Living with narcissistic personality disorder can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to help people effectively manage the condition. Knowing which narcissistic personality disorder treatment program is right for your loved one starts with understanding the condition and what can cause it.
At Promises, we provide residential and outpatient services for those living with behavioral and mental health concerns. If your loved one is experiencing antagonistic narcissism, getting them help is possible. Contact Promises at 844.875.5609 to learn more today.
Understanding Antagonistic Narcissism
Narcissism is a spectrum disorder, as are other behavioral conditions, and it can be either overt or covert. Overt narcissism is associated with needing admiration and demonstrating excessive self-love, while shyness and a lack of confidence are related to covert narcissism. One of the subtypes of overt narcissism is antagonistic narcissism.
Dealing with a narcissist can be difficult, but it can be particularly so when it comes to this subtype. Antagonistic narcissists are known for manipulative and aggressive behavior. Common signs of an antagonistic narcissist include:
- Constant belittling and criticism of others
- Exploitation and manipulation for personal gain
- Excessive demands for compliance and attention
They are highly competitive and seek to be the center of attention in any setting. Their behavior can damage relationships and their overall life, making getting treatment an important step to take. The problem is that convincing them that they should get help isn’t always easy.
Causes of Antagonistic Narcissism
It’s still not wholly clear what causes narcissism of any sort. Generally, there are a combination of factors that can contribute to the development of this personality disorder. Genetics can play a role, with some traits being passed down from parent to child, but so can the environment in which the person lived as a child.
Parents or guardians who offer criticism or adoration that doesn’t match a child’s experiences and achievements can increase the likelihood of someone developing antagonistic narcissism. Neglect and trauma can also play a role.
Dealing With a Narcissist: How to Help Them Heal
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of helping someone who has a narcissistic personality disorder is to get them to accept that they need professional guidance. It can be tough to break through the layers of grandiose ideas they have themselves so that they can recognize that they’re making themselves and others unhappy.
It’s important to speak to them calmly about the signs you’ve noticed and set clear boundaries about what you’re not willing to deal with. It may take time to convince them that getting help from a treatment program can be a good option.
Treatment programs often offer psychotherapy sessions that can make it easier for your loved one to understand why they behave as they do and to start identifying the thought patterns that lead to certain moods and actions.
Group therapy is also vital for those with antagonistic narcissism, as it shows them how to interact with others in healthier ways.
In some cases, medications can help as well. Although there are no medicines specifically for treating personality disorders, if your loved one experiences anxiety or depression because of the condition, treating those concerns can help their overall well-being.
Encourage a Loved One to Start Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment at Promises Today
If a loved one has antagonistic narcissism, getting them to accept that professional treatment could be beneficial is the first step. Once you do so, you will want to be able to suggest a program that can offer the exact level of support they need—and the compassionate team at Promises can help.
We have experience helping people with all types of personality disorders. By providing a combination of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, we can support your loved one on the journey to a healthier life. Contact us at Promises by calling 844.875.5609 or filling out our online contact form to get started today.