What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

People with this Personality Disorder believe they are better than everybody else and should receive special treatment. They usually lack empathy for others and appear to be arrogant, manipulative, demanding, and self-absorbed. Therefore, they are so focused on themselves and their needs that they are unaware of the damage that they cause to others.

People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder feed their self-esteem with the approval and praises they receive. Therefore, they are in constant search for admiration and tend to be hypersensitive to criticism. If a person that you care about presents with narcissism, they probably make you feel as if you were inferior to them and use you for their own goals and purposes with no regard for your own wishes, needs or even rights. The interpersonal relationships of people with this personality disorder tend to be superficial, and only with people they believe can be of some benefit to them. They usually put others down in order to validate their own self-worth and prove that they are indeed better. However, other times, they will use praise to make others like them and will use them for some personal benefit. Consequently, Narcissistic Personality Disorder can cause problems in relationships, work, school, and finances.

Someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder can be easily affected by criticism or defeat. Consequently, they may react with impatience, anger, contempt towards others. However, inside, they may feel depressed, insecure, vulnerable, and ashamed.

If you believe that you grew up with a narcissistic mother, you may want to read our blog about How To Deal With A Narcissistic Mother. If you suffered being raised by a narcissistic father, we suggest this article about Surviving A Narcissistic Father.

Risk Factors

This personality disorder is more common among males than females and often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Therefore, this could mean that a child or teen may present some traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, but not actually have the condition.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is associated with relationship difficulties, problems at work or school, Depression, Anxiety, substance use, and suicidal thoughts or actions.

Therapy For Narcissistic Personality Disorder

If you recognize aspects of your personality that are common to Narcissistic Personality Disorder, or you find that a narcissist may be affecting your life, consider reaching out to a CBT therapist.

In Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder learn how to better understand the characteristics of their behaviour that affect others and the quality of their relationships. They learn how to change their distorted beliefs so they can become better adjusted and live happier lives. They also learn how to identify their maladaptive beliefs, can change their hurtful behaviours and regain control over their emotions.

If you have a parent or other relative or friend that has caused you deep angst, you are not alone. Therapy can help you to find again your own voice, trust your own perspective, emotions and understanding and learn how to free yourself from the pain and struggle of being in a relationship with a narcissistic person.

Additional Readings

Understanding The Mind Of A Narcissist

The 6 Most Asked Questions About Coping With A Narcissist