Description

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have too much sense of their own importance. They seek and need a lot of attention and I want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the capacity to understand or care about the feelings of others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence, not being sure of their own worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism.

A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. People with disorder narcissistic personality disorder may be generally sad and disappointed when they're not given the special favors or admiration they believe they deserve. You can find their relationships troubled and unfulfilling, and others may not enjoy being around them.

Treatment for the disorder narcissistic personality disorder centers around talk therapy, also called psychotherapy.

Narcissistic personality disorder affects more males than females, and that often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Some children may show traits of narcissism, but this is often typical for its age and does not mean that you will develop narcissistic personality disorder.

Symptoms

The symptoms of personality disorder, narcissistic and their severity can vary. People with the disorder can:

  • It has an extremely high sense of self-importance and require constant, excessive admiration.
  • They feel they deserve privileges and special treatment.
  • Expects to be recognized as superior even without achievements.
  • Make your achievements and talents appear bigger than they are.
  • Be preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate.
  • They believe that they are superior to others and you can only spend time with or be understood by the very special people.
  • Be critical and look down on the people feel that they are not important.
  • Expect special favors and expect other people to do what they want without question.
  • Take advantage of others to get what they want.
  • Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others.
  • The envy of others and believe others envy them.
  • Behaving in an arrogant way, brag a lot and come across as cocky.
  • Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best car or in the office.

At the same time, people with disorder narcissistic personality disorder have trouble handling anything they view as a criticism. They can:

  • Become impatient or angry when they don't receive special recognition or treatment.
  • Have major problems to interact with others and easily feel slighted.
  • React with rage or contempt and try to belittle other people to make themselves appear superior.
  • Have difficulty managing their emotions and behavior.
  • Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change.
  • To withdraw or avoid situations in which they might fail.
  • Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection.
  • Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, the humiliation and the fear of being exposed as a failure.

When to see a doctor

People with personality disorder narcissist does not want to think that something might be wrong, so usually do not seek treatment. If they seek treatment, it is more likely for symptoms of depression, drug or alcohol abuse, or other mental health problem. What is perceived as insults to the self-esteem may make it difficult to accept and move forward with treatment.

If you recognize aspects of your personality that are common to narcissistic personality disorder or you're feeling overwhelmed by sadness, consider the possibility of reaching a reliable provider of health care or mental health provider. Get the right treatment can help make their life more rewarding and enjoyable.

Causes

It is not known what causes the disorder and the narcissistic personality. The cause is likely complex. Narcissistic personality disorder can be related to:

  • Environment — parent-child relationships, with either too much or worship too critical, which do not coincide with the child's actual experiences and achievements.
  • Genetics — hereditary features, such as certain personality traits.
  • Neurobiology — the connection between the brain and the thinking and behavior.

Risk factors

Although the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is not known, some researchers think that overprotective or neglectful parenting can have an impact on the children that are born with a tendency to develop the disorder. Genetics and other factors can also play a role in the development of the narcissistic personality.

Complications

Complications of narcissistic personality disorder, and other conditions that can occur along with him are:

  • Relationship difficulties
  • Problems at work or at school
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Other personality disorders
  • An eating disorder called anorexia
  • Physical health problems
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior

Prevention

Because the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown, there is no known way to prevent the condition. But you can help:

  • Get treatment as soon as possible for childhood mental health problems.
  • Participate in family therapy to learn healthy ways to communicate or to deal with conflicts and emotional distress.
  • Attend classes to parents and to seek the guidance of a therapist or a social worker if necessary.

Diagnosis

Some of the characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder are similar to those of other personality disorders. Also, it is possible to be diagnosed with more than one personality disorder at the same time. This can make the diagnosis more difficult.

The diagnosis of personality disorder, narcissistic usually based on:

  • The symptoms and how they impact your life.
  • A physical examination to make sure that you do not have a physical problem causing your symptoms.
  • A thorough psychological evaluation, which may include the filling of the questionnaires.
  • Guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American psychiatric Association.

