Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Narcissism is not just another trait of the selfish person. It is also a serious mental disorder, often followed by the adverse consequences when not taken seriously. There are several known personality disorders, but this one stands out from the rest by turning the individual into the selfish and boastful person who denies to see personal weaknesses. Some may say that it is better than having mental disorders associated with the hatred to oneself and regular depressions associated with the shy and gloomy nature of the patient.

However, if you look at the narcissistic personality disorder, you will understand why this is a serious problem as well. The main problem is that people start acting in socially distressing was. It prevents them from succeeding in education and career as well as building relationships. The most typical signal you are talking to the narcissistic person is his/her sense of self-importance and dominance.

Such people perceive other as something below their level, not worthy of their attention. They wish to have all attention, admiration, and luxury things that underline their status (cars, treatment, apartment, friends, etc.) Such people perceive others as their property, so when they stop receiving enough attention, it may cause anger and rage, often ending up in serious conflicts. Such people study and develop slowly as they do not handle criticism. They believe they can’t do anything wrong no matter which field it is. There is no way to fall short of perfection for them.

Doctors have suggested that health care professionals should use criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose similar mental disorders properly. It is important not to confuse various mental illnesses as some symptoms are pretty much similar.

As for the set of symptoms that point to the narcissistic personality disorder, health care providers mention the following: stressing your achievements and excellent performance; desiring to be treated as a superior one; being obsessed by the idea of self-significance; wanting others to admire you all the time; requiring constant attention; living in imaginary world where your life is perfect (better than others have); being unable to evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses soberly; overestimating personal role in many things; taking advantage of people around to make personal wishes come true; behaving aggressively or annoying concerning others; staying envious and jealous when other people are lucky, even if those are close people; having no respect for the feelings of people around.

Some people might say that it is okay to be confident and ignore weaknesses, but it’s a bit different. This condition does not look healthy at all. Besides, believing in own superiority in all fields may end up dramatically if the person does something risky trying to stress its significance.

As a rule, professionals have no idea why narcissistic personality disorder takes place. Its sources are difficult to identify. When specific bio and genetic factors unite, they may influence the person’s behavior and mood adversely. Besides, it also depends on the way the child was growing and treated by parents. Usually, such people lack attention and appreciation, and everyone wants to be loved. Bullying at school may also turn a person into the selfish and boastful individual who just tries to survive this way.

Later, he or she cannot stop. Social factors, perhaps, are the most important. Family, school, and work environment may lead to NPD when they are not prosperous. People just start using their learned coping skills to resist the social pressure. Often, those who had problems with their appearance as the kids suffer from narcissistic personality disorder. Finally, if the child’s parents have a similar diagnosis, it may be passed genetically.

In order to diagnose narcissistic personality, one should not underestimate the danger of mental disorders as compared to the physical illnesses. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can be detected only by the corresponding specialist. Hire psychologist or psychiatrist if you expect that someone you love has this problem. Usually, such people won’t recognize it on their own.

It is not that easy to tell the difference between true NPD and peculiarities of behavior. It is impossible to tell if the person is mentally ill with the help of physical tests or exams. Most people who face this problem reject any sort of help and treatment as they believe they’re okay while others have problems.

Until the problem gets over the patient’s life, he or she does not understand its threats.The specialist will need to observe a medical history along with the biography to make a final conclusion. He will check some reactions to irritating factors. In case a professional notice all symptoms associated with NPD, the conclusion can be made.

The person should try long-term psychotherapy. He should choose only narrow professionals like those mentioned above. The selected therapist should be an expert in this particular field. Some special medications may help to calm down the person during the moments of depression or rage attacks. Debilitating symptoms require corresponding treatment to avoid dramatic consequences.