Narcissistic Personality Disorder

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a handsome young man who saw his reflection in a water pool and fell in love with it. A narcissistic personality is self obsessed, grandiose, boastful, lacks empathy and has an irrational need for admiration. It is a character associated disorder. In many cases, it has led to the creation of some successful personalities but if it results in stress, anxiety and drug abuse, it is a cause of great concern. In the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions conducted in the year 2004-05, 6.2% people were found to be affected by a lifetime Narcissistic Personality Disorder or NPD. The black population, Hispanic women, younger people, divorced, widowed or unmarried individuals were mostly affected by NPD.

Demystifying NPD
It is important to understand what exactly constitutes this type of personality disorder. Youth are also characterized with some extent of admiration and self-involvement traits in their behavior. However, it's a natural reaction of their age group and not a disorder which fades away as they encounter more and more life experiences. The NPD, on the other hand is less of self obsession and more of a disturbed personal and social health. There is a clear difference between a personality mental disorder that is inherent or condition since childhood caused due to some emotional deprivation and a narcissistic personality acquired over the years. The former case cannot be treated whereas a behavioral pattern that has developed over a period of time can be modified only through proper care and attention. A 'NPD' is an unwilling character rather than a person who is diseased and unable to recover.

Personality of a Chronic Narcissistic Person
A narcissist individual demands recognition as a superior being. They consider themselves way 'ahead' in thought, efficiency or performance than their peers. They are extremely averse to criticism of any form and are very sensitive to failure or 'perceived' failure. On being subjected to the same, they may feel extremely dejected, let down and empty. Socially, they have absolute disregard for others sense and sensibilities and exhibit a severe lack of understanding about their commitments. On defeat, they can react with a prolonged withdrawal from social life or react violently. In extreme situations, this can lead to substance abuse, depression or any mental disorder.
A 'NPD' affected person can turn the unwillingness to face defeat as a propellant to a successful life. But more often than not, it results in poor relations, severe drop in skill levels and lack of will to take up challenges and risky tasks.

Almost all of us come across friends, relatives or acquaintances who have an obsessive need or habit to bully others constantly almost to the point of absurdity. Then there are people who have a habit to boast of their achievements, qualifications or relations and so on to the extent of being childish. Such behavior on a regular basis leads to cheating, faking or any anti-social activity in order to live up to their own illogical expectations. Sometimes, you may have had experiences of a sic person or a boss or a colleague who is inclined to harass others out of habit or intentional need to exercise one's importance. Such people may even get involved in romantic or sexual relationships just to prove their control over others feelings and emotions and to achieve their own mean goals leading to vanity. NPD affected persons may show utter disregard or a contemptuous attitude towards others and demand a lifestyle which suits their own nature.

Diagnoses and Cure

Although there is no obvious physical symptoms, certain tests like blood samples and X-rays can verify the relation between a physical abnormality and a narcissistic personality disorder, if it exists. In all other cases, a psychiatrist or psychologist can examine a patient for signs of NPD. General life healing procedures are the best way to treat NPD. A psychotherapeutic treatment or extensive counseling sessions by a person loved and respected by the patient and psychotherapy have a profound effect in healing. There is an immense need for the healer to understand the fragile nature of the affected person. It requires a great deal of patience and understanding to deal with a narcissist person.

A good and responsible social involvement accompanied by a supportive family or friends and cultivating a deep sense of gratitude to the little joys of life is a sure way to get over this disorder.