Narcissistic Personality Disorder

People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder believe they are superior to others and have little empathy. At the same time, they are not very tolerant of criticism and have interpersonal difficulties.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental condition that causes the individual to have an exaggerated sense of self-centeredness, self-appreciation, and little empathy for others. You often think you deserve special treatment and have a dire need to be the center of attention.

They often have shortcomings in the interpersonal sphere, as they focus all their attention on themselves and do not care what may happen to others. In fact, they only approve of third parties when they ratify their airs of greatness through constant praise.

However, behind his mask of extreme security, there is a fragile self-esteem that can be eroded with the slightest criticism. Because of this, they tend to fall easily into depressive states, as they feel unhappy and disappointed at not living up to their expectations.

Also, they are not satisfied with their relationships, they constantly compare themselves and believe that no one is on their level. What are your causes? How to identify it? A Here we have what factors can trigger it and what are the signs to recognize it .

Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

As with other mental health disorders, there is no exact cause to explain Narcissistic Personality Disorder. However, it is believed to develop from a combination of neurobiological, genetic, and environmental factors.

Considering this, a person is more at risk of suffering from it when:

• Has or had bad family relationships, either due to excessive devotion or excessive criticism.
• You suffer from alterations in the brain connections for behavior and thinking.
• Any of your parents or close relatives has a history of the disease.
• It is praised for its exceptional appearance or capabilities.

Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

The signs that allow identifying narcissistic personality disorder are variable, as is the severity with which they occur. Often times, the person who suffers from it is too vain, exaggerates his abilities and sees others as inferior. Other symptoms include:

• Having an exaggerated sense of arrogance.
• Feeling the constant need to be admired or exalted.
• Expect recognition of superiority even if your achievements do not warrant it.
• Exaggerate your accomplishments and talents.
• Worrying about fantasies about success, power, and the perfect partner.
• Feeling superior than others, constantly comparing yourself.
• Feeling that they can only bond with special people, at their height.
• Monopolize conversations and despise those they perceive as inferior.
• Expect special favors.
• Taking advantage of others for your own benefit.
• Lack of empathy.
• Envy others and believe that they are envious of you.
• Behaving in an arrogant or conceited manner.
• Insist on having the best of everything.

In the same way, a person with narcissistic personality disorder has a low tolerance for criticism and it is difficult for him to face any situation where he is opposed. Consequently, they also show signs such as:

• Impatience and anger
• Difficulties in having social relationships.
• I despise and mistreat others to give the impression that they are superior.
• Difficulty regulating your emotions and behavior.
• Depressions from not reaching perfection.
• Feelings of insecurity, shame, and humiliation.
• Inability to handle stress and adapt to changes.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is often difficult. Many of its symptoms are similar to those of other personality disorders. Also, more than one personality disorder may be diagnosed at the same time.

In order to confirm this mental illness, the health professional considers the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DMS-5). He also does a physical examination and conducts an intensive psychological evaluation.

Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder

It is very difficult for a person with Narcissistic Personality Disorder to access treatment. Due to his self-centered behavior, he does not usually accept that he has problems and, therefore, does not see the possibility of receiving help.

However, if you receive a diagnosis and decide to go into therapy, your mental health professional advises several sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Its objectives are:

• Teach to relate better with others.
• Understand the causes of behaviors.
• Help maintain real personal relationships.
• Strengthen the capacity for group collaboration.
• Recognize and accept the real capacities to be able to tolerate criticism and failure.
• Increase the ability to control feelings.
• Release the desire to meet unattainable goals.
• Improve self-esteem.
• Control moments of stress.

Medicines

There are no specific medications to combat narcissistic personality disorder. However, the use of anxiolytics or antidepressants may be suggested to control the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Finally, it should be mentioned that the condition can worsen or improve over the years, depending on its cause and lifestyle. There is much improvement if the affected person has healthy personal relationships and if he maintains the treatment.