Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a type of personality disorder and a condition in which the person is characterized by symptoms such as excessive self-importance, exploiting or using others, lack of empathy, and grandiosity. This disorder usually begins in early adulthood and can cause problems in a person’s personal, social, and functional areas.

Individuals with NPD often feel special and superior. They expect others to appreciate and praise them. They show a lack of empathy and do not care about the needs or emotional states of others. They often exhibit manipulative and exploitative behavior and may use other people for their own benefit.

However, it’s important to remember that people with NPD generally have strong self-confidence and charm. Their need for success and the admiration of others can overwhelm them at times, and they cannot tolerate failure or criticism.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder must be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.

What Causes Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

The exact causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) are not known exactly. However, it is thought that some factors may play a role in the development of NPD. These factors include genetic predisposition, childhood experiences and environmental influences. Here are some of the potential factors:

Genetic predisposition: Genetic factors are thought to play a role in the development of NPD. The presence of individuals with similar personality traits in the family members or close relatives of people with NPD supports this situation. However, it is still unclear exactly which genes are associated with NKB and how they interact.

Childhood experiences: Childhood experiences can play an important role in personality development. Some of the underlying factors for NPD may include childhood praise or excessive criticism, as well as traumatic experiences such as neglect, abuse, or emotional instability. Behaviors such as insufficient parental attention, constant praise or encouragement in childhood may contribute to the development of a grandiose sense of self.

Environmental effects: It is thought that environmental effects may also play an important role in the development of NPD. For example, growing up in an overly competitive or achievement-oriented environment can increase one’s need to constantly prove oneself. Likewise, growing up in an environment that thrives on excessive admiration and praise can contribute to the development of a grandiose sense of self.

Personality structure: The natural personality structure of the individual may also be effective in the emergence of NPD. For example, weak personality traits such as low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, or emotional dependence may contribute to the development of NPD.

What Are the Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Thinking that you are superior to others and behaving in this way,

Seeing oneself as too important, displaying arrogant attitudes,
Inability to show empathy towards other people,
Believing that he has the right to have everything he wants,
Not showing their failures but highlighting their successes,
Thinking that you have exaggerated achievements and talents,
To want to be admired and to expect attention,
Desire to be praised even for small achievements,
Giving too much importance to being upper class and status

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) treatment can often be a challenging process because individuals with NPD often resist acknowledging their own problems and are often difficult to convince others that they need to be influenced or change. However, appropriate therapy and support can improve and change the lives of individuals with NPD. Here are some methods used in the treatment of NCD:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used therapy approach in the treatment of NPD. This therapy aims to identify, question and change the individual’s false beliefs and thought patterns. It aims to address the grandiose thoughts and lack of empathy that are common in individuals with NPD. It can also be used to develop relationship skills, learn emotional regulation skills, and provide support in understanding the emotional experiences of others.

Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy aims to explore the unconscious processes and past experiences underlying NPD. This therapy can help an individual understand self-perception, relationship dynamics, and defense mechanisms. It can be used to address the deeper emotional challenges underlying NPD.

Supportive Therapy: Supportive therapy is used to provide empathy, understanding, and emotional support to individuals with NPD. This therapy can help an individual express their emotional difficulties and make sense of the experiences of others. Individuals with NPD can often be defensive against negative emotional reactions and criticism. Supportive therapy aims to overcome these difficulties by creating a trusting therapist-individual relationship.

Group Therapy: Group therapy provides individuals with NPD the opportunity to interact with others and provide feedback. The feedback and experiences of other group members can provide the individual with the opportunity to evaluate their own behavior more objectively and to gain alternative perspectives.
NKB treatment usually covers a long-term process and is unique to each individual. In order for the treatment to be effective, it is important that the individual participates in therapy, is motivated and open to change. Also, drug therapy is not recommended for the direct treatment of NPD, but can be used to manage accompanying symptoms or if there are accompanying psychiatric conditions.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Beyhan Perim Secmen