Narcissistic personality disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), commonly referred to as megalomania, is a personality disorder that is characterized by extreme feelings of self-importance, a high need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Narcissistic personality disorder can be considered to be a pathological form of narcissism. It is estimated that 0.7-1% of the general population is afflicted with narcissistic personality disorder. Most people with narcissistic personality disorder (50-75%, according to the DSM) are men.

Clinical experience

Narcissistic personality disorder is often diagnosed (comorbid) with other mental health disorders, especially substance abuse and impulsive and reckless behaviors.

Related Topics:
Comorbid - Substance abuse - Impulsive and reckless behaviors

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There is only scant research regarding pathological narcissism; but what research there is has not demonstrated any ethnic, social, cultural, economic, genetic, or professional predilection to narcissistic personality disorder.

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The onset of pathological narcissism is in infancy, childhood, and early adolescence. It is commonly attributed to childhood abuse and trauma inflicted by parents, authority figures, or even peers.

Related Topics:
Narcissism - Abuse - Trauma

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There is a whole range of narcissistic reactions, from the mild, reactive and transient to the permanent personality disorder.

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People with narcissistic defenses are either cerebral (derive their narcissistic supply from their intelligence or academic achievements)— or somatic (derive their narcissistic supply from their physique, exercise, physical or sexual prowess and "conquests").

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People with narcissistic defenses are either "classic" (meet five of the nine diagnostic criteria included in the DSM), or they are "compensatory" (their narcissism compensates for deepset feelings of inferiority and lack of self-worth).

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Some speculate that there are people with narcissistic defenses who are covert, or inverted, narcissists. As codependents, they derive their narcissistic supply from their relationships with classic narcissists.

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The prognosis for an adult suffering from the pathological form of narcissism is poor, though his adaptation to life and to others can improve with treatment. Medication may be a treatment for comorbid mental health disorders, such as mood disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, usually with some success. Narcissistic personality disorder itself may be treated in psychotherapy.

Related Topics:
Narcissism - Mood disorders - Obsessive-compulsive disorder - Psychotherapy

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