What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder have a tendency to view themselves in a superior way. They have a sense of entitlement, frequently expecting praise and special treatment from others.
Being preoccupied with meeting their own needs, they lack the empathy and awareness to realize when their behaviour is negatively impacting others. In fact, they may assume that others are also devoted to meeting their needs, not realizing that others have needs too.
Despite the outward appearance of arrogance, individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder tend to have a fragile sense of self-esteem. Being criticized may leave them feeling empty or humiliated, and they may react with anger, disdain, or retaliation.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder begins in early adulthood and reflects a pattern of behaviour that is pervasive across different contexts.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder can also include…
- Having an inflated sense of self, in terms of one’s achievements and talents, and expecting to be praised for these by others
- Being preoccupied with fantasies of greatness, such as power, intelligence, success, or beauty
- Believing that one is so unique or special that one can only be understood by high-caliber people, and that one should only associate with the best people or institutions
- Feeling entitled, that others should cater automatically to one’s wants and needs
- Exploiting or taking advantage of others, to serve one’s own agenda
- Lacking empathy for the possible needs or feelings of others
- Being envious of others, or believing that others are envious of him or her
- Demonstrating an attitude of arrogance
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment
Psychotherapy for Narcissistic Personality Disorder can help you to…
- Increase your capacity for empathy, self-awareness, and perspective taking, which will enhance your relationships with others
- Develop a more realistic sense of your strengths and weaknesses
- Become more accepting of yourself and your flaws
- Balance meeting one’s own needs, with the needs of others
- Understand and regulate your feelings in a constructive way
- Let go of unrealistic standards and expectations for yourself and others