Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental disorder characterized by an excessive idealization of one's self and a lack of empathy towards others. In fact, many people with this condition have a rather low self-esteem, but they hide the problem behind a notable self-centeredness. While it is possible to identify at first glance many symptoms of this disorder, on the other it is difficult to distinguish it from other personality disorders. Therefore, if you suspect that you suffer from this condition or are concerned that an acquaintance of yours has it, it would be advisable to consult a professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Step 1. Pay attention to the excessive importance of your ego
People with narcissistic personality disorder have such a high regard for themselves that they exceed the limit of normal self-esteem. If you suspect someone is suffering from this disorder, pay attention to how they view themselves and see if that perception is consistent with reality.
- The subject may obsessively fantasize about its grandeur;
- The subject may lie or emphasize his achievements to appear more satisfied with himself;
- The subject may believe himself superior to others, even if the facts or results he has achieved belie him;
- The subject may also assume that others are envious of his superiority and display the same feeling when someone is successful.
Step 2. See if the subject believes everything is due to him
Since people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder tend to believe they are superior to others, they are also convinced that they deserve the best of everything. Be careful if the person seems to be expecting special treatment for no reason.
- The subject may also be convinced that he deserves the company of "significant" people;
- The subject may also make frequent requests and expect others to respond without asking questions.
Step 3. Pay attention to the need for admiration
Many people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder make numerous claims. They feel the need to continually receive approval and praise for their superiority.
- You may notice that the person always points out their successes;
- The subject may also go looking for compliments.
Step 4. Notice if he tends to be over-critical
Sufferers of this disorder can seem very critical of everyone around them. Often, he comes to insult or judge the people he relates to, whether it's the waiter in a restaurant or the GP.
He can even criticize people who have some competence, especially if they disagree with him or object to him
Step 5. Observe how he interacts with others
Those affected by Narcissistic Personality Disorder do not relate to people in a normal way, so they pay particular attention to the behavior of the person in question in various social contexts. It can often give the impression of being arrogant and lacking in empathy.
- He may continually manipulate others or take advantage of them for personal interests;
- It can give the impression of being completely oblivious to the needs and feelings of others.
Step 6. Notice how he reacts to criticism
People suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder do not willingly accept criticism that goes so far as to question their sense of superiority. See if the subject seems to overreact to even the most irrelevant criticisms.
- He could even blame those who make a note;
- Alternatively, he could become deeply demoralized;
- For some subjects, the fact of not knowing how to accept criticism can result in the inability to manage everything that is perceived as a challenge, even a different opinion.
Part 2 of 3: Understanding the Other Possible Root Causes of Narcissistic Traits
Step 1. Learn to distinguish narcissistic tendencies from a personality disorder
Not everyone who exhibits narcissistic traits suffers from Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Some people are simply concerned only with their own well-being and have strong egos, so be careful not to confuse and arrive at the wrong diagnosis.
- In order to diagnose Narcissistic Personality Disorder, the symptoms must impair the regular functioning of at least two of the following spheres: cognitive, affective, relational, and impulse control.
- Diagnosis by a mental health professional is needed to confirm whether a person suffers from narcissistic personality disorder or is only exhibiting narcissistic traits.
Step 2. Consider the possibility of borderline personality disorder
It is often confused with narcissistic personality disorder. They both have a similar set of symptoms, so it's important to grasp the subtle differences.
- People affected by both disorders can manifest anger, but those suffering from narcissistic personality disorder tend to show it towards others unlike those with borderline personality disorder who express it towards themselves.
- Patients with borderline personality disorder may worry about the comments and opinions of others to a greater extent than those with narcissistic personality disorder, although they are unlikely to be able to interact with people in a healthy and normal way.
- The possibility exists that an individual suffers from both Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. In this case, the diagnosis is much more complicated.
Step 3. Consider the possibility of antisocial personality disorder
Also classified as a sociopathic disorder, it is commonly confused with narcissistic personality disorder because in both cases, patients tend to show a general contempt for others. There are, however, some symptoms by which it is possible to distinguish them.
- People with antisocial personality disorder tend to have more difficulty controlling their impulses than people with narcissistic personality disorder. As a result, they are often more aggressive and / or self-destructive.
- Additionally, people with antisocial personality disorder tend to be more manipulative and devious than those with narcissistic personality disorder.
Part 3 of 3: Getting a Professional Diagnosis
Step 1. Find out about the incidence
Narcissistic personality disorder affects approximately 6% of the population. Anyone can be affected, but the symptoms are more common in some individuals.
- The risk of suffering from this disorder is higher among men than among women.
- Since the symptoms of personality disorders tend to decrease with advancing age, narcissistic personality disorder is generally more evident among younger subjects.
Step 2. Undergo a physical exam
If you suspect you have a personality disorder, you may want to see your doctor for a full physical exam. It can help rule out the possibility that some physical pathology is contributing to the manifestation of symptoms.
Your doctor is likely to order blood tests as well
Step 3. Consult a mental health professional
To confirm a diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, it is necessary to consult a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The attending physician can recommend a specialist in this area, but will not be able to make a diagnosis.
- The diagnostic process will involve a thorough psychological evaluation. Sometimes questionnaires are used to understand the patient's mental condition.
- As with many other mental health disorders, there is no laboratory test that can detect Narcissistic Personality Disorder. A trained mental health professional needs to analyze the patient's symptoms and history in order to establish a diagnosis.
Step 4. Heal yourself
Once Narcissistic Personality Disorder has been officially diagnosed, the patient can undergo treatment. Most of the time, he must follow a psychotherapeutic path that teaches him to interact in a healthy way with people and manage his expectations.
- Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder takes a long process. It could take years of psychotherapy.
- In some cases, medications can be prescribed to help the patient manage certain symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
