Narcissistic personality disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Individuals with NPD often display arrogant behavior, have an inflated sense of self-importance, and may exploit or manipulate others in order to achieve their goals. This disorder falls within the Cluster B group of personality disorders, which also includes antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder.

Symptoms

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterized by a range of symptoms, including:

• Grandiose sense of self-importance
• Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, beauty, or ideal love
• Belief that they are "special" and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status individuals
• Need for excessive admiration
• Sense of entitlement
• Exploitative behavior in interpersonal relationships
• Lack of empathy
• Envy of others or belief that others are envious of them
• Arrogant or haughty behavior

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is typically made by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, through clinical evaluation and observation of the individual's behavior and self-reported experiences. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific diagnostic criteria for NPD, which include the presence of a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy, as well as the presence of at least five of the aforementioned symptoms.

Causes

The exact causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder are not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some possible contributing factors include:

• Childhood experiences, such as excessive pampering, extreme criticism, or trauma
• Parental behavior that models narcissistic traits
• Genetic predisposition or temperament
• Sociocultural factors, such as emphasis on individualism and self-promotion

Treatment

There is no specific medication for treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder. However, individuals with NPD may benefit from psychotherapy, which can help them develop a more realistic self-image, improve their interpersonal relationships, and increase their capacity for empathy. Common approaches to therapy include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Schema therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

In some cases, individuals with NPD may also require treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders.

Prognosis

Narcissistic Personality Disorder can be challenging to treat, as individuals with this condition may have difficulty acknowledging their own problematic behaviors and may be resistant to change. However, with appropriate treatment and support, many individuals with NPD can learn to manage their symptoms and develop healthier interpersonal relationships.

See also

• Personality disorders
• Cluster B personality disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Histrionic personality disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder Resources
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Classification	ICD-10: F60.8 ICD-9-CM: 301.81 MeSH: D010554
External resources	MedlinePlus: 000934