Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder in which people have overinflated self-esteem. They also have a tendency to have a desire for other people’s admiration and attention.

When they do not receive the praise or special treatment they believe they deserve, people with NPD may be unhappy and disappointed. Others may regard them as snobbish and conceited, and they may dislike being around them.

NPD can cause issues in a variety of areas of a person’s life, including:

• Work 
• School 
• Relationships

NPD affects up to 6.2% of the population and is slightly more common in men than in women. Talk therapy and certain lifestyle changes can help people with NPD manage the disorder.

Narcissistic personality disorder traits

NPD patients are typically described as:

• Arrogant 
• Self-centered 
• Demanding

They frequently have a high sense of self-esteem and may believe they are unique or superior to others. They do, however, appear to require excessive praise and admiration and may react negatively to perceived criticism.

Narcissists also overestimate their own abilities and accomplishments while underestimating those of others. They are typically obsessed with power, success, and beauty. They may even engage in impulsive behaviors such as gambling or sexual behavior. Some NPD characteristics may appear to be similar to confidence, but healthy confidence and NPD are not the same.

People with healthy self-esteem are typically humble, whereas people with NPD are rarely so. They have a tendency to put themselves on a pedestal and believe they are better than everyone else.

Narcissistic personality disorder symptoms

NPD usually manifests itself in early adulthood. People with the disorder may be unaware that they have a problem because having a problem contradicts their self-image. You may have NPD if you have any of the following symptoms:

You come across as pretentious and boastful, causing others to avoid you; your relationships are unsatisfying; and you become unhappy, angry, and confused when things don’t go your way.

• Work
• School
• Relationships
• Finances
• Alcohol
• Drugs

Schedule an appointment with a doctor or mental health professional if you believe you have NPD. They can diagnose you with this personality disorder and recommend treatments to help you manage your symptoms.

Narcissistic personality disorder causes and risk factors

The causes of NPD are unknown. Many cases of NPD are thought to be caused in part by genetic factors. Environmental factors that may play a role include:

• Childhood abuse or neglect 
• Excessive parental pampering 
• Unrealistic parental expectations

Narcissistic personality disorder diagnostic criteria

Doctors and mental health professionals frequently use the American Psychiatric Association’s “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR)” to diagnose mental health conditions such as NPD.

The following characteristics are included in the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for NPD:

• Possessing an exaggerated sense of self-importance and entitlement
• Expecting special treatment because of perceived superiority and needing constant admiration and praise
• Exaggerating one’s abilities and achievements
• Reacting negatively to criticism fantasizing about power, success, and beauty taking advantage of others
• Being arrogant because of an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others
• Exploitation of others
• Being arrogant because of an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others

To help determine whether you meet these criteria, a doctor or mental health professional or Online Counsellor may ask you to complete a questionnaire. They may also examine you for other mental disorders and health problems.

Narcissistic personality disorder treatment

Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is the primary treatment for NPD.

If you have NPD symptoms along with depression or another mental health condition, you may be prescribed medication to treat the other condition. There are no medications available to treat NPD.

Talk Therapy

Talk therapy can teach you how to better relate to others, making your relationships more enjoyable, intimate, and rewarding. Positive interactions with other people can greatly improve many aspects of your life.

Talk therapy can also teach you:

• Improve your collaboration with coworkers and peers
• Keep personal relationships
• Recognize your strengths and potential so you can tolerate criticisms or failures
• Comprehend and manage your emotions
• Handle any self-esteem issues
• Set attainable goals for yourself

Because personality traits are difficult to change, it may take several years of therapy to see an improvement. During this period, you may begin to see therapy as a waste of time and consider quitting. However, it is critical to persevere. You can contact an Online Counsellor through an Online Counselling platform.

Attend all of your therapy sessions and take your medications exactly as prescribed. You may notice a difference in yourself and your relationships with others over time.

Lifestyle changes

The following lifestyle changes may be beneficial while you are in therapy:

• Substances that may cause problematic behaviors should be avoided.
• Discover and pursue healthy habits.
• Relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation can help you reduce stress and anxiety.

The benefits of treatment may differ depending on the severity of your symptoms and your willingness to commit to treatment. In general, NPD symptoms improve over time, though effective treatment takes time and can be difficult. You’ll be able to repair damaged relationships and become more content with your daily life if you stay motivated and actively work toward change.