N ARCISSISTIC P ERSONALITY

DISORDER

NARCISSUS

H ALLMARKS OF N ARCISSISTIC P ERSONALITY D ISORDER

   

Self- centeredness Self-absorption Inability to empathize with others Takes advantage of people to achieve his own ends Intense need for admiration

IMAGE CONTROL

Tries to maintain an image of perfection and invincibility to prevent others from discovering his weaknesses and imperfections.

SUPERIOR SPECIES

Expects to be recognized as superior. Expects to others to comply with his wishes automatically and believes he should associate only with other special high- status people.

CREAM OF THE NARCISSISTIC CROP

 

Achievement- oriented. Common among politicians, business tycoons, movie producers, surgeons, and trial lawyers.

SHATTERED ILLUSIONS
Illusion of greatness may be shattered by a threat to his ego, as from:
   

Physical illness Loss of a job Loss of relationship Feelings of emptiness and depression despite material wealth and success.

CAUSES
The exact cause of narcissistic personality disorder is not known. Many mental health professionals believe it results from extremes in child rearing.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Arrogance Self- centeredness Unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment. Grandiose sense of self importance. Exaggerations of achievements and talents. Preoccupation with fantasies of success, power, beauty, brilliance and love.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Manipulative behavior. Constant desire for attention and admiration. Lack of empathy. Lack of concern over whom he offends. Taking advantage of others to achieve his own goals. Rage, shame, humiliation in response to criticism.

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
 

Grandiose sense of self- importance Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited power, success, beauty, brilliance, or ideal love. Belief that he s special and unique and can be undertstood only by other special people. Need for excessive admiration

TREATMENT
There is no known cure for narcissistic personality disorder, but psychotherapy (a type of counseling) might help the person learn to relate to others in a more positive and rewarding way.

Prevalence: more on males / appars on early adulthood

N URSING

INTERVENTIONS

Nurse must use self awareness skills to avoid the anger and frustrations these clients behavior and attitude can engender. Nurse must not internalize such criticism or take it personally. Main goal is to gain cooperation. The nurse may sets limit on rude or verbally abusive behavior and explain his expectations to client.

N URSING

INTERVENTIONS

Provide immediate, matter- of- fact, nonthreatening feedback for unacceptable behavior. Client may lack knowledge about how he is being perceived by others. Provide immediate positive feedback for acceptable behavior. Positive feedback enhances self- esteem and encourage the repetition of the desired behavior.

N URSING

INTERVENTIONS

Ensure that goals are realistic. It is important for client to achieve something, so plan for activities in which the possibility for success is likely.

S TR ONG LY D IS AG R E E
         

D IS AG R E E

NE UTR AL

AG R E E

S TR ONG LY AG R E E

1 I am very concerned with what others think of me. 2 I am easily bored. 3 I feel that I am attractive to the opposite sex. 4 I call or text my friends when we haven't spoken for a while. 5 People are always coming to me with their problems. 6 I am more important than most people I know. 7 I find that other people's remarks can be hurtful. 8 I don't like being alone for long. 9 People often don't appreciate me. 10 I feel that I am always sorting out people's problems for them.

Scores between 24 and 34 are normal (The average is 29). If your score is 35 or more you may be narcissistic. If your score is 23 or less you may be lacking in self-confidence.