Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is characterized by the National Library of Medicine as a mental health problem in which individuals have an unreasonably high or exaggerated sense of their own importance.

People with this disorder are often attention-seeking, feel they deserve special privileges, are overly critical of others, and require a constant stream of attention and admiration. They come off as boastful, are easily disappointed, and lack empathy toward others.

Although people with NPD project high self-esteem, this is often not the case. Many people with NPD have fragile self-esteem, diminished self-confidence, and self-doubt.

Narcissistic breakdown refers to an extreme emotional reaction that occurs when a person with NPD does not receive the external validation they believe they deserve. They might fear that their reputation has been tarnished or that their ego has been threatened. This often occurs under specific circumstances and conditions, such as humiliation, embarrassment, and perceived failure.

Here are 15 signs that someone in your life is on the verge of narcissistic breakdown:

1. They exhibit impulsive and reckless behavior

According to psychiatrist Dr. Alexander Lapathis may include gambling, excessive drinking, substance use, and/or reckless driving.

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RELATED: 7 Signs Someone Is a Narcissist From the Start, According to Psychology

2. They refuse to return to work or school

They stop functioning because they are afraid of possible humiliation.

3. They are irritable

This can include explosive outbursts against loved ones or even strangers.

4. They withdraw and display avoidant behaviors

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This is another way for them to avoid humiliation or rejection.

5. They are vengeful

People experiencing narcissistic breakdown often become extremely vindictive, seeking to hurt others when they feel hurt.

6. They complain excessively

Nothing is ever good enough, even things that previously went unnoticed.

7. They go wild

When a person with NPD feels like they have lost control of their public image and are no longer “seen” with favorable or high esteem, the denigrating behavior begins.

8. They are too critical of others

People with NPD often feel smarter, more charismatic, more capable, and more competent than their peers.

9. They gaslight

Dr. Reta Faye Walker explains that gas lighters are “skilled at throwing you off balance, second-guessing yourself, wondering if you’re too sensitive, too loud, too tidy, or too whatever. If you’re always making excuses and apologizing for them, all the while being desperately unhappy, you could be living with a gaslighter.”

RELATED: 4 Less Obvious Signs of Gaslighting Most People Miss

10. They demonstrate depression/mental decline

Signs of a mental breakdown can include: not being able to stay calm or still, losing interest in things that used to make them happy, panic attacks, paranoia and poor hygiene, among others.

11. They defame others

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This goes hand in hand with their vindictive behavior. If a person with NPD feels defamed, they often seek to defame others in the same way.

12. They display antagonistic behavior

They seem to want to argue about anything, with almost anyone, and may try to “push your buttons” or trigger you on purpose.

13. They are hostile

Hostility is essentially irrational anger and antagonism.

14. They engage in manipulative tactics

Narcissists use a variety of manipulation tacticsincluding smear campaigns aimed at turning people against you, intentionally making you jealous, and idealization, devaluation and cycle of rejection.

15. They show increased sensitivity

People experiencing narcissistic breakdown would benefit from increased confidence and self-esteem. The Mayo Clinic suggests identify and avoid triggers, challenge negative thoughts, and consciously adjust your thoughts and beliefs. Counseling can also be beneficial.

Narcissistic breakdown can be extremely difficult to deal with, especially for the narcissist’s partners or family members.

If you are a family member or romantic partner of a narcissist in crisis, it is important to avoid dealing with their problems. You can validate their feelings without judgment and give the narcissist the opportunity to seek help when they are ready.

However, don’t feel like you have to put up with abusive language or behaviors from the narcissist just because he or she is experiencing a breakdown. Protect your own mental and emotional health.

RELATED: The Smart Habit of People Who Fend Off Narcissists and Manipulators

Dr. Tarra Bates-Duford is a psychologist who focuses on relationships, dating, and personality issues, as well as a certified relationship specialist with diplomat status and an expert in American Psychotherapy Association.