Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder: The Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. It is a serious psychiatric disorder that can cause significant distress and impairment of daily life. People with NPD often have a grandiose view of themselves, an extreme preoccupation with themselves, and a need for admiration and attention. They may also experience low self-esteem, envy, and a lack of understanding of how others feel. Additionally, people with NPD often have difficulty forming and maintaining meaningful relationships with others. While the exact cause of NPD is unknown, there are several potential contributing factors such as genetics and environmental influences. It is important to understand the symptoms and treatment options of NPD in order to provide the best care for those affected.
What is a narcissistic personality disorder?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration. People with this condition are excessively fixated on themselves. They often believe they are gifted, special or brilliant, and are entitled to special treatment. These individuals demand attention and are often craving praise and admiration. Because of their strong need for attention, they are frequently very disruptive in social situations, and often have an inability to get along with others. The disorder is named after the mythological character Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection. It is estimated that 1% of the population suffers from NPD, but it is often unreported and underdiagnosed. It is more common in males than females, and it is believed to peak in the late teens and early twenties. A diagnosis of NPD requires that a person exhibit five of the following symptoms: Excessive admiration of one's own appearance, importance, or achievements A deep need for admiration and appreciation A lack of empathy for the feelings or problems of others A belief that one is special and can only be understood by other special or high-status people A desire to be associated with people who are very impressive or famous A sense of entitlement: unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with one's wishes A tendency to expect people to be jealous of one's advantages, accomplishments, or special qualities
Causes of NPD
The exact cause of NPD is unknown, and research has failed to identify a single causal factor. Research has shown that NPD often co-occurs with other mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, and it has been suggested that it may be caused by the same genetic and environmental factors that are associated with those disorders. Genetics - Studies have shown that the likelihood of developing NPD is increased when there is a family history of the disorder. Environmental Influences - The experience of neglect or over-pampering during childhood, as well as trauma, may also play a role in the development of NPD. Early Childhood Experiences - People who had parents who were highly critical, controlling, or over-expectant, who had little affection growing up, or who experienced an unresponsive or negligent caregiving environment may be at a higher risk for developing NPD. Peer Relations in Adolescence - People who have an inflated sense of self-importance and need for admiration, who crave attention and admiration from others, or who have difficulty relating to others, are at a higher risk for developing NPD.
Symptoms of NPD
Excessive admiration of one's own appearance, importance, or achievements A deep need for admiration and appreciation A lack of empathy for the feelings or problems of others A belief that one is special and can only be understood by other special or high-status people A desire to be associated with people who are very impressive or famous A sense of entitlement: unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with one's wishes A tendency to expect people to be jealous of one's advantages, accomplishments, or special qualities
Diagnosis of NPD
NPD is a serious mental disorder that may significantly impair functioning and quality of life. The disorder is diagnosed when someone has an excessive or inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration, an inability to see the world from the perspectives of others, and a lack of empathy for others. A diagnosis of NPD requires that a person exhibit five of the following symptoms: Excessive admiration of one's own appearance, importance, or achievements A deep need for admiration and appreciation A lack of empathy for the feelings or problems of others A belief that one is special and can only be understood by other special or high-status people A desire to be associated with people who are very impressive or famous A sense of entitlement: unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with one's wishes A tendency to expect people to be jealous of one's advantages, accomplishments, or special qualities
Treatment Options for NPD
The most common treatment options for NPD are Psychotherapy and Medications. Other treatment options may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or Couples or Family Therapy. Psychotherapy - Psychotherapy is a type of therapy that involves talking with a trained mental health provider in order to explore feelings and resolve issues or problems. There are several different types of psychotherapy that may be helpful for people with NPD, including psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mentalization-based therapy, and Schema-Focused Therapy. Medications - There are currently no medications that have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of NPD. However, some medications may be used to treat symptoms associated with NPD, such as depression or anxiety. These drugs may include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers.
The Impact of NPD on Relationships
People who suffer from NPD often have trouble forming and maintaining relationships, especially in romantic relationships. Additionally, there are many challenges and struggles in relationships with a person who has NPD, as indicated below: The Impact of NPD on Romantic Relationships - People with NPD may have trouble forming or maintaining romantic relationships due to their tendencies towards being manipulative, demanding, and possessive. They may also have low self-esteem and a difficult time putting their partner's needs first. The Impact of NPD on Family Relationships - The relationship between a person with NPD and their family members may be strained and difficult due to the person's need for attention, criticism, and high expectations. People with NPD may not be able to acknowledge or appreciate the support or efforts of their family members. The Impact of NPD on Work Relationships - People with NPD may have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates due to their excessive need for attention and admiration, as well as their inability to acknowledge or appreciate the efforts of others.
Coping Strategies for Those with NPD
People with NPD are often unaware of their diagnosis and do not seek treatment. If a person who suffers from NPD seeks treatment, they may benefit from psychotherapy or medication treatment. People with NPD may also benefit from various lifestyle changes, such as engaging in mindfulness practices, participating in self-help groups, improving social skills, and setting goals for themselves.
Prevention of NPD
The prevalence of NPD is estimated at 1%, which means that approximately 3 million adults in the US have NPD. While there is no way to prevent the disorder from developing in people who are at risk, it is important to recognize the signs of NPD, including narcissism. It is also important to be aware of the risk factors associated with NPD, such as childhood trauma, parental criticism, and parental over-pampering. By recognizing the signs of NPD and being aware of the risk factors associated with it, people can provide the best care for those who suffer from it.