Narcissistic Personality Disorder Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of ultra confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that’s vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. You may be generally unhappy and disappointed when you’re not given the special favors or admiration you believe you deserve. Others may not enjoy being around you, and you may find your relationships unfulfilling.

Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

There is not a single defined cause of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. But, researchers agree that both genetic and environmental causes are at play. Following are the list of causes:

• Being born with an oversensitive temperament
• Learning manipulative behavior from parents or peers
• Being excessively praised for good behaviors and excessively criticized for bad behaviors
• Suffering from severe childhood abuse
• Inconsistent parental care giving – unreliable or unpredictable care
• Being overindulged by parents, peers, or family members
• Being excessively admired with no realistic feedback to balance you with reality
• Receiving excessive praise from parents or others over your looks or abilities

Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Some well-recognized symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder are as follows:

• Preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success
• Belief of great self-importance; only understood and should only associate with individuals of high-status
• Expectations of being realized as superior
• In need of and requiring constant admiration
• Exaggeration of achievements and talents
• Possessing a sense of entitlement
• Being envious of others and the exaggerated belief that others are envious of you
• Thinking about oneself the majority of the time and talking about oneself a lot; self-promotion
• Setting of unrealistic goals
• Expectation that others should do special favors for you
• Belief that nobody should question your motives and should have unwavering compliance with your requests
• Taking advantage of others to move forward in life and/or to get what you want, with no remorse toward the ones you stepped on to get there
• Arrogance, haughtiness
• Easily rejected, hurt
• Unemotional
• Power seeking
• Demonstrates superiority
• Responds to criticism with shame, anger, and humiliation
• Easily jealous

Diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is diagnosed based on:

• Signs and symptoms
• A thorough psychological evaluation that may include filling out questionnaires
• A physical exam to make sure you don’t have a physical problem causing your symptoms

Some features of narcissistic personality disorder are similar to those of other personality disorders. Also, it’s possible to be diagnosed with more than one personality disorder at the same time.

Treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder typically involves long-term psychotherapy with a therapist that has experience in treating this kind of personality disorder. Medications may also be prescribed to help with specific troubling and debilitating symptoms.

By : Natural Health News