Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health issue that predominantly affects men more than women. Individuals with NPD excessively seek attention and recognition while lacking the ability to empathize with or appreciate the needs, ideas, or feelings of others. They feel entitled and may become deeply disappointed when they do not receive the favors they expect. Beneath their superiority complex lies low self-esteem and uncertainty about their self-worth. NPD can strain relationships with family members or friends at work or school. The disorder commonly begins in adolescence.

Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

• Inflated sense of self-importance
• Crave constant and excessive admiration
• Preoccupied with superiority and recognition
• Obsession with fantasies regarding beauty, power, and achievement
• Severe criticism of those they perceive as insignificant
• Expecting special treatment or favors from others without requesting them
• Inability or unwillingness to acknowledge other people’s feelings
• Arrogant attitude and behavior
• Desire to connect with people they believe are equally special
• Inability to handle criticism or regulate emotions and behaviors
• Depression from imperfection
• Impatience
• Insecurity and fear of failure

When to see a doctor

If you have the above symptoms, reach out and get proper treatment. However, it is common for people with narcissistic personality disorder to refuse treatment and think nothing is wrong. Some may begin treatment only after experiencing depression, mental health issues, or substance addiction.

Causes and Risk Factors of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

The exact cause of narcissistic personality disorder is not yet known, but it may be related to:

• Genetics
• Overprotective or negligent upbringing
• Neurobiological problems

Complications

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty building relationships with others
• Physical and mental health issues
• Use of drugs and alcohol
• Suicidal thoughts and attempts

Prevention of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Because the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown, prevention is challenging. Seek medical help as soon as mental health problems are recognized. Therapy can improve family communication and resolve the emotional conflicts that you are facing.

Diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

• A health evaluation can rule out a medical condition that may cause your symptoms.
• Psychological evaluation according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Treatment Options for Narcissistic Personality Disorder

• Psychotherapy
  • Learn what causes your emotional distress, why you do not trust or like others, and how to develop and maintain enjoyable relationships.
  • Know how to increase your self-esteem.
  • Improve your emotional control.
  • Learn how to set and accept realistic goals in life. 
  • Recognize how to tolerate criticism or failures.

The therapy - temporary or long-term - can help you cope with your emotions. Participating in therapy sessions with your family members is often very beneficial, leading to satisfactory outcomes.

• Medications
  Currently, there is no specific medication for narcissistic personality disorder. Doctors can prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs to relieve symptoms. 
• Lifestyle modifications and home remedies
  Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder often view therapy as unnecessary, leading them to refuse treatment or abandon it prematurely.
  However, therapy can be more effective if those undergoing treatment follow these guidelines:
  • Have an open mind and focus on the result.
  • Participate in therapy sessions and take medications as directed by your doctor. 
  • Manage your stress.
  • Receive treatment for addiction and depression.  
  • Motivate and remind yourself to mend personal relationships and achieve life contentment.
  • Keep an open mind and recognize the benefits and outcomes of the treatment
  • Participate consistently in therapy and take prescribed medications as directed
  • Develop effective strategies for coping with stress
  • Address any co-occurring issues, such as depression or substance abuse
  • Remind themselves to maintain relationships with friends and loved ones, focusing on cultivating life satisfaction

Preparation before meeting with your doctor

• List your symptoms, how long you have been experiencing them, and what events upset you. 
• Write down past and present major life events that cause you stress and emotional trauma.
• List all your physical and mental illnesses and medications you are taking.
• Bring along a family member or friend you trust.
• Note down questions you would like to ask your doctor, such as
  • What causes my symptoms?
  • What treatments do you recommend? 
  • How often and how long do I need therapy? 
  • Do I need to take any medications?

Your doctor may ask questions as follows:

• What symptoms have you been experiencing?
• How do they affect your life and well-being?
• How are your relationships with family and friends?
• How do you cope with fear, rejection, and sadness?
• What was your childhood like, and how is your relationship with your parents?
• Do you have any family members with personality or mental disorders?