While there are several types of narcissists, many of them are not clinical terms validated by research. According to psychologist Perpetua Neo, DClinPsy, these classifications are based on patterns that mental health clinicians notice in narcissistic patients. One of those classifications is cerebral narcissism. “Most people are often quite intimidated by them because they are talking about things in such a technical manner,” Durvasula says. “Your eyes either glaze over, or you are wowed by their ‘brilliance.’” Cerebral narcissists, specifically, will cut people off or talk over them, thinking what they have to say is smarter and more important, Durvasula explains. “They tend to monopolize the conversation and look bored or contemptuous when someone is speaking whom they do not perceive as qualified or smart—which is just about everyone,” she adds. They are similar to conversational narcissists in this way. A few more traits to look for in any narcissist, including cerebral ones: While cerebral narcissists gain their sense of importance from their minds, somatic narcissists rely on their bodies, mental health consultant Adina Mahalli, MSW, explains. (This is also separate from sexual narcissists, who care about physical traits specifically in relationship to perceived sexual prowess.) Prioritize your own needs and do the work to be confident in who you are so you don’t internalize their snobby intellect. If you’re ending the relationship, consider seeking out a therapist and following these six steps to recover from narcissistic abuse. “Despite all their self-absorbed, grandiose bragging, narcissists are actually very insecure and fearful of not measuring up,” Fjelstad says. In other words, the narcissist is the insecure one, so don’t allow them to make you feel less educated or incapable. 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.
