Guide To Diagnosing And Treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Diagnostic Criteria

Doctors must use diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) when evaluating patients for narcissistic personality disorder. This manual states that individuals must display a pattern of symptoms in at least five of the categories to be diagnosed with this condition. One symptom is having a grandiose sense of self. This comes with the need to be recognized as superior even without an achievement. Another is being preoccupied with certain fantasies involving unlimited brilliance, success, beauty, and power.

Two more criteria are a distinct lack of empathy and requiring excessive admiration from other individuals. The criteria also include taking advantage of others and being quite envious of others as well. It is vital to consult the manual in full for the specific wording and details on these criteria. They are essential for diagnosis and explicit in what they must include.

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Psychotherapy

One reason treatment for personality disorders is difficult is because these disorders are not always treatable with medication. A chemical imbalance does not cause these disruptions in behavior and sense of self. Thus, treatment is not as simple as filling a prescription and taking a pill each day. Some medications may be used to supplement treatment. However, psychotherapy is the main way of treating narcissistic personality disorder. Talk therapy can consist of a few different components. One of the most common is cognitive behavioral therapy. It helps patients recognize their irrational emotions and deal with them in healthy ways. This therapy can also help with interpersonal relationships.

Family therapy and counseling can sometimes help mediate conflicts and fix issues in a patient's interpersonal relationships. Another key component of talk therapy is coming to a better understanding of the self. Patients will learn what causes their emotions and impulses, why they have a low sense of self-esteem, and why they feel the need to seek validation from others. Understanding the root of these issues can help patients begin creating a healthier outlook on the world.

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