Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is defined by a long-term pattern of a grandiose sense of self, a need for constant validation, and a limited capacity for empathy.
Diagnosing Narcissistic personality disorder often needs a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. They will use different methods to assess and evaluate the individual’s symptoms and behaviors.
Here at Emergence psychotherapy, we specialize in the treatment of narcissistic personality disorder and recovery from narcissistic abuse. Registered psychotherapist Bella Pahlevan explains about symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and treatment options for it.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides the following criteria for diagnosing NPD:
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity and exaggerated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, lack of empathy, begins in early adulthood.
Five or more of the following criteria need to be met:
- grandiose sense of self preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, status
- Believes they are special and unique and superior to other people
- Need for excessive and constant admiration.
- They require endless validation
- A sense of entitlement and deservedness
- Exploits others for their gain and engages in manipulative behavior
- Has limited capacity for empathy towards other people
- Can be envious of others or believes others are jealous of them
- Arrogant and dismissive behavior
It’s important to understand that some of these traits may also be present in other mental health conditions. In order to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment, you need to reach out to a mental health professional.
Assessment and testing
Narcissistic personality inventory
developed in 1979, it is used to measure risk factors for NPD and grandiose/overt and vulnerable/covert subtypes.
Pathological narcissism inventory (PNI)
The PNI is used in screening antisocial, narcissistic, and borderline personality disorders.
The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI)
it is developed by Theodore Millon. The MCMI has a scale for narcissism.
What causes narcissistic personality disorder?
We don’t understand the exact cause of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) yet. Research indicates that it is a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
NPD might have a genetic component. Research also suggests that a childhood involving excessive praise or criticism from parents, even neglect or abuse, may contribute to the development of NPD in individuals.
Another important element can be psychological factors including temperament, coping skills, and self-esteem.
It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences these factors will become a narcissist. It is important to stay away from self-diagnosis or labeling others with NPD without consulting with a professional.
How common is Narcissistic personality disorder?
Around 0.8% to 6.2% experience NPD. narcissistic personality disorder has a high rate of comorbidity with other mental illnesses.
What are some treatment options for a narcissistic personality disorder?
One of the most effective treatments for narcissistic personality disorder is psychotherapy. Different modalities are used to treat NDP. Some of the best approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Schema therapy
- Transference focused psychotherapy
- Mentalization-based treatment
psychotherapy can be helpful in the treatment of individuals with NPD
Increasing Self-Awareness
psychotherapy can help individuals with narcissistic traits to identify and acknowledge their problematic behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Narcissistic people often lack self-awareness and don’t have the necessary insights into themselves and how their behavior impacts others.
Developing Empathy
psychotherapy can help individuals with narcissistic traits to develop empathy toward others by teaching them to see situations from different perspectives. It can help them recognize the emotions of others and respond to them appropriately.
Regulating Emotions
Narcissists may experience intense negative emotions, which they have difficulty healthily coping with them. Thus they resort to behaviors that are harmful to others to avoid dealing with their own emotions and having to face them. Narcissistics also have difficulty reregulating their self-esteem. In order to feel worthy, they tend to devalue others to create a false sense of superiority and seek constant admiration and validation. Developing emotional regulation skills can help them to learn to manage their emotions instead of engaging in unhealthy ways to distract themselves from them.
Medications
There are no medications that are specifically designed to for the treatment of NPD, but antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to help treat comorbid disorders.
Group therapy
Group therapy can be helpful for individuals with NPD. It creates an opportunity to receive feedback and support from others who are going through similar experiences.
Family therapy
Family therapy can be useful for individuals with NPD who have a dysfunctional dynamic within their family system. Family therapy can help improve communication. It can also assist in conflict- resolution.
The bottom line
It’s important to note that individuals with NPD may be resistant to seeking treatment, as they often have a heightened sense of self-importance and might not acknowledge the need to create change in their lives and behaviors. However, with support and treatment, individuals with NPD might be able to improve.
