Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Diagnosis, Signs, Causes, and Treatment
Selfish. Arrogant. Insensitive. People frequently use these characteristics and other similar traits to describe individuals with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
In general, individuals with personality disorders display enduring patterns of behaviors that are markedly different from the expectations and norms of their society and culture in at least two of the following key areas:
- Cognition
- Affectivity
- Interpersonal Functioning
- Impulse Control
This course examines the unique characteristics and clinical features of narcissistic personality disorder and how its range of signs and symptoms impact each area.
NPD: Cluster B
Personality disorders like NPD are classified by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) into three categories, known as clusters. The DSM-5-TR classifies narcissistic personality disorder as a Cluster B personality disorder. Cluster B also includes antisocial, histrionic, and borderline personality disorders.
Signs and Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Diagnostic criteria define narcissistic personality disorder as consisting of dramatic symptoms and behaviors like a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for constant admiration, and a lack of empathy.
To receive a clinical diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder, individuals must exhibit at least five signs, symptoms, and behavioral characteristics, including but not limited to:
- Arrogant, haughty behaviors
- Preoccupation with fantasies of success, power, brilliance, etc.
- Beliefs that he/she is superior, “special,” or “unique”
- Interpersonal exploitation and manipulation
- Reactivity to insults, ego threats, or unmet needs
- Devaluation of other’s contributions
While individuals typically receive a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder in adulthood, symptoms are often present in childhood and peak in adolescence.
In this course, learners will also explore the ‘soft symptoms’ of narcissistic personality disorder and how each symptom fits into the personality disorder areas of cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning, and impulse control.
Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder
While treating narcissistic personality disorder is often tricky, an individualized, collaborative, and flexible treatment approach can help. More research into treating narcissistic personality disorder is needed, as there are currently no medications found to be significantly useful for this condition. Patients with narcissistic personality disorder may be prescribed medicines to treat co-existing psychiatric symptoms or co-morbid conditions, such as affective deregulation and anxiety. A combination of psychotherapy, education, and medication may assist clients in improving functioning and interpersonal relationships.
A critical intervention for treating narcissistic personality disorder is risk assessment and management. Mental health professionals should assess all patients with narcissistic personality disorder for suicide and violence risk, including any substance use that can increase these risks.
Prevalence and Etiology
As many as 50-75% of those affected by narcissistic personality disorder are men, though its overall prevalence remains poorly understood. Like many other psychiatric conditions, environmental and genetic factors play a role in the cause of narcissistic personality disorder. However, research suggests that genes and hereditary factors may play a larger role in NPD development.
For everyone suffering from NPD, this complex and difficult to treat condition can severely inhibit normal social functioning and interpersonal relationships. More research is needed to identify the most effective treatment for narcissistic personality disorder to help mental health professionals care for these individuals. Education, support, and awareness of this disorder will hopefully improve outcomes for those suffering from NPD.
