Can Narcissistic Personality Disorder Be Treated?

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Monica Lewis
Narcissism

Can Narcissistic Personality Disorder Be Treated?

Table of Contents

Narcissistic personality disorder is a personality disorder that can be effectively managed with the right treatment. There are various narcissistic personality disorder treatment options available that can help improve symptoms. As such, with this condition, it is essential to understand how treatment could be beneficial.

A Quick Recap of NPD

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a disorder in which individuals have an exaggerated sense of their importance and need excessive admiration. Symptoms include grandiosity, an extreme preoccupation with success and power and a lack of empathy for others.

More include difficulty maintaining relationships, exploitation of others, arrogance, and envy or jealousy towards others. People with NPD may also be prone to manipulation tactics like gaslighting. 

Explore Narcissistic personality disorder Treatment options

NPD Stats and Facts 

Some interesting statistics and facts about NPD include the following:

  • Up to 6.2% of the population has a narcissistic personality disorder.
  • People with NPD are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse problems. 
  • NPD occurs more in males than females, with a 4:1 ratio.
  • The average age of onset for NPD is 25 years old.
  • A combination of genetic and environmental factors causes it.
  • People with NPD often have difficulty maintaining relationships due to their lack of empathy for others. 
  • Narcissistic personality disorder can lead to social isolation, impaired functioning in work or school, and an inability to form meaningful connections with others. 

Can NPD Be Cured?

NPD cannot be cured but can be managed with therapy and medication. The goal of treatment is to help the person with NPD learn how to recognize their own self-defeating behaviors and replace them with healthier coping skills that allow for more meaningful relationships. Additionally, medications, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics, may also be beneficial in helping to manage symptoms of depression or anxiety that often accompany NPD.

How to Determine if Someone Has NPD

A professional evaluation is the only way to diagnose someone with NPD accurately. During this process, the clinician will ask questions about the person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns in order to determine if they meet the criteria for this disorder. It is important to note that people with NPD may not recognize their own symptoms or admit to them. Therefore, it can be difficult for a layperson to make an accurate diagnosis.

What Tests Do Mental Health Professionals Used

There are no specific tests that can diagnose NPD. Instead, a mental health professional will evaluate the person’s behavior and symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis. This usually involves conducting interviews with both the patient and their family or friends, as well as observing the individual during different activities or social situations. Additionally, psychological testing, like personality inventories, may be used to provide further information about the person’s condition.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment Options

Psychotherapy is one of the most effective narcissistic personality disorder treatment options. This can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), accountability, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and other forms of psychotherapeutic interventions. 

These treatments focus on helping the person with NPD learn how to better regulate their emotions, understand how their thoughts affect their behaviors, and develop healthier coping skills. Additionally, medications such as antidepressants or antipsychotics may also be beneficial in helping to manage symptoms of depression or anxiety that often accompany NPD.

CBT

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve their mental health. CBT treats depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse problems, and other mental health conditions or problematic personality disorders.

In the context of NPD treatment, CBT can help individuals develop more appropriate coping skills. As a result, they can better manage their emotions and better understand how their thoughts affect their behavior.

client in CBT therapy in Atlanta

DBT

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy that combines CBT techniques with mindfulness practices. It is normally used to treat borderline personality disorder, but it can also be beneficial in treating NPD.

DBT focuses on helping individuals learn how to regulate their emotions and reduce distress without engaging in self-defeating behaviors or maladaptive coping strategies. Additionally, the therapist will help the person identify triggers for narcissistic behaviors and then develop healthier ways to cope with them.

Accountability

Accountability is the concept of someone being held responsible for their actions or decisions. In the context of NPD treatment, it involves encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own behavior and recognizing when they have acted in a way that is inconsistent with their values or goals.

Accountability also requires setting realistic expectations and providing consequences for any unacceptable behavior. Ultimately, accountability can help people with NPD learn how to be more self-aware. Hence they can be more mindful of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

REBT

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a type of psychotherapy. It focuses on helping individuals become more aware of their irrational beliefs. Then, they can begin replacing them with more rational, healthier thoughts.

This therapy can be beneficial in treating narcissistic personality disorder as it helps people understand how their thinking patterns affect their behavior and feelings. REBT encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own actions by recognizing the consequences and learning how to make better choices in the future.

Personalized NPD Treatment Options in Dunwoody, GA 

Southern Live Oak Wellness

NPD is a serious personality disorder that can cause significant distress and impairment in the lives of those affected. While there is no cure for NPD, but someone can effectively manage it with the right treatment plan. With proper diagnosis and treatment, people with NPD can recognize their own self-defeating behaviors.

Then they can replace them with healthier coping skills. These can allow for more meaningful relationships. If you or a loved one has NPD, you can get help for your condition at Southern Live Oak Wellness in Dunwoody, Georgia. We provide a caring and supportive environment with personalized treatment programs to treat NPD.

Schedule a consultation by contacting us today.

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