Narcissistic Personality Disorder: What You Should Know

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) it is a mental condition characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance. NPD can be marked by arrogance, feelings of superiority, a sense of entitlement, and more.

These characteristics cause relationship problems for people with NPD. It is estimated that this personality disorder affects up to 5% of people in the United States.

Read below to learn more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, coping strategies, and more for NPD.

What is narcissistic personality disorder?

NPD falls under the umbrella of Personality disorderspecifically a Cluster B personality disorder. A personality disorder is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as, “An enduring pattern of internal experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture.”

In addition to NPD, other Cluster B personality disorders include:

Symptoms

The DSM-5 lists nine symptom criteria for NPD. Of these nine characteristics, five or more must be met to be diagnosed with NPD:

• A grandiose sense of self-importance.
• A preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success.
• A specialty belief
• An excessive need for admiration.
• a sense of entitlement
• Interpersonally exploitative (takes advantage of others for personal gain)
• Envious behavior (or believes others are envious of themselves)
• a lack of empathy
• Arrogant and haughty attitudes and behaviors.

It is important to note that there are several different types or presentations of NPD that may not fit the more open description of the DSM.

Causes

There are multiple factors that play into the development of NPD, such as:

• Family history
• Personality traits
• Negative development experiences
• childhood trauma
• Excessive praise during childhood.

Diagnosis

NPD varies in its presentation and severity. Additionally, limited research has led to diagnostic challenges; in fact, NPD was originally planned to be omitted from the DSM-5only to be included after feedback from the clinical and research community.

For someone to be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, they must exhibit at least five of the nine NPD traits outlined in the DSM-5.

That said, due to the limited research on NPD, the diagnosis of this mental health disorder remains quite controversial.

Treatment

Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is often the main treatment for NPD. Examples of psychotherapy are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy.

It is important to note that the person with NPD must be an active participant in their treatment for it to be effective. And, because the person showing signs of NPD is often unaware of their behaviors and their impact, it can be difficult for them to engage in psychotherapy and change.

Coping

If you have NPD, some coping strategies include:

• Avoid alcohol and drug use
• Stay dedicated to therapy
• Continually work to improve your relationships.
• Reduce stress the more you can

If you know or love someone with NPD, some ways to deal with their behaviors include:

• Create firm limits and expectations around their behavior.
• Separate the person from their diagnosis.
• Know when to walk away
• stay patient
• practice compassion

Keep in mind that a person with NPD is often unaware of their impact and behaviors, so narcissistic traits can cause a lot of problems in relationships.

Summary

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition defined by an exaggerated sense of self-importance that often reflects an underlying fragile sense of self. It can interfere with a person’s work and Relationships. While personality disorders like NPD can be difficult to treat, symptoms can improve as long as the person with NPD wants to change.

A word from Verywell

Narcissistic personality disorder can be a difficult mental health condition to live with. It can feel isolated and frustrating, especially since it is very difficult for people with NPD to recognize their behaviors and the impact they have on others.

That said, change is more than possible. Note that NPD does not have to define it; These are behaviors that can be changed. Speak therapy is a great place to start. Listen to loved ones if they express that your actions have hurt them and ask them how you could have done better.

Talk to a mental health professional if you or a loved one is struggling with NPD.