Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is diagnosable and can be treated. People with NPD can exhibit personality traits like volatility, impulsivity, a lack of empathy, and the need for attention. A person with an NPD can have difficulty in relationships and with their health. Often, those with a narcissistic personality disorder are unaware of their symptoms.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
A narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition that can be harmful to their personal and professional life. Furthermore, an NPD can have a negative effect on their health. According to the National Library of Medicine’s definition of narcissistic personality disorder, “A person with narcissistic personality disorder can have a “pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, heightened sense of self-importance, and lack of empathy.” Some may think a person with NPD is braggy, arrogant, or difficult to like. Other symptoms of an NPD are a sense of entitlement and a preoccupation with themselves, fantasies of success, power, and appearances. Some may exhibit symptoms, such as:
- Exploitive behavior (they take advantage of others)
- They either believe people are envious of them, or they are envious of others
- Arrogance
- Self-loathe
Those with NPD often have co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. The presence of these disorders can make life challenging. A person with a narcissistic personality disorder can have difficulty with their independence. Treatment for NPD is challenging to treat because of how few treatment modalities exist.
Demographics
Narcissistic personality disorder is rare. Approximately 6.2% of the population is diagnosed with NPD. Men (7.7%) are diagnosed with NPD at higher rates than women (4.8%). NPD is also diagnosed more in:
- Hispanic women
- Black men and women
- Young adults
- Separated, widowed, divorced, or those who never married
The Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Research on the causes of NPD leads experts to believe that a family history of narcissistic personality disorder and specific experiences in early childhood can influence the emergence of NPD. A few of the causes include:
- Experiencing rejection in childhood
- Trauma or abuse
- Disproportionate praise by parents, caregivers, or other adults
- Needless judgment by parents, caregivers, or other influential adults
Researchers continue to study potential causes for NPD.
Types of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
The DSM-5, the book used to help diagnose disorders, doesn’t break NPD into subtypes. However, researchers and experts believe there are a variety of types of NPD, such as:
- Grandiose – They show symptoms of entitlement, arrogance, exploiting others, attention-seeking, lack of empathy, and charisma.
- Vulnerable – The symptoms are often described as thin-skinned, shy, chronically jealous, and can be secretly grandiose.
- High-functioning – People may exhibit symptoms like competitiveness, attention-seeking behaviors, overtly sexual, and grandiosity.
- Pathological – This type of NPD is a combination of grandiose and vulnerable NPD.
Narcissistic personality disorder is hard to diagnose because of the various symptoms and the range of severity that can occur.
Co-occurring Disorders and Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Diagnosing an NPD is challenging because NPD can have co-occurring:
- Substance use disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Borderline personality disorder
- Bipolar disorder
Because of the potential of co-occurring disorders, it is essential to talk with a therapist to make a diagnosis that will reflect your needs.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Substance Use Disorders
People with grandiose narcissistic personality disorder have a higher rate of alcohol use (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD). Furthermore, those diagnosed with pathological NPD are more likely to be diagnosed with an alcohol or substance use disorder. Individuals with pathological NPD with a co-occurring SUD display behaviors like enragement, self-esteem issues, and hiding their true selves. The article “Narcissism and Devaluing Others: An Exploration of Impaired Control Over Drinking As a Mediating Mechanism of Alcohol-related Problems” found that a symptom of pathological NPD, devaluing the “disinterest in others who don’t give the needed admiration and shame over needing recognition from disappointing others,” is one of the strongest predictors of lack of control over drinking.
Experts believe those with NPD may substitute “real” interactions with experimental states and the use of substances to provide them with an ideal state of being.
The Need for Continuing Care Services for Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Here at Renaissance Ranch, we understand the difficulty of being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. Our therapists will help you create an individualized treatment plan. With our evidence-based treatment, like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), we can provide the best care you deserve. EMDR is effective in treating NPD because it addresses negative memories, traumatic events, and emotional triggers.
Participating in group therapy can also help. At Renaissance Ranch, we value the work done in group therapy. Talking with others about your feelings can provide you with confronting and challenging feelings like dependency, shame, and difficulty relating to others. Interacting with fellow group members is a healthy way to cope with adverse feelings.
Once you complete residential treatment, you should join an alumni group and remain involved in therapy. The symptoms of NPD can be managed when you engage in continuing care services. With the support of an alumni group and the help of your therapist, potential adverse behaviors can be recognized. Being able to adjust behaviors, the environment you’re in, and talking with people who can help will provide you the support needed to continue your healthy habits.
Additionally, when you use continuing care services, you can adjust medication and lifestyle habits. For example, your psychiatrist may make a change in your prescription addressing your NPD. Your therapist or group members can suggest mindfulness practices, nutrition tips, or exercises to help you maintain your well-being.
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a rare mental health disorder. People diagnosed with NPD have symptoms that adversely affect themselves and their relationships. Co-occurring disorders like a substance or alcohol use disorder can make it difficult to diagnose NPD. Those with NPD are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with a SUD or AUD because of the inability to control adverse behaviors. Here at Renaissance Ranch, we provide evidence-based therapy to help identify the causes and triggers associated with NPD. Our therapists will support and guide you throughout your treatment and afterward. We encourage you to engage in our continuing care services to ensure your well-being. To learn more call (801) 308-8898.