About narcissistic personality disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder, or narcissism is a pattern of feeling very self-important, needing admiration from others, and having little feeling for others.
If you experience narcissistic personality disorder, you may come across to others as conceited, boastful or “up-yourself”.
If you experience narcissistic personality disorder, you may come across to others as conceited, boastful or “up-yourself”.
Ten different types of personality disorder have been identified. A diagnosis of personality disorder is only made where the person's problems result in significant difficulty in their day-to-day activities and relationships, or cause significant distress.
Just as we have physical features that make us who we are, we also have our own distinct personality features. Personality refers to the lifelong patterns in the way we see, think about, and relate to ourselves, other people, and the wider world – whether we see ourselves as good or bad, trust or mistrust others, or see the world as a good or bad place.
The term "personality disorder" implies there is something not-quite-right about someone's personality, but that is actually not what is meant by the term. The term "personality disorder" just helps doctors group a set of typical features for people with aspects of their personality that they, and others, may find difficult to deal with.
The term "personality disorder" implies there is something not-quite-right about someone's personality, but that is actually not what is meant by the term. The term "personality disorder" just helps doctors group a set of typical features for people with aspects of their personality that they, and others, may find difficult to deal with.
People experiencing a personality disorder are often out of step with others and with their community, so much so that their personal and wider social lives may be considerably disrupted.
Narcissism is one type of personality disorder.
Narcissism is one type of personality disorder.
What causes a personality disorder such as narcissism?
There has been considerable debate in the past regarding whether personality is determined by nature (genes) or nurture (upbringing). There is now good evidence that personality development occurs as a result of both genetic and upbringing influences.
People with a personality disorder often believe they developed it because things have gone wrong in their live − it could be abandonment, sexual or physical abuse, traumatic experiences, being in an unhappy family/whānau, feeling alienated from people and society or not living up to people's expectations.
Other people with personality disorders cannot so easily find things that have gone wrong in their lives. They may agree with the view that their disorder is genetic in origin. A lot of people with mental health problems believe it is a combination of these things. Sometimes people think their mental health problem is a punishment for their moral, spiritual or cultural failure.
Other people with personality disorders cannot so easily find things that have gone wrong in their lives. They may agree with the view that their disorder is genetic in origin. A lot of people with mental health problems believe it is a combination of these things. Sometimes people think their mental health problem is a punishment for their moral, spiritual or cultural failure.
It's important to remember that it is not your fault you experience a mental health problem.
Symptoms
Signs to look for (symptoms)
People with narcissism exhibit characteristics such as these:
- they have a huge sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior no matter what they have done)
- they are arrogant, and dismissive of others
- they constantly talk about how they will get unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or perfect love.
- they believes that he or she is “special” and unique and should associate with, other special or high-status people.
- they need constant and excessive admiration
- they have a strong sense of entitlement, e.g., unreasonable expectations of especially favourable treatment
- they take advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
- they do not care about or identify with the feelings and needs of others
- they are often envious of others or believes that others are envious of them
- they do not handle criticism well.
How the doctor determines if you have narcissism (diagnosis)
People experiencing a personality disorder such as narcissism, in general, do not often seek out treatment.
You may however, decide to see your doctor about depression, often due to feeling upset by what you suspect others think of you.
Once you have spent some time talking to your doctor, they will refer you to a mental health professional qualified to diagnose and treat people with this condition. A diagnosis is made after talking with you about what you have been experiencing, especially around your level of personal functioning and personality traits that may suggest a particular personality disorder.
For this reason, it’s important the mental health professional gets a full picture, from you and your family/whānau or others who know you well.
For this reason, it’s important the mental health professional gets a full picture, from you and your family/whānau or others who know you well.
Usually, for a person to be diagnosed with narcissism they must meet five or more of the symptoms listed above.
Treatment options
Treatment can involve a number of aspects, each of which will be tailored to meet your individual needs. Psychological therapies or counselling are generally seen as the treatment of choice for personality disorders, with medication if required for depression. Therapy could include individual, couple, family/whānau and/or group therapy.
Therapy, such as talking therapies
These therapies involve a trained professional who uses clinically researched techniques to assess and help people to make positive changes in their lives.
They may involve the use of specific therapies such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which largely focuses on overcoming unhelpful beliefs and learning helpful strategies.
Counselling may include some techniques referred to above, but is mainly based on supportive listening, practical problem solving and information giving.
They may involve the use of specific therapies such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which largely focuses on overcoming unhelpful beliefs and learning helpful strategies.
Counselling may include some techniques referred to above, but is mainly based on supportive listening, practical problem solving and information giving.
DBT and CBT approaches are the most effective, but must be continued over a significant period of time, often for a year or more.
Problem solving/skill training
This is often part of an overall approach, but can also be learnt in skills training groups. They aim to help you learn more effective ways of dealing with problem situations.
All types of therapy/counselling should be provided to you and your family/whānau in a manner that is respectful of you, and with which you feel comfortable and free to ask questions.
It should be consistent with and incorporate your cultural beliefs and practices.
It should be consistent with and incorporate your cultural beliefs and practices.
Physical health
It's also really important to look after your physical wellbeing. Make sure you get an annual checkup with your doctor. Being in good physical health will also help your mental health.
Important strategies to support someone in their recovery
Family, whānau and friends of someone with a personality disorder have found the following strategies important and useful:
- Remember that people with these conditions tend to easily take words and actions the wrong way. It’s important to be clear in what you say, and to be willing to clarify your meaning or intention if you get a bad reaction. It’s also important not to take these reactions personally, but see them as a result of the person misinterpreting you.
- Learn what you can about the condition, its treatment, and what you can do to assist the person.
- Take the opportunity, if possible, to contact a family or whānau support, advocacy group or culturally appropriate organisation. For many, this is one of the best ways to learn about how to support the person, deal with difficulties, and access services when needed.
- Encourage the person to continue treatment and to avoid alcohol and drug abuse.
- Find ways of getting time out for yourself and feeling okay about this. It’s important to maintain your own wellbeing.
Thanks to Janet Peters, Registered Psychologist for reviewing this content. Date last reviewed: October, 2014