Treatment

Treatment for the disorder narcissistic personality disorder is talk therapy, also called psychotherapy. The drug can be included in your treatment if you have other mental health conditions, such as depression.

Psychotherapy

Narcissistic personality disorder treatment is centered around talk therapy. Psychotherapy can help:

  • Learn to relate better with others, so that their relations are closer, more pleasant, and more rewarding.
  • To understand the causes of their emotions and what drives you to compete, to be mistrustful of others, and not like the others, and possibly yourself.

The focus is on helping you accept responsibility and learn how to

  • Accept and maintain real relationships and work together with co-workers.
  • Recognize and accept their real abilities, skills and potential, so that you can tolerate criticism or failure.
  • Increase your ability to understand and manage their feelings.
  • Understand and learn how to handle issues related to their self-esteem.
  • Learn how to set up and accept the goals that you can achieve, instead of wanting to goals that are not realistic.

Therapy can be short-term, to help you manage during times of stress or crisis. The therapy can also be provided on an ongoing basis to help you reach and maintain their goals. Often, including family members or other people in therapy can be useful.

Medications

There are No medications specifically used for the treatment of personality disorder narcissistic. But if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other conditions, medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can be helpful.

Lifestyle and home remedies

You may feel defensive about treatment or think it's unnecessary. The nature of the narcissistic personality disorder can also leave the impression that the therapy is not worthy of your time and attention, and you may be tempted to quit. But it is important to:

  • Keep an open mind. Focus on the rewards of treatment.
  • Follow your treatment plan. Attend the sessions of therapy and take medications as directed. Remember, it can be a tough job and you may have occasional setbacks.
  • Get treatment for alcohol and drug abuse or other mental health problems. Addiction, depression, anxiety and stress can lead to a cycle of emotional pain and unhealthy behavior.
  • Stay focused on your goals. Stay motivated to keep your goals in mind and remember that you can work to repair damaged relationships and be more content with your life.

Preparing for your appointment

You can start by seeing your health care provider, or you may be referred to a mental health provider, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

  • The symptoms you have and how long you have had, to help determine which types of events are likely to make you are feeling angry or upset.
  • Key personal information, including traumatic events in the past and present of the main factors of stress.
  • Your medical information, including other physical or mental health condition you have.
  • Any type of medications, vitamins, herbs, or other supplements you are taking and the dose.
  • Questions to ask your mental health provider , so that you can make the most of your appointment.

Consider taking a family member or trusted friend along to help her remember the details. In addition, someone who has known for a long time, you may be able to make useful questions, or to share important information.

Some basic questions to ask your mental health provider include:

  • Do you think that may be causing my symptoms?
  • What are the treatment goals?
  • What are the treatments most likely to be effective for me?
  • In what ways do you think that my quality of life may improve with treatment?
  • How often should I therapy sessions, and for how long?
  • It would be of the family or the group therapy to be useful in my case?
  • Are there medications that can relieve my symptoms?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your mental health provider

To better understand your symptoms and how it is affecting your life, your mental health care provider may ask:

  • What are your symptoms?
  • How do your symptoms affect your life, including school, work and personal relationships?
  • How do you feel — and act — when the others seem to criticize or reject?
  • Do you have any close personal relationships? If not, why do you think that is?
  • What are your main achievements?
  • What are your main goals for the future?
  • How do you feel when someone needs your help?
  • How do you feel when people express their negative feelings, such as fear or sadness, for you?
  • How would you describe your childhood, including his relationship with his parents?
  • Have any of your close relatives has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, such as a personality disorder?
  • Have been treated by any other mental health problems? If yes, what were the most effective treatments?
  • Make use of alcohol or recreational drugs? If so, what do you use and how often?
  • He is currently being treated for any other medical condition?
Symptoms and treatment of the disorder Narcissistic personality disorder