Not everyone with narcissistic traits gets the diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Many people go undiagnosed. People who have narcissistic personality disorder may seem confident. They are actually insecure. Their jobs often suffer because they cannot take criticism. Whether they are right or wrong, they always believe they are right. They may use drugs and alcohol to cope with their mental health symptoms.
What Is NPD?
The American Psychiatric Association describes narcissistic personality disorder as self-focus taken to the extreme. It is a sense of self-importance that ruins every aspect of life. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder often have grandiose fantasies about their achievements. They have difficulty maintaining healthy close relationships. This is because they are often argumentative or combative. They believe in their own superiority and they’re distraught if others do not see it. They are envious of others who achieve success and receive recognition. People with narcissistic personality disorder might act in dramatic ways to fill their extraordinary need for attention.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms
Narcissistic personality disorder symptoms include:
- Lack of emotion
- Arrogance, or haughty attitude or behaviors
- Belief in being better than others
- Attention and admiration-seeking
- Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships
- Entitlement, or belief they deserve special consideration or treatment
- Jealous of others and the belief that others are jealous of them
- Exaggerating achievements or talents
- Expecting others to go along with their ideas and plans
- Taking advantage of others to reach their goals
- Fantasizing about power, success, and attractiveness
- Fragile self-esteem
- Lack of empathy or ability to recognize other people’s feelings
- Reacting to criticism with rage, shame or humiliation
- Self-centeredness
- Showing disdain for others they deem inferior
- Unrealistic personal goals
People with these symptoms may need inpatient treatment for narcissistic personality disorder. Mental health professionals can help them develop healthy relationships with themselves and others.
Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
The exact causes of narcissistic personality disorder are unknown. Genetics may play a role. It may also stem from early interactions with parents or caregivers. Some problematic patterns include:
- Childhood trauma such as neglect or abuse
- Excessive pampering by parents
- Extreme pressure to be special or talented
Temperament and the ability to manage life stress are also factors. Researchers agree there is likely no single cause of narcissistic personality disorder. It is a complex blend of biological, social and psychological factors.
Residential Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder
People with NPD often don’t know they have a problem. They’re more likely to come to Promises for substance abuse or other mental health issues. During treatment, they realize they need to address narcissistic personality disorder symptoms.
Upon admission, each client participates in thorough psychiatric assessments. These evaluations help us understand all the issues the person is facing. Sometimes an NPD diagnosis is not clear at first. Narcissistic traits are part of several other mental health issues. Also, lack of empathy does not always signal NPD. The disorder can be mistaken for borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorders or other mood disorders. This is why diagnosing NPD through an in-depth evaluation is important.
Based on the assessment, we create individualized treatment plans for narcissistic patients. Treatment includes individual psychotherapy, group counseling and family therapy. We also use evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
