Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health disease in which people have an exaggerated sense of their own significance. They need and demand too much attention, and they want others to appreciate them. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be unable to understand or care about the emotions of others. A narcissistic personality boasts outward self-confidence but internally struggles with self-worth. To learn more about narcissism keep reading.
There are different types of narcissism and this disorder can cause problems in all areas of life including relationships, jobs, school, and finances. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed if they do not receive the privileges or admiration, they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships difficult and unsatisfactory, and others may dislike being around them.
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental condition in which a person has:
- An excessive sense of self-importance
- An extreme preoccupation with themselves
- A lack of empathy for others
Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
It’s unclear what causes narcissistic personality disorder. The cause is most likely complex. Early life experiences, such as insensitive parenting, are thought to play a role in developing this disorder. Narcissistic personality disorder may be associated with:
Environment — parent-child connections characterized by excessive love or criticism that do not correspond to the child’s actual experiences and accomplishments.
Genetics are hereditary characteristics, such as specific personality traits.
Neurobiology is the study of how the brain influences behavior and thought.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Traits
Characteristics of a narcissist may include the following:
- React to criticism with rage, shame, or humiliation
- Take advantage of other people to achieve his or her own goals
- Have excessive feelings of self-importance
- Exaggerate achievements and talents
- Be preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, beauty, intelligence, or ideal love
- Have unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment
- Need constant attention and admiration
- Disregard the feelings of others, and have little ability to feel empathy
- Have obsessive self-interest
- Pursue mainly selfish goals
Is There a Test for Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Narcissistic personality disorder is diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation. The health care provider will consider how long and how severe the person’s symptoms are.
Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Mental illness and narcissism can be treated with talk therapy and may help the person relate to other people in a more positive and compassionate way. The primary treatment for narcissistic behavior is psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can assist you:
- Learn to better relate to others so that your relationships are more intimate, fun, and fulfilling.
- Understand the sources of your emotions and what motivates you to compete, distrust others, and despise others, including yourself.
Narcissist mental disorder treatment can be used in the short term to help you cope during times of stress. Therapy for narcissistic personality disorder can be provided on an ongoing basis to assist you to accomplish and maintain your objectives. Learn more about mental health issues, hypnosis, and wellness coaching at Sobair.com.