What is narcissism? Narcissism is a personality disorder in which a person has the feeling that they are more important than anyone else in the world. The person with a narcissistic disorder is usually very selfish, does not feel any sympathy for others and most of the time feel that their needs must be met, no matter what.
Between 0.7 and 1 percent of the general population has this disorder and it has a very bad effect on the families of the person. Studies have shown that 50 to 70 percent of the cases are male. The condition usually appears in early adulthood and the cause of is not known.
Very rarely do people with narcissism personality disorder (NPD) seek treatment, since they tend to blame their behavior on society. After all they are so important that they do not need to seek any help. They also feel that those wishing to help them are out to ruin their lives.
Antidepressants are often used to treat the anxiety and depression that is common in people with NPD. However, a person with the disorder will abuse alcohol or drugs because in their opinion nothing can happen to them so the patient must be monitored closely. Group and individual psychotherapy can help a patient identify their problem and change their ways. The more willing a person is to get treatment, the better the outcome.
Often a person with this disorder enters a treatment program for another problem such as alcohol or substance abuse. During the course of this treatment the patient may come to the realization that they have a narcissistic disorder and accept treatment for this. Some studies have shown that if a person has a close family member with the disorder, they have a chance of becoming the same way.
Wed, Jul 14, 2010
Gender-Related, Health, Mental Health, Weight Loss