A UK-based psychotherapist has captured over 2.7 million viewers on TikTok by distilling the subtle and often confusing signs that may indicate someone in your life is a narcissist—a topic increasingly resonant in an era of social media-fueled misunderstanding about mental health. The therapist, who runs a therapy service and leverages digital platforms for mental health education, lists 10 critical signals that point to narcissism beyond everyday selfishness, sparking both public interest and debate about the actual meaning of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and its real-world impact.
The clarification couldn’t be more timely for Thai readers. As conversations about personality disorders leap from clinical textbooks into trending hashtags and viral memes, it’s increasingly common for terms like “narcissist,” “gaslighting,” and “ghosting” to lose their medical accuracy and fuel misinformation—especially among young Thais active on social media. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), narcissistic personality disorder is defined by a “pervasive pattern of grandiosity,” a constant need for admiration, and an absence of empathy for others. In practice, however, the signs can be more nuanced and difficult to distinguish from other toxic behaviors or typical personality flaws (Wikipedia).
The psychotherapist’s TikTok video, summarized in coverage by LADbible and other news outlets, provides these 10 key warning signs: First, narcissists often “always change the narrative so they appear as the victim,” frequently deflecting responsibility and painting themselves as wronged even when confronted with evidence to the contrary. Second, they “always need excessive validation, praise, compliments and attention,” displaying an insatiable hunger for admiration that can exhaust those around them. Third, they tend to become “incredibly jealous when you try to have a life” outside of their influence, including socializing with friends or family.
A fourth sign is persistent undermining—if someone is “always questioning and doubting you,” whether by criticism or by making you feel worthless, this can be a form of emotional control. Fifth, they operate under a strict worldview: “It’s their way or the highway,” with no room for compromise. Obsessive behaviors are also common; for instance, the psychotherapist warns of stalking, spying, or harassment, either online or in person, should a victim attempt to withdraw or enforce boundaries. This can include “triangulation”—recruiting others in the social circle to side against you.
The therapist’s list continues: narcissists expect to be the absolute center of attention, believing they “should be the most important thing in your life every second of every day.” They may react with rage or even violence if their texts or calls aren’t answered immediately. A further red flag is deliberate isolation; they may “isolate you from everyone and everything until you no longer recognize yourself,” dismantling support networks to assert control. The final signal is a pattern known as “love bombing,” where periods of intense affection and apparent change alternate with phases of disappointment and manipulation. This unpredictable cycle keeps victims emotionally off-balance and stuck in hope for improvement that rarely materializes.
The TikTok educator emphasizes these are behaviors observed through clinical practice and therapy, not merely quirks displayed by people with a high degree of self-esteem. The distinction is key: While pop culture may label anyone arrogant as a narcissist, the clinical diagnosis requires a consistent, rigid personality pattern causing significant distress or impairment across many facets of life (Wikipedia: Narcissistic Personality Disorder).
To sharpen the definitions, Thai mental health professionals echo international diagnostic frameworks. The National Institute of Mental Health in Thailand notes that NPD is rare compared to other disorders like anxiety or depression, but its negative impact on relationships and family units can be disastrous. Those living with or close to someone exhibiting these signs can experience anxiety, chronic stress, and erosion of self-worth. “It’s important for Thais to recognize that narcissism, in its true psychological sense, is not just about bragging or selfishness—it’s a deeply rooted, persistent inability to relate to others empathetically,” says a senior clinical psychologist at a Bangkok public hospital, stressing the need for professional assessment and not armchair diagnosis.
Recent studies in leading journals, including a 2023 review in Frontiers in Psychology, corroborate this: individuals with NPD often display manipulative behaviors, exploit relationships for gain, and have difficulty acknowledging the needs of others. These traits can be masked by charm or periods of generosity, as the “love bombing” sign highlights, further confusing victims. The cyclical nature of abuse, alternating between idealization and devaluation, is now better understood thanks to patient narratives and longitudinal research.
Globally, estimates suggest that 0.5–1% of the population may meet criteria for NPD, with some studies indicating higher prevalence among men. However, Thailand lacks comprehensive data, and cultural factors may suppress both self-disclosure and diagnosis—status hierarchies, deference to authority, and collective values can conceal or excuse harmful behaviors within family or work settings. “Respect for seniority is often weaponized by narcissists in Thai society,” notes an academic specializing in clinical psychology at a prominent Chiang Mai university. “It’s essential to balance our cultural virtues of respect and harmony with healthy boundaries and awareness of manipulation.”
Internationally, TikTok and other social media platforms are driving interest and self-education about mental health, but also risking oversimplification and self-diagnosis. Thai mental health advocates see both peril and promise. On one hand, increased awareness helps counteract stigma and encourages conversations that would otherwise be confined to hush-hush family meetings. On the other hand, hashtags risk trivializing complex diagnoses, distracting people from seeking professional help or fostering compassion fatigue. “Narcissist” is sometimes weaponized to shame or ostracize people with ordinary character flaws, ignoring the suffering of those genuinely affected.
Treatment for NPD remains a challenge everywhere. No standard pharmaceutical regimen exists, and outcomes depend heavily on the person’s willingness to engage in psychotherapeutic work—something made difficult by the very nature of the disorder. Psychotherapeutic approaches, particularly a combination of psychoanalysis and cognitive-behavioral techniques, show promise in controlled studies, especially when focused on fostering empathy and realistic self-appraisal (Wikipedia). Support systems, including counseling for affected family members or partners, are recommended.
In the Thai context, public health authorities and educational institutions are increasing outreach about personality disorders, including workshops and school-based interventions. However, accessibility and stigma remain real issues, especially outside of Bangkok. The experience of living with or working alongside someone with strong narcissistic traits is discussed more openly now, yet many Thais still lack the language or support systems to see abusive relationship patterns for what they are. Buddhist practices encouraging mindfulness and self-reflection may provide some resilience, but spiritual frameworks alone cannot replace evidence-based intervention.
Looking forward, experts foresee a rise in both awareness and confusion. Social media education by therapists, as seen in the viral TikTok trend, offers accessible advice but also blurs the boundaries between clinical neuroscience and quick-fix self-diagnosis. More research specific to Thai society is needed—particularly on how hierarchical social norms interact with personality disorders and where digital education fits in mental health promotion.
For Thai readers, the call to action is clear: Take signs of narcissism seriously, but consult mental health professionals rather than rely on social media checklists alone. If you recognize these patterns in someone close to you, prioritize your emotional safety and wellbeing. Local mental health services, counseling hotlines, and educational programs are increasingly available. If faced with emotional abuse or feeling isolated, reaching out to organizations like the Samaritans of Thailand or the Department of Mental Health may be a first step towards recovery.
For further guidance, refer to the sources used in this article: LADbible coverage on narcissism and Wikipedia: Narcissistic Personality Disorder, or contact Thai mental health hotlines for confidential support.