The question at hand is, "Can you catch narcissism from a narcissist?" This is an intriguing inquiry that delves into the realm of psychology and interpersonal relationships. To answer this question, we must first understand what narcissism is and how it manifests in individuals.

Narcissism, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), is a personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, a need for excessive admiration, and often a preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love. It's important to note that everyone can display narcissistic traits at times; however, when these traits become pervasive and interfere with an individual's life and relationships, it may be diagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

Now to the crux of the question: Can you "catch" narcissism from a narcissist? The short answer is no. Narcissism isn't contagious in the way that a cold or flu virus might be. It's not something that can be transmitted from person to person through physical contact or proximity.

However, prolonged exposure to a narcissist can certainly have an impact on your behavior and mental health. If you're in close contact with a narcissist—whether they're a family member, partner, or friend—you may find yourself adopting certain behaviors in response to their actions. For instance, you might start mirroring their lack of empathy or their need for admiration as a defense mechanism or as a way to cope with their behavior.

This doesn't mean you've "caught" narcissism; rather, you've adapted your behavior in response to the environment around you. This is known as 'narcissistic abuse syndrome,' which can lead to symptoms such as low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It's also worth noting that narcissism is believed to develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain life experiences, such as excessive pampering or criticism in childhood, can contribute to narcissistic behaviors in adulthood. However, not everyone who experiences these things will develop NPD.

In conclusion, while you can't "catch" narcissism from a narcissist, being in a close relationship with one can influence your behavior and mental health. If you believe you're in such a situation, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide you with the tools and strategies needed to protect your mental health and navigate the complexities of your relationship with the narcissist.

If you spend a lot of time with someone who's really full of themselves, like a narcissist, you might start acting more like them without even realizing it. This could mean picking up some of their habits or thinking you need to be just like them.

There isn't scientific evidence to suggest that you can "catch" narcissism from being around a narcissistic

@jmeskl 

Yes this one is not scientific evidence, i explained it after "However".