Narcissistic personality disorder (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Overview
Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition in which people have an inflated sense of self-importance and an extreme preoccupation with themselves.

What are the symptoms of Narcissistic personality disorder?
A person with narcissistic personality disorder may:
 * React to criticism with rage, shame, or humiliation
 * Take advantage of other people to achieve his or her own goals
 * Have excessive feelings of self-importance
 * Exaggerate achievements and talents
 * Be preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, beauty, intelligence, or ideal love
 * Have unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment
 * Need constant attention and admiration
 * Disregard the feelings of others, and have little ability to feel empathy
 * Have obsessive self-interest
 * Pursue mainly selfish goals

What causes Narcissistic personality disorder?

 * The causes of this disorder are unknown.
 * An overly sensitive personality and parenting problems may affect the development of this disorder.

Diagnosis
Like other personality disorders, narcissistic personality disorder is diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation and the history and severity of the symptoms.

Treatment options
Psychotherapy (for example, talk therapy) may help the affected person relate to other people in a more positive and compassionate way.

Where to find medical care for Narcissistic personality disorder?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The outcome depends on the severity of the disorder.

Possible complications

 * Alcohol or other drug dependence
 * Relationship, work, and family problems

Source
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000934.htm