Narcissistic personality disorder is a type of a mental disease in which the patient possesses a falsely inflated sense of one’s importance and skills. The patient normally craves admiration and appreciation. Narcissistic individuals have a feeling of superiority over other people and have little or no regard for their feelings and struggle to define mood. However, there lies a fragile and sensitive sense of self that is vulnerable to even a hint of correction or criticism behind the mask of superior confidence. Narcissistic personality disorder is a disease that falls under the category of personality disorders. All these personality disorders have a tendency to make people behave and feeling in ways that are socially distressing. This behaviour restricts them from functioning well in relationships and various other areas of life.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Signs
While narcissistic personality disorder sounds quite easy to spot, it can be easily mistaken with high confidence levels or assertion. Narcissistic personality disorder symptoms are quite distinctive and when put together, form a rather unique profile unique to patients of this disorder. The following are a few narcissistic personality disorder symptoms to look out for:
– A strong belief that you are way better than others
– Indulging in fantasies involving attractiveness, success and power
– Overplaying your own talents and achievements
– Expecting admiration and praise on a constant basis
– You believe that you are special and act in the same way
– Expecting others to agree with your plans and ideas on all occasions
– Taking advantages of people you know
– Expressing your disapproval and disdain of people who make you feel inferior
– Indulging in jealously and feeling that others are jealous of you
– Problems in maintaining a healthy relationship
– Feeling rejected and hurt easily
– Setting goals and aims that is unrealistically high
– Suffering from a sensitive self-esteem
– Putting on the appearance of an unemotional and tough-minded individual
Dealing With Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Looking at these narcissistic personality disorder symptoms, it is easy to see how this disorder is very different from a simple case of high self-esteem or self-confidence and no need for breakfast for mood boost. Narcissistic individuals often come across as pretentious, boastful and even conceited and tend to hog most conversations. They tend to look down upon and belittle people they think are inferior. They also tend to get easily angered if they don’t get the kind of treatment and appreciation they expect. There are many forms of narcissistic personality disorder treatments but it all begins with convincing yourself, or the individual suffering from the disorder to accept.
Treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Some of the most common forms of narcissistic personality disorder treatments include psychosocial treatment, individual psychotherapy and group therapy. If the symptoms are really severe, narcissistic personality disorder treatments may include the use of medication. In fact, in many cases, patients of this disorder are also hospitalized if situation demands. The reason for this is that in these episodes may lead the patient to be self-destructive and highly impulsive. In the case of hospitalization, the treatment is usually short and only deals with very specific symptoms that demand immediate attention.