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Narcissistic Personality Disorder

dictionary of Organon

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Subhankar Basu
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9 views

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

dictionary of Organon

Uploaded by

Subhankar Basu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What are the symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder?

Use the acronym “SPECIAL ME” to remember the nine signs of NPD.

SPECIAL ME

1. Sense of self-importance
2. Preoccupation with power, beauty, or success
3. Entitled
4. Can only be around people who are important or special
5. Interpersonally exploitative for their own gain
6. Arrogant
7. Lack empathy
8. Must be admired
9. Envious of others or believe that others are envious of them

How is NPD diagnosed?


Trained mental health professionals conduct a structured interview to learn more about an
individual’s typical behavior patterns. If someone consistently displays at least five of the
SPECIAL ME traits, they meet the diagnostic criteria for the condition.

Is NPD genetic?
No, there is no gene for NPD, and people are not born with it. Like other mental health conditions,
environment is a major factor. Children who are encouraged to believe they are extraordinary and
always deserve the best -- sometimes at the expense of others -- could later develop NPD. In
these children, traits like confidence are rewarded, while qualities like empathy are not.

Are narcissists bad people?


Narcissists are not bad people; it’s their behavior that’s problematic. They have been conditioned
to believe that they are special and deserve to be treated better than others and approach the
world accordingly.

Can I have a relationship with someone with NPD?


It depends. If your romantic partner, family member, or boss has NPD, they can make your life
challenging. Because they put themselves first, you may feel belittled, and your mental health
could suffer. Coping strategies include setting personal boundaries and gently walking away if
they are breached. However, this is not always easy to do. Calling your partner a narcissist won't
help either. Instead, you should focus on your well-being and decide what you are willing to
tolerate.

Can people recover from NPD?


Yes, but changing a learned behavior takes time and effort. People with NPD do not generally
seek help on their own, and if they do, it is often because of a co-existing problem, like anxiety.
Because there is no proven medication or therapy to treat NPD, providers take an individualized
approach. Getting to know the patient and establishing a trusting relationship are key components
of treatment. If a person is willing to change and their therapist can help them bridge the gap
between their current and desired behaviors, there is hope for recovery.

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