Wondering if you might be suffering from a narcissistic personality disorder? Going to a mental health professional can be challenging. Equip yourself with information.

Somebody with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) may have an inflated sense of their own self-importance, they may think it’s always about them and they have a deep need for excessive attention and admiration. They have troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. They focus on fantasies of ideal success, power, love and beauty, which means for them they are always the best, the most attractive, the most money, the most successful in their field or business.

Narcissists believe they are unique or “special” and can only be understood by other special people. They believe that they are too good for anything average or ordinary and only want to associate and be associated with other high-status people, places, and things. They require excessive admiration and may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they’re not given the special favours or admiration, they believe they deserve.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and the severity of symptoms vary from person to person. People with the disorder can:

• An exaggerated sense of self-importance.
• Needs constant praise and admiration.
• Anticipate to be recognized as superior even without accomplishments that warrant it.
• Exploits others for self-gain without guilt or shame.
• Believe they are superior and can only associate with equally special people
• Expect special favours and unquestioning compliance with their expectations
• Unwillingness to recognize the needs and sentiments of others.
• Insist on having the best of everything.

Narcissists when criticised will have a trouble in handling them. They can:

• Become impatient or angry when they don’t receive special treatment
• React with rage and attempt to put down the other individual to form themselves show up prevalent.
• Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change.
• Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection.

If you need help for narcissistic personality disorder:

Due to the very nature of the disorder, most people with NPD are reluctant to admit they have a problem, so they may be unlikely to seek treatment. If they do seek treatment, it’s more likely to be for symptoms of depression or another mental health problem. Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotic drugs are sometimes prescribed in severe cases or if your NPD co-occurs with another disorder.

However, in most cases psychotherapy is the primary form of treatment. Working with a skilled mental health practitioner, you can learn to accept responsibility for your actions, develop a better sense of proportion, and build healthier relationships. If you recognize aspects of your personality that are common to narcissistic personality disorder or you’re feeling overwhelmed by sadness, consider reaching out to us.