Narcissistic Personality Disorder

ContentsInformation about NPD

What it is like to have NPD

Overview of NPDNPD is the more serious or present manifestation of a personality trait

of narcissism

According to the DSM-IV, NPD is part of a cluster of disorders that include other personality disorders such as Antisocial Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Histrionic Personality Disorder

This psychological disorder is currently incurable, but treatment has been shown to aide

Discovery and RecognitionThe idea of narcissism has been around for thousands of years

The ancient Greeks were among the first to recognize this personality trait and even constructed their own myth regarding it

However in spite of this early recognition NPD was never officially recognized as a psychological disorder by the American Psychological Association until 1980

Before then, it was just regarded as an adverse personality trait or characteristic that someone could possess

Characteristics of NPDPeople with NPD tend to be arrogant, obsessed with personal

appearance, and tend to belittle or shame others

They tend to have an aura of ultra confidence and pride

However despite this they usually are very insecure and have an extremely fragile sense of self-esteem or self-worth

They also desire the best of everything

They want the best job, the best spouse, the best car, the best everything and get very upset when that is not given to them

Types of NPDGrandiose/malignant narcissism: Characterized by anger,

manipulativeness, thirst for power, exaggerated self importance

Fragile narcissism: Characterized by grandiosity as a defensive function, feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and loneliness

High-functioning/exhibitionistic narcissism: Characterized by individuals being self-important, articulate, energetic, and outgoing

CausesAs with many personality disorders a definite and universal cause(s)

has not been found however there are a few things that can contribute

Narcissism also has been linked to excessive pampering as a child or excessive criticism

It can also be linked to genetic factors and a person’s psychobiology

Many adolescents show signs and symptoms of narcissism leading some to speculate the competitive environment faced by adolescents today

DiagnosisA psychologist will diagnose NPD after doing the below

Identifying symptoms and signs of the disorder

A thorough psychological examination possibly using questionnaires

A physical examination to deduct if it is from physical causes

NPD is almost always diagnosed to adults because of the large number of adolescents that show symptoms of it simply based on their environment

The psychologist also has to identify at least five of the diagnostic criteria for the disorder

Diagnosis CriteriaGrandiose sense of self importance Preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance,

beauty, or ideal loveBelieve they are special and unique and can only be understood by,

or should associate with high-status peopleRequires excessive admirationHas a sense of entitlementInterpersonally exploitativeLack of empathyOften envious of others or believes others are

envious of themShows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

TreatmentThe most common treatment of NPD is psychotherapy

It aims to help change personality traits of NPD and increase proficiency of social interactions

It also strengthens the fragile self esteem that accompanies NPD and makes the patient far less susceptible to criticism

Psychotherapy also helps release some of the unattainable goals and helps with setting and obtaining goals within reach

MisconceptionsMany people assume that NPD patients are acting because that is

their personality not because they have a disorder and usually ignore or avoid them in social situations

Many believe that NPD patients are aware of what they are doing and can consciously not exhibit the symptoms of the disorder

Some assume that the symptoms of NPD patients are fixed and will never get better with help or therapy

ContentsInformation about NPD

What it is like to have NPD

Daily RoutineNPD has significantly altered my daily routine

I have a two hour therapy session to squeeze into a busy workweek

I work 55 hour weeks and have almost 15 hours of therapy a week

This has significantly cut into my leisure time and relaxation

This makes it much harder to stay calm and focused and actually seems to make my symptoms worse

Work LifeFirst off NPD has messed with my ability to find a stable job and keep

it for long periods of time

Many employers assume my disorder will mess with my ability to interact with clients and coworkers

However, many people are understanding once I explain to them what NPD is and how I’m working to get better

DatingFinding a date has become significantly more difficult when people

find out or observe my symptoms

A lot of women assume I’m vain and wouldn’t care for them

They think I want to take advantage of them for my own benefit

So far I’ve had no luck, but maybe the right girl will be one that is understanding

TherapyTherapy can be a wonderful thing and a great way to get better

Therapy has helped reduce my symptoms, ease my anxiety, and helped me have more and better interpersonal relationships

My current therapist is a cognitive therapist which seems to work great for me

However, it shouldn’t matter the field of therapy you go to, it matters if you like the therapist and feel that they are helping

FriendshipsNPD has hurt my ability to make friends significantly

I have to make an effort to make friends I can’t just start talking to people

I have to plan out things I want to say and things I want to avoid

On top of that, many people shy away when I tell them I have NPD

They assume I’m an egotistical brat that only cares or thinks of myself, sure it happens but I make conscious effort to not do that

FamilyNPD has honestly not affected my relationships with my family

My family has become more supportive and helpful because of my disorder

My mother calls daily and my father calls on the weekends

NPD could not get to this precious part of my life, and for that I am grateful

ReligionI’m was and still am a Christian, before and after my diagnosis

When I first was diagnosed with NPD, I was angry at God and blamed it on him

In reality, getting diagnosed was one of the best things that happened to me because I was able to realize what was going on and start to get better

It weakened my faith at first, but as of now it is only getting stronger

Overall Feelings In all honesty, at first I thought that this was awful news and was

going to ruin my life

However, in actuality, it has improved it

It has given a reason for my symptoms and has made people more considerate and mindful of those symptoms

It has allowed me to get help and improve

It is not like cancer or another disease where it gets worse after the diagnosis

NPD can pretty much only get better with diagnosis

The symptoms were already present, the diagnosis just gave me opportunity for improvement