Narcissistic Personality Disorder Causes

An inflated sense of self-importance or obsession with ones' self, as well as grandiosity are the terms used to describe the personality disorder, which is known as narcissistic personality disorder. The name of this personality disorder is derived from the name of a Greek mythological hero, Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. So, the name of the disorder implies excessive self admiration and self-love. The individuals with this personality disorder not only develop an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but also an unusual need for admiration.

What Causes Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Though the exact causes are not known properly, several factors are supposed to have a close association with the development of this disorder. It is generally observed that the disorder develops or starts in childhood and early adolescence. Usually, upbringing of a child and relationship with the parents and elders play a very crucial role in shaping his or her personality.

Factors that are often thought to contribute towards the development of such a disorder are, overindulgence or excessive pampering, over expectation from children, excessive praise for talent and beauty, and harsh criticism for poor behavior and performance, etc. At the same time, child abuse and neglect, lack of affection, emotional abusive, not admired or praised for their talent or achievements can be equally responsible.

Other causes are failure of the parents or caregivers to establish a healthy relationship and empathetic attachment with the children. As a result, the children may begin to regard themselves as non-significant and unconnected to others. This can make them to believe that their personality is defective, for which they are not accepted by their parents or elders. Eventually, this can make them self-absorbed and intolerant to others' needs and views. With growing age, they are also likely to develop an extreme sensitivity to criticism, which often compels them to vehemently defy, even the slightest criticism, and withdraw socially. Gradually, in order to protect themselves from criticism and rejection, they begin to feign a sense of excessive self-importance and superiority.

Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

People with such a personality can be quite egoistic and unsympathetic towards others' feelings. A lack of empathy towards others, fantasizing about success, power and attractiveness as well as a belief of being superior to others are some of the important characteristics of this disorder. But, in reality, individuals with this disorder can suffer from low self-esteem, while all those boasting and self-importance can be termed as a deceptive mask, that they wear to conceal their inadequacies, and avoid the painful experience of criticism and rejection.

Some other symptoms of this personality disorder include, exaggeration of talent or achievement, expectation of constant attention and admiration from others, disdain or contempt for people, whom they consider as inferior, expectation that others will always accept their views, jealousy and a belief that others are jealous of them and arrogance and haughty behavior. However, a little bit of self admiration may also be a characteristic of adolescence, and hence need not be interpreted as personality disorder. Even mature individual can have a little bit of self admiration and self-love. But, when it becomes too much, it can adversely affect the life of such individuals and the people around them.

Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Its treatment is a subject matter of psychotherapy. Generally, both cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy are employed in the treatment of this personality disorder. There are no medication to treat the disorder, though if the affected person suffers from depression and anxiety, then antidepressants medications can be used. The disorder can sometimes, cause certain major complications like, drug or alcohol abuse, depression, suicidal tendency, eating disorders and problems at work and in relationship. Treatment is therefore, aimed towards preventing these complications and bringing out a change in personality and correction in the perception of the self.

An in-depth understanding about this disorder can help in the proper diagnosis of the condition, while active support and cooperation of the family is required to solve the relationship problems that can arise from this disorder. Understanding the causes can also help the parents or caregivers to know the adverse effect of too much admiration and harsh criticism, and hence, maintain necessary precaution while upbringing their children.