Narcissistic personality disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder (pronunciation: nar-suh-sis-tik per-suh-nal-i-tee dis-or-der) is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others.
Etymology
The term "narcissistic" is derived from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a handsome young man who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and was doomed to fall in love with it for eternity. The term "personality disorder" refers to a type of mental disorder in which you have a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning and behaving.
Symptoms
People with narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they're not given the special favors or admiration they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships unfulfilling, and others may not enjoy being around them. Symptoms may include:
- Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
- Expecting to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it
- Exaggerating your achievements and talents
- Being preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate
- Believing that you are superior and can only be understood by or associate with equally special people
- Requiring constant admiration
- Having a sense of entitlement
- Expecting special favors and unquestioning compliance with your expectations
- Taking advantage of others to get what you want
- Having an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others
- Being envious of others and believing others envy you
- Behaving in an arrogant or haughty manner
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder typically involves a psychiatric evaluation, a physical examination to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, and an examination of the person's history and severity of symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder primarily involves psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and group therapy are some of the types of therapies used. Medication may also be prescribed to help with specific troubling and debilitating symptoms.
Related Terms
- Personality disorder
- Mental disorder
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Narcissistic personality disorder
- Wikipedia's article - Narcissistic personality disorder
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