Negating Narcissistic Personality Disorder
You have a grandiose sense of self. You want to be around people who “matter.” You don’t do things for other people unless you get an outpouring of admiration. You could have narcissistic personality disorder.
Narcissistic personality disorder is named after Narcissus, from ancient mythology, who fell in love with his own reflection in water and died as a result. Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition where you put your own needs above other people even if it means hurting other people. Basically you want to know what’s in it for you in every situation regardless of how it affects others. Or inability to attend to a situation without getting adulation as a result. What is unique about this disorder is that all of this bravado masks an insecure person.
Some symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include the following:
· Sees themselves as exceptional and seeks the approval of others
· Has no ability to empathize, recognize or identify with others
· Has superficial relationships that exist only to serve self-esteem
· Exhibits pathological personality traits of antagonism; feelings of grandiosity, entitlement, and self-centeredness.
· Seeks admiration through excessive attempts to attract and be the focus of attention
· Preoccupied with fantasies about unlimited success and power
· Will take advantage of others to achieve desired goals
· Often exaggerates his or her achievements and talents
· Is envious of others and believes others are envious of him or her
· Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Some experts think narcissistic personality disorders are caused by poor parenting and a dysfunctional childhood. It’s not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder but it may be linked to genetics (inherited characteristics), environment (mismatches in parent-child relationships with either excessive adoration or excessive criticism that is poorly attuned to the child’s experience), and neurobiology (the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking).
Diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder is based on signs and symptoms, a physical exam, a thorough psychological evaluation and whether or not you fit the criteria specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Many experts believe narcissistic people can never be successfully treated. In fact, they can be successfully treated. Treatment usually needs to be compelled, is long term (several years) and often requires both a mental health professional with special expertise in treating narcissistic personalities and another person or institution that has the power to require that the narcissistic person completes treatment. Treatment is usually best done in group therapy with other individuals who have narcissistic personality problems.
But people with these traits may be helped by intensive talk therapy. Fortunately, learned behaviors can be untangled and unlearned, with effort, but still unlearned. And short-term cognitive behavioral therapies can help establish new patterns of behavior.
Many narcissistic people easily get angry and may consider quitting therapy early. It is important to set a goal and stick with your treatment plan no matter what. And while there is no medication to treat this disorder, you may be prescribed anti-depressants or anxiety medication if you also suffer from depression and other underlying conditions.
Narcissistic personality disorder comes in all levels of intensity from very mild to very severe. Mild forms are attracted to and may become leaders in industry and government.
With the right kind of therapy, a narcissistic person can change and have more rewarding and reciprocal relationships. But first, the person has to acknowledge that they do in fact possess these traits and that it can have a negative effect on himself or herself and their relationships with family and friends. Also, therapy may teach you how to work to accomplish attainable goals.
