Narcissistic personality disorder

Alternative Names

Narcissistic personality disorder

What is Narcissistic personality disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder is a type of personality disorders characterizing by an inflated sense of self- importance and a deep need for admiration. People with narcissistic personality disorder believe that they are superior to others and have little regard for other people's feelings. But in reality, these people are vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

Signs and symptoms

In most cases, people suffering from narcissistic personality disorder:

• Are self-centered and boastful
• Seek constant attention and admiration
• Consider themselves better than others
• Exaggerate their talents and achievements
• Believe that they are entitled to special treatment
• Are easily hurt but may not show it
• Set unrealistic goals
• May take advantage of others to achieve their goals

Other possible symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include:

• Preoccupation with fantasies that focus on unlimited success, power, intelligence, beauty or love
• Belief that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by other special people
• Expectation that others will automatically go along with what he or she wants
• Inability to recognize or identify with the feelings, needs, and viewpoints of others
• Envy of others or a belief that others are envious of him or her
• Hypersensitivity to insults (real or imagined), criticism, or defeat, possibly reacting with rage, shame and humiliation
• Arrogant behavior and/or attitude

Possible complications

In most cases, people who have narcissistic personality disorder abuse drugs or alcohol in order to cope with their symptoms. This disorder also might interfere with the development of healthy relationships with other people.

What causes

There is no definite cause of narcissistic personality. However, many mental health professionals suggest that it results from extremes in child rearing. For example, the disorder might develop as the result of excessive pampering or when a child's parents have a need for their children to be talented or special in order to maintain their own self-esteem. It also might develop as the result of neglect or abuse and trauma inflicted by parents or other authority figures during childhood. The disorder usually is evident by early adulthood.

Prevention

No exact way to prevent narcissistic personality disorder exists. It is under the study.

Treatment

Usually, narcissistic personality disorder treatment is treated by psychotherapy. However, if person have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other conditions such medications as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be used.

There are certain types of therapy that may be used for treating narcissistic personality disorder:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones.
• Family therapy brings the whole family together in therapy sessions. You and your family explore conflicts, communication and problem solving to help cope with relationship problems.
• Group therapy in which you meet with a group of people with similar conditions, may be helpful by teaching you to relate better with others. This may be a good way to learn about truly listening to others, learning about their feelings and offering support.