Narcissistic Personality Disorder
What is narcissistic personality disorder?
Narcissism is a term used to describe a focus on the self and self-admiration
that is taken to an extreme. The word "narcissism" comes from a Greek
myth in which a handsome young man named Narcissus sees his reflection in a pool
of water and falls in love with it.
Narcissistic personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called
dramatic personality disorders. People with these disorders have intense,
unstable emotions, and a distorted self-image. Narcissistic personality disorder
is further characterized by an abnormal love of self, an exaggerated sense of
superiority and importance, and a preoccupation with success and power. However,
these attitudes and behaviors do not reflect true self-confidence. Instead, the
attitudes conceal a deep sense of insecurity and a fragile self-esteem. People
with this personality disorder also tend to set unrealistic goals.
What are the symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder?
In many cases, people with narcissistic personality disorder:
- Are self-centered and boastful
- Seek constant attention and admiration
- Consider themselves better than others
- Exaggerate their talents and achievements
- Believe that they are entitled to special treatment
- Are easily hurt but might not show it
- Might take advantage of others to achieve their goals
Other common traits of narcissistic personality disorder include the following:
- Preoccupation with fantasies that focus on unlimited success, power, intelligence, beauty, or love
- Belief that he or she is "special" and unique, and can only be understood by other special people
- Expectation that others will automatically go along with what he or she wants
- Inability to recognize or identify with the feelings, needs, and viewpoints of others
- Envy of others or a belief that others are envious of him or her
- Hypersensitivity to insults (real or imagined), criticism, or defeat, possibly reacting with rage, shame, and humiliation
- Arrogant behavior and/or attitude
What causes narcissistic personality disorder?
The exact cause of narcissistic personality disorder is not known. However,
many mental health professionals believe it results from extremes in child
rearing. For example, the disorder might develop as the result of excessive
pampering, or when a child’s parents have a need for their children to be
talented or special in order to maintain their own self-esteem. On the other end
of the spectrum, narcissistic personality disorder might develop as the result
of neglect or abuse and trauma inflicted by parents or other authority figures
during childhood. The disorder usually is evident by early adulthood.
How is narcissistic personality disorder diagnosed?
If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a
complete medical history and physical exam. Although there are no
laboratory tests to specifically diagnose personality disorders, the doctor
might use various diagnostic tests—such as X-rays and blood tests—to rule
out a physical illness as the cause of the symptoms.
If the doctor finds no physical reason for the symptoms, he or she might
refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist, health care professionals
who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists
and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment tools to
evaluate a person for a personality disorder.
How is narcissistic personality disorder treated?
There is no known cure for narcissistic personality disorder, but
psychotherapy (a type of counseling) might help the person learn to relate to
others in a more positive and rewarding way. Psychotherapy tries to provide the
person with greater insight into his or her problems and attitudes in the hope
that this will change behavior. The goal of therapy is to help the person
develop a better self-esteem and more realistic expectations of others.
Medicine might be used to treat the distressing symptoms, such as behavioral
problems, that might occur with this disorder.
What are the complications of narcissistic personality disorder?
People with narcissistic personality disorder might abuse drugs and/or
alcohol as a way of coping with their symptoms. The disorder also might
interfere with the development of healthy relationships with others.
What is the outlook for people with narcissistic personality disorder?
The prognosis depends on the severity of the disorder.
Can narcissistic personality disorder be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent narcissistic personality disorder.
References
Janowsky David, "Chapter 30. Personality Disorders"
(Chapter). Ebert MH, Loosen PT, Nurcombe B, Leckman JF: CURRENT Diagnosis &
Treatment: Psychiatry, 2e:
www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3289431.
Young John Q, "Chapter 26. Personality Disorders"
(Chapter). Feldman MD, Christensen JF: Behavioral Medicine: A Guide for Clinical
Practice, 3e:
www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6441825.
Mental Health America. Personality Disorders.
www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/personality-disorders
Accessed 8/29/2011
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