Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Individuals with NPD often have a grandiose self-image, exaggerate their achievements and talents, and believe they are unique and special. They may exploit others to fulfill their own needs, have a sense of entitlement, and display arrogant or haughty behaviors

Cluster B personality disorders is known for their unpredictable, emotional, or dramatic thinking and behavior patterns. Narcissistic personalities therefore fit in these criteria because of their excessive need of admiration and attention and lack of empathy for others. Criticism or perceived threats to their self-esteem can trigger intense anger or feelings of shame. NPD can significantly impair an individual's functioning and relationships, as their excessive self-focus and interpersonal difficulties can lead to conflict and a lack of meaningful connections

Although calling someone a “narcissist” when their being self-absorbed or vain, became a common catchphrase nowadays, narcissistic personality disorder is a serious condition that affects relationships with family, friends, and co-workers tremendously.  

Symptoms

  • Believe that they are far too superior in comparison to others  
  • Exaggerate their talents and achievements  
  • Speak highly of their self-importance  
  • Can take advantage of others to get what they want  
  • Behave in an arrogant manner  
  • Can come across as pretentious or conceited  
  • Insist on having the best of everything they can get their hands on  
  • Have a sense of entitlement and require excessive, constant admiration  
  • Can get preoccupied with fantasies about power, brilliance, and success  
  • Look down on people they perceive are inferior  
  • Can become envious of others and believe someone is out to get them  
  • Have trouble handling any sort of criticism and can become impatient or angry  

Prevalence

Narcissistic personality disorder affects more males than females with an estimated prevalence rate of 1 to 6.2% in the general population. Prevalence rates may also vary based on the population being studied. For example, some research suggests that NPD may be more prevalent among certain subgroups, such as individuals in clinical settings or those seeking treatment for mental health issues.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can be challenging to determine, as it depends on various factors such as the individual's willingness to engage in treatment, the severity of their symptoms, and their overall support system. It is important to note that NPD is a complex and long-standing pattern of behavior, and complete remission of symptoms may be challenging. However, with consistent and appropriate treatment, individuals with NPD can make progress in managing their symptoms, improving their relationships, and enhancing their overall functioning. It is advisable to consult with a qualified mental health professional for an accurate assessment and personalized prognosis.

When to seek help

If you feel that the symptoms associated with narcissistic personalities are common with someone you might know or even with yourself, we encourage you to seek help early on to better understand the symptoms you might be experiencing. A reminder that some children may show traits of narcissism from a young age, but that does not necessarily mean that they’ll grow up to develop the disorder. This may be typical of their age and developmental stage. Nonetheless, we encourage you to ask for help if symptoms persist and are recurrent. Lastly, we know that sometimes we tend to read symptoms associated with a certain disorder and automatically think that “I do that, I have this etc.”. When this happens, just remember that these symptoms have to be recurrent, persistent, and affect everyday job tasks greatly. Remember that help is always reachable and effective.

Treatment

Treatment for Narcissistic personality disorder consists of both psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications, like most personality disorders.  

  • Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, particularly psychodynamic therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is often the primary treatment modality for NPD. Psychodynamic therapy aims to explore underlying unconscious conflicts and early life experiences that contribute to the development of NPD. CBT focuses on challenging and modifying maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, helping individuals develop healthier coping strategies and more realistic self-perceptions.  
  • Group Therapy: Group therapy can be beneficial for individuals with NPD as it provides opportunities for feedback, confrontation, and learning from others with similar struggles. Group therapy can help individuals develop empathy, gain insight into their interpersonal patterns, and practice healthier ways of relating to others.
  • Medications: While there are no specific medications approved for NPD itself, medications may be prescribed to manage co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders that may be present alongside NPD.