what is narcissistic personality disorder?

You’ve probably called someone a narcissist before when they were acting selfish, but what you may not know is that narcissistic personality disorder is a serious mental health condition. Fortunately, there are treatment options available for those who have this disorder.

Origins

The name “narcissistic personality disorder” comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who was so handsome that he fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. He couldn’t tear himself away from the image, and he eventually died of starvation and thirst. His body was turned into flowers, which went on to bear his name.

Symptoms

Like Narcissus, people with narcissistic personality disorder have a high sense of self-importance and seek too much attention and admiration. They may have a hard time understanding the feelings of others and are easily upset by criticism.

People with the disorder are often preoccupied with fantasies of power, wealth, beauty, fame, or the perfect romance. Because they believe they are superior to others, they look down on those they see as inferior and may take advantage of others to get what they want. They may feel unfulfilled in their relationships, and others may not enjoy spending time with them.

This disorder causes problems in the workplace, school, and interpersonal relationships. People with narcissism may feel as if they deserve exceptional treatment and recognition, even without achievements, and become unhappy or disappointed when they’re not given special favors and privileges.

Despite their mask of self-confidence, people with narcissistic personality disorder are insecure in their own self-worth. They may secretly harbor feelings of shame or guilt, and fear having their failures exposed.

Those with narcissism may experience other complications along with the disorder, including depression, anxiety, anorexia, suicidality, physical health issues, or drug and alcohol abuse.

Narcissistic personality disorder is more common in males than females. Some children show narcissistic traits, but this is often typical for their age and doesn’t necessarily mean they will develop the disorder later on. Narcissism usually surfaces in the teen years or early adulthood.

Diagnosis

Because some symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder are similar to those of other disorders, it can be hard to diagnose. The diagnosis process usually includes a discussion with a mental health professional about your symptoms and their impact on your life and a thorough psychological evaluation based on these traits listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM):

Grandiose sense of self-superiority
Craving admiration
Exploitative or manipulative relationships
Little to no empathy
Identity is easily threatened
Lack of attachment and intimacy
Feelings of depression when not validated
Sense of entitlement
Feelings of envy toward others

Causes and Prevention

We don’t know for sure what causes narcissistic personality disorder, but it may be linked to the environment in which the person grew up. If they experienced relationships with their parents that were characterized by either too much criticism or admiration, their mental health could be affected later on. Additionally, certain behaviors, such as manipulation or lack of envy, can be learned from others later on in life.

Other factors could include inherited personality traits or the person’s neurobiology, which is the connection between the brain and behavior.

Because its origins aren’t clear, it’s hard to prevent narcissistic personality disorder. However, it may be helpful to receive treatment as soon as possible for mental health issues in childhood or learn healthy communication and coping methods in family therapy or parenting classes.

Treatment

Because people with narcissistic personality disorder don’t see an issue with their attitude or behavior, they are not likely to reach out for help. However, psychotherapy treatment has proven to be effective in helping those with narcissism have more happy and fulfilling lives.

Talking with a therapist can help you understand the causes and effects of your actions, behaviors, and emotions. You can also learn how to better relate to others and improve your interpersonal relationships.

There is currently no medication known to treat narcissistic personality disorder, but if a patient also experiences symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other conditions along with narcissism, medication may be helpful.

Psychotherapy at Ogden Psychological Services

Ogden Psychological Services offers people with a variety of different mental health conditions, including personality disorders, a safe space to talk about their thoughts, feelings, and issues without fear of judgment. Our board-certified counselors are here to help you learn healthy coping mechanisms and improve your overall well-being. Call us to schedule a consultation or schedule an appointment today!

Whether you struggle with addiction, mental health, OCD, trauma or other mental issues, no one should have to suffer in silence or for a long period of time. There are many options to help you with whatever is causing you stress. If you are experiencing a loss of hope, suicidal thoughts or self harm, please seek help.

Mental disorders or addiction can be exhausting and can feel shameful. There is no need to feel ashamed to ask for help and you should not have to suffer for longer than you think necessary. Here are some more specific reasons not to wait to get help before you hit rock bottom.

Physical Damage

Whether you suffer from addiction to alcohol or from anxiety, having stress can cause damage to your physical health. Seeking help for addiction can help save a person’s life and they should not wait until they are at their lowest level to seek help.

Stress and mental health can cause strain to your body and make it react in different ways. Headaches, loss of motivation and muscle tension can come from anxiety and can be debilitating.

Fear Of Change

Having a fear of messing up your routine or treatment not working for you is a common reason not to seek help for your mental health. While it can be overwhelming and difficult to seek mental help, the fear of change will keep you from feeling better or any change at all. Working with a professional should not bring massive amounts of change overnight, often it will be gradual. No matter how uncomfortable therapy may be, you may find that the deep roots of fear are more uncomfortable.

