also Read:

• Coping With Narcissistic Personality Disorder Patients