9 Signs To Spot A Cerebral Narcissist & How To Deal With Them

A little bit of narcissism is natural and even healthy. If you're able to recognize egotistical traits in yourself, then you're likely not a true narcissist. Clinically diagnosed narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is actually rare, and people who have it don't believe there's anything wrong with their behavior. 

"Cerebral narcissism is observed in a person who attempts to get their narcissistic supply through being smart and flashing their big intellect around," psychologist and narcissism expert Ramani Durvasula, Ph.D., tells mbg. They have the distinguishing NPD traits, such as lack of empathy, entitlement, and grandiosity, but cerebral narcissists in particular exert their power and receive their validation from outsmarting others. 

Cerebral narcissists will use complicated, technical words in a regular conversation; always finds a way to refer to books, authors, and theories by name; or talk constantly about ideas framed as new and cutting-edge. 

One of the core narcissist traits is the constant need for attention, therapist Margalis Fjelstad, Ph.D., LMFT, writes for mbg. 

As part of their entitlement and superiority complex, cerebral narcissists tend to be snobby and elitist. Generally, they'll brag about where they went to school, the type of degree they hold, and mock pursuits they consider "common," like eating at a chain restaurant or vacationing at a middle-class hotel, Durvasula says. They may also sneer or mock someone for mispronouncing a word or using it incorrectly.  

Somatic narcissists are physically superficial and vain narcissists. "Their superiority and sense of entitlement are localized in their perception of their physical self," psychotherapist Katherine Schafler, LMHC, previously told mbg. They control their exercise routines and eating habits to stay physically fit because they need people to admire them for their appearance. 

When dating a cerebral narcissist, Durvasula says to avoid engaging in their intellectual rants. "It's their insecurity," Durvasula says. "The true genius can say things in simple language and not hide behind polysyllabic fluff." 

"At work, if they are good at what they do, let them do it," Durvasula says. Avoid over-engaging when it's not necessary or work-related, document any abuses in the office, and if the cerebral narcissist is your boss, recognize their need to hold a hyper-intellectual status, she says.  

If your friend is a cerebral narcissist, protect yourself from their words and don't try to prove your worth or intellect. "You're never going to win an argument or get to a point where they admit you're right," licensed psychologist Daniel Fox, Ph.D., says, "so learn to let it go."

Narcissists need an audience, so if you step away or change the subject, Durvasula says they're likely to be disarmed. "The more people step away at the first opportunity and don't keep fawning, the less this behavior gets enabled," she says. 

When someone appears smarter or continuously mocks your intelligence, it can trigger insecurities, so it's important to keep the cerebral narcissist's motivation in mind. Because narcissists have a deep-rooted shame and insecurity, they're attempting to devalue another in order to gain power. Disengaging is the best way to deal with people with NPD.