Your Illness Doesn’t Define You

While you may feel that your mental illness or trauma is a part of you, it does not define you as a person. Losing the illness and its effects do not change your personality and it does not equate to losing a part of yourself. This can be a common reason that individuals don’t seek therapy. If you need help, you need help. It helps to teach you how to manage symptoms and be the best version of yourself.

Each Day That Passes Is One You Won’t Get Back

Struggling with mental health or with addiction can take away your life. Not being able to function properly, spending all day in bed or other limitations can make you feel alone and depressed. Getting help takes work, but can help you maximize the days you have left. Feeling better and moving out of a place of pain brings more days to look forward too.

Achieving Your Goals

Clearing up mental fog, getting your motivation back and controlling triggers can help you set and achieve new goals. It can be hard to look to the future when you are struggling which is why therapy can be very important early on. Being able to look at the future with a positive mindset and set goals for yourself is healthy. Therapists can work with you to set easy and attainable steps to reach your goals. Sharing your concerns can help you and your therapist to make strides towards a better tomorrow.

Major Life Changes Do Not Wait

If you have experienced trauma, suffer from anxiety or depression or have even experienced a major life change and have not coped with it, the next one could be detrimental. Life changes, sadly, do not wait for you to get better or to be in a better mental state. Life can be hard to deal with, but the loss of a loved one, divorce, financial troubles, moving or having children can make your mental health worse if you do not know how to cope. Seeking therapy and counseling can give you a space to talk through fears and concerns so that life does not knock you down.

Seek Help With Ogden Psych

At Ogden Psychological Services, we want to put you on the best track for your mental health. We know that life can be challenging and mental illness should not rule your life. We treat patients who have experienced a range of emotions, traumas and experiences. We are here for you. Learn more about our team here and contact us with questions you may have, before beginning treatment.

Choosing a mental health therapist can be a daunting process. You should find a therapist that you trust with your thoughts and experiences. While finding a therapist or counselor you trust is the most important part, finding a service or provider that covers a range of diagnoses and offers many forms of counseling. Below are areas we cover as well as what you should look for in psychological services.

Use Referrals

If you know anyone who has recently started going to therapy, look to them for recommendations on if they like their current therapist or how their experience was. One thing to consider when asking for referrals is if you trust your friends and they will give you an honest review. It is always encouraged to do your own research and what will work for one individual may not work for another.

Are They Licensed?

Each state is responsible for making sure that therapists are competent and correctly licensed to provide services to individuals. You can also find the licensing board for your state and see a list of therapists that are registered in your state.

You can also ask your therapist for their credentials and licenses. If you visit them in their office their credentials might be displayed or you can reach out to them through email.

Do They Have Experience Treating Your Issue?

Whether you are wanting to work with a therapist for your anxiety, depression, trauma or PTSD or anger management, you will want to meet with a specialist who has experience treating others with your diagnosis.

This can be a good point to have an interview or meeting with a therapist you are considering before you begin treatment. You can ask questions such as, do you have a specialty and how did you earn certification for this specialty? Or asking if they have dealt with someone who has similar issues to you.

Know Your Goals Ahead Of Time

Do you know what you are wanting to get out of therapy or treatment? If you have some goals in mind and find a professional that can help you reach them, you will be a better match. While your goals may change over time, having an idea of what you want to accomplish or how you want to feel after therapy is crucial to finding the best therapist for you.

If you are wanting more support and building a network, you may want to work with someone that fosters support groups or a group therapy. Whereas if you want to have a more one on one approach, you will want to find a therapist that fits your personality and is willing to listen to your needs and adapt to your goals.

Trust Your Gut

Do you feel heard? When talking with your therapist do you feel that they are giving you the best advice? Do you feel safe? While therapy may be uncomfortable from time to time it is important that you feel safe and understood.

differences between shyness and social anxiety

Some common red flags could look like your therapist constantly interrupting you, not being prompt to appointments, invalidating your concerns, or not listening intently to what you are saying. If you are not fitting with your therapist, that is enough reason to switch. Feeling uncomfortable is not what you want to be getting from therapy, finding a therapist that will make you feel more relaxed is the goal.

Why Work With Ogden Psychological Services?

We want your therapeutic experience to be comfortable and safe as possible. Working with our clinic should prove easy and helpful. With treatment in Neurotherapy and many mental issues, we are here to share our broad knowledge with you and help guide you to a better life. We provide individual testing and evaluations to best understand your situation.
Still have more questions? Feel free to reach out to us at our office or fill out our contact form.

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?