People with an excessively elevated feeling of their own significance suffer from narcissistic personality disorder. They want everyone to adore them and require excessive attention. The inability to comprehend or care about the feelings of others may be a symptom of this condition in certain people. Beneath this façade of unwavering confidence, though, are feelings of insecurity about their own value, which makes them sensitive to even the smallest criticism.
Many aspects of life, including relationships, employment, education, and money concerns, are impacted by a narcissistic personality disorder. Narcissistic personality disorder sufferers may experience generalised unhappiness and disappointment when they don’t receive the particular treatment or recognition they feel they are entitled to. People may not enjoy being around them, and they may find their relationships to be difficult and unfulfilling.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the mainstay of treatment for narcissistic personality disorder.
Typically starting in adolescence or early adulthood, narcissistic personality disorder affects more men than women. A narcissistic personality disorder is not always the result of a youngster displaying narcissistic features; rather, these qualities are frequently common for the age group in question.
The signs and symptoms
Variations exist in the severity of symptoms associated with narcissistic
personality disorder. Individuals afflicted with the illness may:
- have an inordinate need for continuous praise and an unreasonable sense of self-importance.
- believe they should be given advantages and particular attention.
- Without any accomplishments, anticipate being seen as superior.
- amplify one’s abilities and accomplishments.
- Obsessed with dreams of wealth, influence, intelligence, attractiveness, or the ideal spouse.
- Feel that only others who share their distinctive qualities can understand them or spend time with them.
- Treat those they believe to be unimportant with contempt and disdain.
- Accept exceptional treatment and the belief that others should act without hesitation.
- To obtain what they desire, take advantage of others.
- be incapable of understanding others’ needs and feelings, or be reluctant to do so.
- See others as envious of you and vice versa.
- Adopt a haughty demeanour, boast excessively, and project arrogance.
- Demand the finest in all areas, such as the finest vehicle or workspace.
Nercissistic personality disorder sufferers, however, find it difficult to take criticism of any kind. They are able to
- When they are not given extra attention or appreciation, they get irritated or upset.
- possess severe social skills issues and a heightened sense of unfairness.
- In an attempt to come out as superior, react with fury or disdain and try to minimise other individuals.
- suffer from emotional and behavioural regulation issues.
- Significantly struggle with managing stress and adjusting to changes.
- Steer clear of or withdraw from potentially dangerous circumstances.
- Consider themselves to be imperfect, which makes them unhappy and gloomy.
- Experience deep-seated emotions of inadequacy, guilt, humiliation, and anxiety of coming out as a failure.
When to visit the physician
As they typically don’t seek therapy, people with narcissistic personality disorder may not want to consider that anything could be wrong. Treatment for signs of depression, drug or alcohol abuse, or other mental health issues is more likely to be sought if they do seek it. Admitting and completing treatment may be challenging for them if they perceive it as an insult to their self-worth.
Seeking help from a reputable medical professional or mental health professional is a good idea if you identify features in yourself that are typical of narcissistic personality disorder or if you’re feeling extremely depressed. A more fulfilling and pleasurable existence can be achieved with the correct medical care.
Motives
Narcissistic personality disorder’s aetiology is unknown. The reason is probably multifaceted. Disorders associated with narcissistic personality include:
- Environment: A child’s real experiences and accomplishments are not reflected in parent-child relationships that are either overly critical or too devoted to them.
- Genetics: innate qualities like specific personality traits.
- Brain, behaviour, and thought are all correlated with neurobiology.
Factors of risk
Though the exact causation of narcissistic personality disorder remains unknown, some experts speculate that children who are predisposed to the disease from birth may be affected by overprotective or neglectful parenting. The development of narcissistic personality disorder may be influenced by genetics as well as other factors.
Complications
Among the conditions that can coexist with narcissistic personality disorder and cause complications are:
- Relationship issues
- Issues at the office or with education
- anxiety and depression
- Further personality disorders
- a condition known as anorexia
- issues with physical health
- Abuse of drugs or alcohol
- Feelings or actions of suicide
Preventative
No recognised preventative measures exist for narcissistic personality disorder because its source is unclear. But it could be beneficial to:
- If your child has mental health issues, get therapy as soon as you can.
- To acquire constructive communication skills or to manage disagreements or emotional pain, take part in family therapy.
- Seek advice from a social professional or therapist if necessary, and take parenting seminars.
