Narcissistic
Personality Disorder
Category
Personality
Disorders
Etiology
Like
most personality disorders, there are many factors that may
contribute to the development of symptoms. Because the
symptoms are long lasting, the idea that symptoms begin to
emerge in childhood or at least adolescence is well
accepted. The negative consequences of such symptoms,
however, may not show themselves until adulthood.
Symptoms
The
symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder revolve around a
pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and sense of
entitlement. Often individuals feel overly important and will
exaggerate achievements and will accept, and often demand,
praise and admiration despite worthy achievements. They
may be overwhelmed with fantasies involving unlimited success,
power, love, or beauty and feel that they can only be understood
by others who are, like them, superior in some aspect of life.
There
is a sense of entitlement, of being more deserving than others
based solely on their superiority. These symptoms,
however, are a result of an underlying sense of inferiority
and are often seen as overcompensation. Because of this,
they are often envious and even angry of others who have more,
receive more respect or attention, or otherwise steal away the
spotlight.
Treatment
Treatment
for this disorder is very rarely sought. There is a
limited amount of insight into the symptoms, and the negative
consequences are often blamed on society. In this sense,
treatment options are limited. Some research has found
long term insight oriented therapy to be effective, but
getting the individual to commit to this treatment is a major
obstacle.
Prognosis
Prognosis
is limited and based mainly on the individual's ability to
recognize their underlying inferiority and decreased sense of
self worth. With insight and long term therapy, the
symptoms can be reduced in both number and intensity.
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