| |
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
- Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements).
- Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
- Believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).
- Requires excessive admiration.
- Has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations.
- Is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends.
- Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
- Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.
Symptoms of Narcissistic personality
NPD ( Narcissistic Personality Disorder ) is often diagnosed with other mental health disorders Thera are many symptoms of Narcissistic personality includes:-
- a history of intense but short-term relationships with others; inability to make or sustain genuinely intimate relationships
- a tendency to be attracted to leadership or high-profile positions or occupations
- a pattern of alternating between unrealistic idealization of others and equally unrealistic devaluation of them
- assessment of others in terms of usefulness
- a need to be the center of attention or admiration in a working group or social situation
- hypersensitivity to criticism, however mild, or rejection from others
- an unstable view of the self that fluctuates between extremes of self-praise and self-contempt
- preoccupation with outward appearance, "image," or public opinion rather than inner reality
- painful emotions based on shame (dislike of who one is) rather than guilt (regret for what one has done)
Causes of Narcissistic personality
The cause of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is unknown at this time, but several theories are being investigated. The disorder usually begins in early adulthood.There is some evidence that genetic predisposition and other biological or biochemical factors are involved for some people. Psychological factors are also involved for most people. Some of the Causes they noted include the following:
- The mass media's preoccupation with "lifestyles of the rich and famous" rather than with ordinary or average people.
- Social approval of open displays of money, status, or accomplishments ("if you've got it, flaunt it") rather than modesty and self-restraint.
- Preference for a leadership style that emphasizes the leader's outward appearance and personality rather than his or her inner beliefs and values.
- The growth of large corporations and government bureaucracies that favor a managerial style based on "impression management" rather than objective measurements of performance.
- Social trends that encourage parents to be self-centered and to resent their children's legitimate needs.
- The weakening of churches, synagogues, and other religious or social institutions that traditionally helped children to see themselves as members of a community rather than as isolated individuals.
Treatment of Narcissistic personality
Treatment of narcissistic personality disorder takes the form of one-to-one therapy. Psychotherapy can help the person relate to others in a more positive and rewarding way may be helpful. The following guidelines for therapists treating patients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, especially with alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues, may be useful for those who wish to understand treatment goals for ameliorating symptoms of this disorder. There are no medications that have been developed specifically for the treatment of NPD. Patients with NPD who are also depressed or anxious may be given drugs for relief of those symptoms.
|
|
|
