Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance. They also have a deep need for admiration and attention from others.

People with narcissistic personality disorder might typically become disappointed and sad when they don’t receive the praise or special favors they think they deserve. Other people might view them as haughty and conceited, and not enjoy being around them.

Narcissistic personality disorder can cause problems in many areas of life, including:

• work
• school
• relationships

However, the disorder can be managed with talk therapy and certain lifestyle improvements.

How to Identify Narcissistic Personality Disorder Traits

People with narcissistic personality disorder are typically described in the following ways:

arrogant
self-centered
demanding

They often have high self-esteem and may believe they are superior or special compared to other people. However, they seem to need excessive praise and admiration, and may react badly to what they perceive as criticism.

Narcissists also tend to exaggerate their own talents and accomplishments, while downplaying those of others. They are generally preoccupied with power, success, and beauty. They might even engage in impulsive behaviors, such as risky sex and gambling.

Some traits of narcissistic personality disorder may seem similar to having healthy self-esteem or self-confidence, but they are not the same thing.

Related : Understanding the Two Main Types of Narcissism

People who have healthy self-esteem are often humble, while people with narcissistic personality disorder almost never are. They tend to put themselves on a pedestal and perceive themselves as better than everyone else.

Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder often appears in early adulthood. People with the disorder may not recognize that they have a problem because it goes against their self-image. You might have NPD if:

you come across as pretentious and boastful, which causes others to avoid you
your relationships are unsatisfying
you feel unhappy, angry, and confused when things don’t go your way
you have problems with:
work
school
relationships
finances
alcohol
drugs

If you think you have narcissistic personality disorder, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional. They can determine if you have this personality disorder and suggest treatments to help manage your symptoms.

Doctors and mental health professionals often use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association, to diagnose mental disorders, such as narcissistic personality disorder. The DSM diagnostic criteria for NPD include the following traits:

having an exaggerated sense of self-importance and entitlement
needing constant admiration and praise
expecting special treatment because of perceived superiority
exaggerating achievements and talents
reacting negatively to criticism
preoccupied with fantasies about power, success, and beauty
taking advantage of others
being unable or unwilling to acknowledge other people’s needs and feelings
behaving in an arrogant manner

To determine whether you meet these criteria, your doctor or mental health professional may ask you to fill out a questionnaire. You may also be tested for other mental disorders and health conditions.
Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

The causes of narcissistic personality disorder are not well understood. However, inherited genetic defects are thought to be responsible for many cases of NPD. Contributing environmental factors may include:

childhood abuse or neglect
excessive parental pampering
unrealistic parental expectations
sexual promiscuity (often accompanies narcissism)
cultural influences

Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder consists primarily of talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy. If symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder occur alongside depression or another mental health condition, appropriate medications can be used to treat the other disorder. However, there are no medications to treat NPD.

Talk therapy can help you learn to relate better to others so that your relationships are more enjoyable, intimate, and rewarding. Developing positive interactions with other people can greatly improve several areas of your life. Talk therapy can also show you how to:

improve the way you collaborate with coworkers and acquaintances
maintain your personal relationships
recognize your strengths and potential so that you can tolerate criticism or failure
understand and manage your feelings
cope with any self-esteem issues
set realistic personal goals

Since personality traits can be difficult to change, it may take several years of therapy before you see improvement. During this time, you may start to see therapy as a waste of time and be tempted to quit. However, it’s important to stick with treatment.

Attend all of your therapy sessions and take your medications as directed. Over time, you’ll start to see a difference in yourself and your relationships with others.

Related : 12 Signs You’re in a Toxic Relationship

The following lifestyle steps may help you during therapy.

Avoid alcohol, drugs, and other substances that trigger negative behaviors.
Exercise at least three times a week to help improve your mood.
Practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, to reduce stress and anxiety.

Recovering from narcissistic personality disorder takes time. Stay motivated by keeping your recovery goals in mind and reminding yourself that you can work to repair damaged relationships and perhaps feel more satisfied with your life.
What is the outlook for someone with narcissistic personality disorder?

The benefits of treatment can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and your willingness to commit to treatment.

However, symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder usually improve over time. If you stay motivated and actively work toward change, you’ll likely be able to repair damaged relationships and become more satisfied with your everyday life.

Living with Narcissistic Personality Disorder

While it can be difficult to deal with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, you can overcome it. Seeing a therapist or psychologist for counseling can be very helpful as it can help you change the way you think and interact with others on a daily basis.

Remember, you are responsible for your behavior and you can change it at any time.