On October 28, 2015, Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, Lindner Center of HOPE Psychiatrist and Williams House Medical Director, joined Lon Woodbury on the Woodbury Report radio show. Their discussion focused on outlining the benefits of a residential assessment for mental health concerns in adolescents.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is one of the most difficult and frustrating mental disorders to understand, experience and treat. Its name comes from the Greek myth about Narcissus, a handsome young man who saw his reflection in a pool of water and fell in love with it.
We all have known individuals who seem to be snobbish, are self-important, or patronizing with others. In its extreme, such behaviors may be symptomatic of a narcissistic personality. This article will help with understanding narcissistic personality disorder.
NPD is a condition characterized by an overwhelming need for attention and admiration, a heightened sense of self-importance, and a lack of empathy toward others. For all their boastful and entitled behavior, individuals with narcissistic personality disorder have problems with self-esteem.Their self-importance hides a deep, underlying sense of insecurity.
For all their feelings of superiority, individuals with NPD have great difficulty with relationships and managing life’s everyday problems. Friends and loved ones also find it difficult to cope with the selfish and showy behaviors that are part of the disorder.
NPD is classified as a “dramatic” personality disorder, characterized by a distorted sense of self and unstable, intense emotions. Typical symptoms include:
An individual must meet at least five of these symptoms to be diagnosed with NPD.
NPD is believed to occur in over 6 percent of the general population. It usually emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood and is more common in males than females. Its cause is unknown, but most professionals subscribe to a bio-psychosocial view, believing that a combination of biological, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors lead to the disorder.
Early interactions with family; e.g., lack of affection or over-indulgence, may partially shape narcissistic behaviors. There is also a somewhat increased risk for the disorder in children of those with NPD.
NPD symptoms tend to peak in early adulthood. By middle age, many people experience fewer intense symptoms. But waiting out the progression of the disorder is not an ideal solution for individuals or their families.
Although there is no known cure for NPD, individuals can respond successfully to long-term psychotherapy. The most beneficial therapies for patients include:
In addition to the therapies listed, a doctor may also prescribe medication to help with the symptoms of NPD.
There are several “self-help” methods that can be used to manage narcissistic personality disorder actions.
Personality traits are difficult to alter, so therapy can take several years. Short-term treatment goals focus on reducing damaging effects of narcissistic personality disorder as substance abuse, depression, and shame. Long-term therapy strives to reshape the individual’s personality and develop a more realistic self-image.
Family Members: A Key NPD Treatment Partner
Family membersmay also need assistance in coping with the effects of NPD. Suggestions include:
Understanding and dealing with NPD can be frustrating to all parties. But with proper treatment and support, the disorder can be managed as individuals learn to function more effectively and become more emotionally stable.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of NPD, the experienced medical professionals at the Lindner Center of HOPE can help. For more information and resources on understanding narcissistic personality disorder, or for treatment options, contact the Lindner Center of HOPE.
Remember, there is hope, and seeking help is the first step toward a brighter future.