Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Talk Therapy as an Effective Treatment

Introduction

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by an inflated self-opinion. A narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health state in which people have an unreasonably high sense of importance. They need and aspire to too much attention and want people to respect or admire them. People with this disorder may lack the capacity to understand or care about the emotions of others. As a result, they are unsure of their self-worth and easily upset by the slightest criticism. They quickly become unhappy and disappointed when such people are not given special care, attention, and favors. Due to their constant need for appreciation and approval, others do not enjoy being in a relationship with them, and they find all relationships unfulfilling.

What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

This condition was first expressed in 1925 by the psychoanalyst Robert Waelder, and in 1968, Heinz Kohut coined the term narcissistic personality disorder. This disorder will cause problems in relationships, work, school, or financial matters. As a result, they may find their affinities unbalanced and unfulfilling, and others may not appreciate being around them. Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder is focused on talk therapy (also called psychotherapy). A narcissistic personality condition involves more males than females and often begins in teens or early adulthood. Some children may show characteristics of narcissism, but this is often usual for their age and does not develop a narcissistic personality disorder. The exact reason that triggers narcissistic personality disorder is still unknown. But like all other mental health conditions, a narcissistic personality disorder is also believed to be caused due to multiple factors. The possible factors include the following:

1. Environment causes due to excessive adoration or criticism by parents during childhood.

2. Neurobiology reasons include problems with the brain and behavior connection.

3. Genetic cause.

Some risk factors of this mental health condition are mentioned below,

• Males are more susceptible than females.

• Teenagers and young adults are more prone than older adults.

• Excessive pampering.

• Childhood abuse.

• Parents expect unrealistic things from their children.

What Are the Benefits of Talk Therapy?

Talk therapy treats various psychological disorders, phobias, addictions, and depression. Talk therapy is the most generally used psychotherapy for many conditions, as it helps the patient recognize and overcome challenges quickly.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help people with the following emotional challenges:

• In treating and managing mental illnesses.

• It helps affected people manage their emotions.

• Teaches people better ways to communicate, thus resolving relationship conflicts.

• Prevent mental illness from relapsing.

• A good choice if medicines are not helping with mental illness.

• Teaches us to cope with stressful situations in life.

• In the case of abuse or violence, this therapy helps overcome emotional trauma.

• Make peace with a chronic health problem.

• It helps in coping with loss or grief.

Talk therapy is also recommended for various other mental health problems. Some of them are mentioned below,

• Depression.

• Phobias.

• Anxiety disorders.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Sleep-related problems (insomnia).

• Panic disorder.

• Eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia nervosa, binge eating).

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

• Bipolar disorders.

• Sexual disorders.

• Chronic health conditions include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and fibromyalgia.

Is Talk Therapy Effective in Treating Narcissism?

Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy, is the treatment for narcissistic personality disorder. In addition, medicines may be incorporated into the treatment if people have other mental health disorders.

Psychotherapy

Narcissistic personality disorder treatment is mainly psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help people with the following:

• Know to relate better with others.

• Understand the causes of people's emotions and what drives them to contest, distrust, and oppose others.

The focus of talk therapy is to help people to accept responsibility and learn to,

• Accept and maintain genuine personal relationships and work together with co-workers.

• Acknowledge and accept their actual abilities, skills, and potential so they can tolerate criticism or failures.

• Increase the ability to manage and understand feelings.

• Understand and learn how to handle issues connected to their self-esteem.

• Learn to set and accept goals.

Talk therapy can be short-term to help affected people manage stress or crisis. However, therapy can also help them achieve and maintain their goals. It is beneficial to include family members in this therapy.

Other Modes of Treatment:

1. Medications

No specific group of medicines is used to treat narcissistic personality disorder. But the doctor will prescribe medicines, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs if people show symptoms of depression or anxiety.

2. Lifestyle Remedies

Most patients with NPD feel that therapy is not worth their time and often quit. The treatment plan is the key. Make sure to attend all the sessions and take all prescribed medicines without skipping them. Some of the lifestyle remedies for NPD are mentioned below.

• Keep an open mind.

• Regular follow up.

• Avoiding alcohol or drug abuse.

• Stay focused on their goals.

What Happens When a Narcissistic Personality Disorder Is Left Untreated?

When left untreated, some possible complications and other conditions can occur with a narcissistic personality disorder. Some of the complications are mentioned below,

1. Relationship problems.

2. Depression.

3. Anxiety.

4. Drug abuse.

5. Alcoholism.

6. Suicidal thoughts.

Conclusion

Narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD, shows an extreme need for attention and admiration, an unreasonable sense of self-importance, problematic relationships, and an inability to share others' feelings. As people with NPD do not consider themselves mentally ill, treatments have not been well studied. Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder is effective with talk therapy (psychotherapy). Psychotherapy helps people to relate better with their partner, which makes the relationship more intimate and happy.