Overview
Diagnosis
Some features of narcissistic personality disorder overlap with other personality disorders, and it is possible to be diagnosed with more than one personality disorder at the same time, which can make diagnosis more challenging.
Diagnosis usually involves:
• Evaluation of your symptoms and how they affect daily life.
• A physical exam to rule out any medical conditions causing the symptoms.
• A thorough psychological assessment, which may include questionnaires.
• Reference to guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment
The primary treatment for narcissistic personality disorder is talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy. Medicines may be used if other mental health conditions, such as depression, are present.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy aims to help individuals:
• Improve relationships with others for closer, more rewarding interactions.
• Understand the causes of emotions and motivations, including competition, distrust, and self-criticism.
• Accept and maintain real personal relationships and collaborate effectively with co-workers.
• Recognize and accept actual abilities and potential, and tolerate criticism or failure.
• Increase the ability to understand and manage feelings.
• Address self-esteem issues.
• Set realistic goals and learn to accept achievable outcomes.
Therapy can be short-term to help manage stress or crises, or ongoing to support long-term goals. Including family members or others in therapy may be beneficial.
Medicines
There are no medications specifically for narcissistic personality disorder. However, if symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other conditions are present, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be helpful.
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