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Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a type of personality disorder in which persons have an exaggerated view of themselves. They also have a strong desire for other people's admiration and attention.
People with NPD may be generally dissatisfied and disappointed when they do not receive the praise or special treatment they believe they deserve. Others may regard them as snooty and conceited, and they may dislike being around them.
A narcissist is a term used to describe someone who is self-absorbed or vain. Many individuals are unaware that narcissism, also known as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), is a serious ailment.
Others may perceive you as just concerned with your desires and needs, or as having an insatiable need for compliments if you have NPD. However, you may feel uneasy, less-than, and empty on the inside. It is difficult to relate to others or have genuine self-worth when you have NPD. It can have an impact on your relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.
CHARACTERISTICS OF NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER
People with NPD are commonly described as having the following characteristics:
They frequently have high self-esteem and may believe they are superior or special in comparison to others. They do, however, appear to want excessive praise and adulation, and they may respond negatively to perceived criticism.
Narcissists also have a tendency to overestimate their own abilities and accomplishments while underestimating those of others. They are usually obsessed with power, success, and beauty. They may even indulge in impulsive behaviors like hazardous sex and gambling.
Some NPD characteristics may appear to be comparable to confidence. Healthy confidence and NPD, on the other hand, are not the same thing.
Persons with strong self-esteem are typically humble, whereas people with NPD are practically never. They have a tendency to put themselves on a pedestal and believe they are better than everyone else.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER?
NPD frequently manifests itself in early adulthood. People suffering with the disorder may be unaware that they have a problem because it contradicts their self-image. You may have NPD if you have any of the following symptoms:
1. You come seem as arrogant and boastful, which causes others to shun you.
2. Your relationships are unsatisfying.
3. When things don't go your way, you get sad, furious, and confused.
4. you also have problems with:
Schedule an appointment with your doctor or a mental health expert if you feel you have NPD. They can assess if you have this personality disorder and provide treatments to help you manage your symptoms.
Doctors and mental health professionals frequently utilize the American Psychiatric Association's new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose mental disorders such as NPD. The following characteristics are included in the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for NPD:
- possessing an overinflated sense of self-importance and entitlement
- demanding continual adoration and praise
- expecting preferential treatment as a result of perceived superiority
- inflating one's abilities and successes
- bad reaction to criticism
- being consumed by illusions of power, success, and beauty
- being unable or unwilling to understand other people's needs and feelings
- being pompous in one's demeanor
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER?
The precise cause of NPD is unknown. The disorder could be caused by a combination of variables such as:
- Trauma in childhood (such as physical, sexual and verbal abuse).
- Relationships with parents, friends, and relatives in childhood.
- The genetics (family history).
- Hypersensitivity to textures, loudness, or light in childhood
- Temperament and personality
HOW IS NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER (NPD) DIAGNOSED?
If you have core symptoms of NPD, a mental health expert such as a psychologist or psychiatrist (psychotherapist) can assess you. Your psychotherapist will administer questionnaires to you and then speak with you.
You'll talk about what's bothering you. Long-term patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving, and engaging with others will be the focus. Other mental health issues will be identified and ruled out by your psychotherapist.
IS THERE TREATMENT FOR NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER?
Talk therapy, often known as psychotherapy, is the primary treatment for NPD. If NPD symptoms are present in addition to depression or another mental health problem, suitable drugs may be utilized to treat the other disorder. There are, however, no drugs available to treat NPD.
Talk therapy can teach you how to better interact to people, allowing your relationships to become more fun, intimate, and gratifying. Positive contacts with other individuals can dramatically improve many aspects of your life. Talk therapy can also teach you how to do the following:
- enhance your cooperation with coworkers and peers
- keep your personal relationships intact
- Recognize your own strengths and potential in order to be tolerant of critiques or shortcomings.
- comprehend and manage your emotions
- handle any self-esteem concerns
- create attainable goals for yourself
Because personality qualities are difficult to modify, it may take several years of therapy to observe a difference. During this period, you may begin to perceive therapy as a waste of time and be tempted to discontinue it. However, it is critical to persist with treatment.
Attend all of your treatment appointments and take your medications as prescribed. You'll notice a difference in yourself and your interactions with others as time passes.
The lifestyle changes listed below may be beneficial to you as you go through therapy.
- Avoid using alcohol, drugs, and other substances that cause undesirable behaviour.
- Exercise at least three times per week to help with mood enhancement.
- Relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can help to relieve stress and anxiety.
It takes time to recover from narcissistic personality disorder. Maintain your motivation by remembering your recovery goals and reminding yourself that you can attempt to restore damaged relationships in order to possibly become more pleased with your life.
HOW CAN FAMILY ASSIST?
It is difficult to live with or be in a close relationship with someone who has NPD. For your friends and family, learning about the disease can be eye-opening. They may feel more compassion once they understand what is causing your conduct. They should also be aware that obvious changes in your conduct will take time.
Other actions that your loved ones can take to better understand NPD and how it impacts them are as follows:
CONCLUSION
Remember that NPD is not a character fault. It's a mental health issue. When you have NPD, you do or say things that irritate others and harm your relationships. This isn't usually done on intention. It's motivated by inner insecurity, a sense of not being good enough, and a need for others to think you're worthy. You can learn healthy strategies to enhance your self-esteem and get along better with others with treatment.
