Some individuals in the field believe personality disorders are a result of individuals adapting to challenging circumstances early in life such as abuse and neglect, and that at the time of development the behaviours and traits associated with these disorders were adaptive because they were protective.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Depression
Depression commonly accompanies narcissistic personality disorder. You may also experience the stigma associated with this particular disorder.
Negative Sense of Self
You may suffer from low self-esteem, or have negative feelings about yourself when there’s no external validation. It’s possible that you also set unrealistic expectations for yourself.
Interpersonal Challenges
You may struggle to maintain meaningful interpersonal relationships. You may also have difficulties taking criticism or feedback from other people.
What Are Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Looking at symptoms on the internet can be alarming. Please keep in mind that symptoms are viewed as one part of a broad picture involving many factors - the presence or absence of the listed symptoms does not mean you do or do not have narcissistic personality disorder.
Cognitive Symptoms
Ruminating or fantasizing about being the best in terms of intelligence, power, or success
Self-perception that they are better than or superior to others
Emotional Symptoms
Lack of care or empathy for the needs, desires, and feelings of other people
feeling that they are owed preferential treatment or that others should do as they say
Behavioural Symptoms
Using others for personal gain
Behaving arrogantly
Need for external validation, or to be liked by others
Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder
A variety of different types of therapy may be used to treat narcissistic personality disorder. However common goals of treatment include:
- Helping the client achieve symptom relief regarding their presenting concern.
- Identifying the coping strategies, the client uses and exploring how they may be negatively impacting the client and their loved ones.
- Exploring the client’s early life experiences to determine why those coping strategies were developed and used and healing any childhood traumas.
- Developing new coping strategies.
- Helping the client develop empathy for themselves and others.
- Challenging black and white perspectives they have of other people in their lives.
Therapists Who Can Help
Check out our experienced team of therapists specializing in personality disorders and find the perfect fit for you.
