Narcissistic Personality Disorder
By: Brandon Hendricks
What is narcissistic personality disorder?
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder which makes people think they are more important than they actually are, but to an extreme. People with this disorder believe they are superior and feel entitled, they also tend to lack empathy towards others and they feel like they deserve special treatment at all times. This disorder effects peoples relationships, success and their everyday life. People suffering from this disorder often have body image issues and struggle with low self esteem. This disorder only effects 1% of the general population and most people with narcissistic personality disorder are diagnosed as adults .
Causes & Symptoms
The cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown but some experts think it could possibly be caused by early life experiences.
Symptoms: Having an extreme sense of self importance, feeling entitled, feeling envy towards others frequently and feeling like people envy you frequently, and not being able to show empathy towards others.
Treatment
People suffering from narcissistic personality disorder suffer from self image problems, shame and feeling alone. Most people who have narcissistic personality disorder don't realize it or don't feel the need to seek treatment. Those who do seek help have to go to a therapist and get psychotherapy. Therapists get to know the patient and see how severe the mental disorder is and they must recognize the patients sense of self importance. The therapists are very positive and respectful and have to be careful about what they say to the patient. Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder is very similar to borderline personality disorder. There are no current pharmaceutical forms of treatment.
Controversies
Some people diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder also meet criteria for other mental disorders. So that makes a lot of people question how real narcissistic personality disorder is.
Interesting Facts
Madonna and Oprah both have narcissistic personality disorder.