Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
Narcissus gazed lovingly at his own reflection in the water. He was so enthralled with his perceived magnificence that he was unable to pull himself away and died admiring himself. Fittingly, Narcissistic Personality Disorder’s name is derived from this mythological character. (Akhtar 12) According to DSM-5, Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) are excessively self-centered. (Paris 220) Often, they seek unwarranted admiration. (Paris 220) Their belief that they are more important than others makes it challenging for them to be empathetic (Paris 220). Even though individuals with NPD have an extremely lofty image of themselves, they need constant, and at times disproportionate, approval and admiration. (Coon 477)
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Individuals with NPD often have impaired interpersonal functioning. (Paris 220) Upon first meeting, they are perceived by others to be likeable, probably due to their charismatic and grandiose traits. (Miller 642) Nevertheless, this positive image of the narcissistic individual quickly fades as underlying aggression, self-centeredness, and neediness come to light. (Miller 642) Additionally, those who are tormented by NPD often respond aggressively to others critiques making improvement difficult. (Miller 642) It is thought that individuals with NPD react in this fashion because the criticism challenges their superior image of themselves. (Miller 642) The desire to manipulate people also damages their relationships. (Emmons 16) Another hindrance to affected individuals relationships is the tendency to accept praise for positive outcomes and blame others for negative ones. (Emmons 16) Individuals with NPD struggle with the social consequences of their disorder.
Although there are limited treatments for NPD, such as “unique methods of psychotherapy,” many individuals and their families must still come to terms with this personality disorder. NPD is a unique disorder that deserves more attention than it obtains. “NPD has received only 10% of the number of research papers compared with borderline personality disorder.” (Perry 446) Other disorders receive attention while NPD is neglected. Treatment of NPD is inadequate at best. Further attention and studies could change how we think about NPD. (Perry
Individuals with NPD often have impaired interpersonal functioning. (Paris 220) Upon first meeting, they are perceived by others to be likeable, probably due to their charismatic and grandiose traits. (Miller 642) Nevertheless, this positive image of the narcissistic individual quickly fades as underlying aggression, self-centeredness, and neediness come to light. (Miller 642) Additionally, those who are tormented by NPD often respond aggressively to others critiques making improvement difficult. (Miller 642) It is thought that individuals with NPD react in this fashion because the criticism challenges their superior image of themselves. (Miller 642) The desire to manipulate people also damages their relationships. (Emmons 16) Another hindrance to affected individuals relationships is the tendency to accept praise for positive outcomes and blame others for negative ones. (Emmons 16) Individuals with NPD struggle with the social consequences of their disorder.
Although there are limited treatments for NPD, such as “unique methods of psychotherapy,” many individuals and their families must still come to terms with this personality disorder. NPD is a unique disorder that deserves more attention than it obtains. “NPD has received only 10% of the number of research papers compared with borderline personality disorder.” (Perry 446) Other disorders receive attention while NPD is neglected. Treatment of NPD is inadequate at best. Further attention and studies could change how we think about NPD. (Perry