Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental disorder characterized by a life-long pattern of exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive craving for admiration, and a diminished ability to empathize with others' feelings.
If you have an NPD diagnosis, others may see you as only concerned about your wants and needs or having a never-ending need for compliments.
But inside, you may feel insecure, less-than, and empty. Having NPD makes it hard to relate to others or have genuine self-worth. It can affect relationships with your family, friends, and co-workers.
Experts estimate that up to 5% of people have NPD. Narcissism is one of 10 personality disorders. These disorders cause people to think, feel and behave in ways that hurt themselves or others.
Causes of NPD
• Childhood trauma (such as physical, sexual, and verbal abuse).
• Early relationships with parents, friends, and relatives.
• Genetics (family history).
• Hypersensitivity to textures, noise, or light in childhood.
• Personality and temperament.
Symptoms of NPD
• Overinflated sense of self-importance.
• Constant thoughts about being more successful, powerful, smart, loved, or attractive than others.
• Feelings of superiority and desire to only associate with high-status people.
• Need for excessive admiration.
• Sense of entitlement.
• Willingness to take advantage of others to achieve goals.
• Lack of understanding and consideration for other people’s feelings and needs.
• Arrogant or snobby behaviors and attitudes.
Treatment of NPD
• Antidepressants: These medications treat depression. Healthcare providers commonly prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This class of drugs has fewer side effects than other antidepressants. SSRI medications include fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine.
• Mood stabilizers: To reduce mood swings, your provider may prescribe a mood-stabilizing drug such as lithium.
• Antipsychotic drugs: This type of medication can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Aripiprazole and risperidone are two kinds of antipsychotic drugs.
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