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Contents
Introduction:....................................................................................................................................3
1. Definition:.............................................................................................................................3
2. Forms/types of Narcissistic personality disorder as per the DSM-5:...................................3
a. Grandiose subtype:............................................................................................................3
b. Subtype of vulnerability:..................................................................................................3
Symptoms:.......................................................................................................................................3
Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder:.........................................................................3
Causes:.............................................................................................................................................4
a) Early life events and genetics:..............................................................................................4
b) Cultural and sociological influences:....................................................................................4
c) Interpersonal and psychodynamic influences:......................................................................4
Treatment:........................................................................................................................................4
a) Psychotherapies:...................................................................................................................4
b) Medications:.........................................................................................................................5
c) Combination therapy:...........................................................................................................5
Statement:........................................................................................................................................5
References:......................................................................................................................................6
Introduction:
1. Definition:
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health disorder characterized by a
pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
Individuals with NPD often have an inflated sense of self-importance, a preoccupation
with fantasies of power and success, and a sense of entitlement.

2. Forms/types of Narcissistic personality disorder as per the DSM-5:

There are two NPD subtypes recognised by the DSM-5:

a. Grandiose subtype:
People with this subtype have an excessive need for praise and a grandiose feeling
of self-importance. They could take advantage of others for their personal gain
because they think they are special or unique. They could also have a propensity
for envy and feel entitled to preferential treatment towards others.

b. Subtype of vulnerability:
People with this subtype may come out as more extroverted and sensitive than
people with the grandiose subtype. They might battle with inadequacy issues and
rejection fears, and they might be more prone to sadness and anxiety. Even though
they may be less grandiose than people with the grandiose subtype, they may also
be less empathic.

Symptoms:
Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder:
People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) lack empathy for other people and
have an exaggerated feeling of their own significance. They may engage in actions like:
They have a strong need for others' admiration and attention.

 Expecting special consideration or benefits

 Using another person for their own advantage
 Obsession with success, dominance, attractiveness, or ideal love fantasies
 Being or thinking that one is the object of someone else's envy
  Haughty or arrogant actions or attitudes

Causes:
a) Early life events and genetics:
According to research, early life events and genetics may be involved in the emergence of
NPD. According to several studies, NPD is more prevalent in people with a family
history of the condition. NPD may also be more prone to manifest in kids who were
raised in overly indulgent or negligent homes. Some kids could feel entitled to special
treatment as adults since they received excessive praise or had all of their needs met as
youngsters.

b) Cultural and sociological influences:

NPD may also be influenced by cultural and societal factors. People may be more
susceptible to acquire narcissistic tendencies in environments that value individual
accomplishment and achievement. Also, people may be more prone to NPD in societies
that place a high importance on financial prosperity and social status. In such settings,
people can come to associate achievement with self-worth, which would encourage them
to seek out excessive praise and attention from

c) Interpersonal and psychodynamic influences:

NPD may also be influenced by psychological and psychodynamic factors. A grandiose
sense of self can develop as a result of early trauma or rejection, according to some study,
which may have occurred in people with NPD. Furthermore, NPD growth may be
influenced by interpersonal relationships, particularly those that are too indulgent or
careless. For instance, a youngster who is frequently complimented and told they are
special may develop an excessive sense of entitlement and self-importance as they get
older. A youngster who is neglected or emotionally abused, on the other hand, could grow
up fearful of being rejected and desperate for external approval.

Treatment:
a) Psychotherapies:
 Psychotherapies can be helpful in treating NPD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy
(CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT assists people in
recognising and challenging harmful thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to the
symptoms of NPD. Exploring the underlying emotional issues that underlie NPD, such as
feelings of insecurity or fear of abandonment, is a key component of psychodynamic
treatment. The goal of interpersonal therapy is to enhance interpersonal and
communicative abilities.

b) Medications:
NPD symptoms may also be treated with medications, such as antidepressants and
antipsychotics. Nonetheless, medication is frequently combined with psychotherapy
because medicine alone is ineffective in treating NPD.

c) Combination therapy:
Psychotherapy and medication are frequently combined to treat NPD most successfully.
While medicine can help to control symptoms like sadness or anxiety that may be
associated with NPD, psychotherapy can help people build better relationships with
others and boost their self-esteem.

Statement:
Antipsychotics and antidepressants, for example, can treat NPD symptoms. In order to
effectively treat NPD, medication is frequently combined with psychotherapy. While
psychotherapy is the main treatment for NPD, medication should only be provided by a
skilled healthcare professional and should be carefully managed.
References:
 American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
 Ronningstam, E. (2016). Narcissistic personality disorder: A comprehensive overview.
Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 39(2), 163-172.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2016.01.001
 Pincus, A. L., Ansell, E. B., Pimentel, C. A., Cain, N. M., Wright, A. G. C., & Levy, K. N.
(2009). Initial construction and validation of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory.
Psychological Assessment, 21(3), 365-379. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016530
These References offer more details on the NPD diagnosis, symptoms, causes, and
therapy. The definitive manual for diagnosing mental health disorders, including NPD, is
the DSM-

The Ronningstam article gives a thorough description of NPD, including its history,
evaluation, and therapy. The creation and validation of the Pathological Narcissism
Inventory, a tool for evaluating NPD, are covered in the study by Pincus et al.