NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER
A narcissistic personality disorder is a personality disorder with a long-term pattern of abnormal behavior marked by an inflated feeling of self-importance, a deep need for attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
- A narcissistic personality disorder can cause problems in many areas of life, including work, school, and relationships.
- Those affected have an unusual love of self, have high esteem and may believe they are special or superior compared to other people.
- Narcissistic have a fragile self-esteem that is vulnerable to the slightest criticism. They may get disappointed and unhappy when they are not given the special favor or praise they deserve.
- Some traits of a narcissistic personality disorder may be almost similar to confidence, but the two are not the same thing.
- People who are confident have a healthy self-esteem and are usually humble, while people with NPD are almost never are.
- The disorder appears to occur more often in males than females and affects young people more than the older people.
CAUSES
The exact cause of the disorder is not known. It is believed that the disorder is linked to genetics, neurobiology (the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking), and environmental factors such as childhood abuse or neglect, excessive parental pampering, or unrealistic expectations from parents. These factors are likely to play a role in formulating a narcissistic personality.
SYMPTOMS
Below are the most common traits found in people with NPD:
- An exaggerated sense of self-importance
- Exaggerating achievements and talents
- Take advantage of others to get what they want
- Extreme sense of entitlement and constant, excessive admiration.
- Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships
- Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it
- Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, or beauty
- Expect special favors and unquestioning compliance with their expectations
- Be envious of others and believe others envy them
- Behave in an arrogant manner
- An insatiable appetite for the attention of others
- Lack of empathy, or the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and a tendency to disregard others feeling
- Become angry when they don’t receive special treatment
- Have a secret feeling of insecurity, shame, vulnerability, and humiliation
- React negatively to criticism.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Diagnosis is usually based on:
- Symptoms
- A physical examination to rule out other conditions
- A thorough psychological evaluation that may require the use of questionnaires
- The diagnosis must follow the criteria written in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychological Association
TREATMENT
Psychotherapy is the major treatment option but this can also be combined with medications if you have other mental conditions.
Psychotherapy may help to understand the cause of your emotions and help you learn to relate better with people. It can show you how to:
- Recognize and accept your actual potential so you can tolerate criticism or failures
- Cope with any self-esteem issue
- Understand and manage your feelings
- Improve collaborations with coworkers and peers
Medications are not available to treat the disorder. If you have anxiety, depression or other conditions, medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may be helpful.