Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a condition where people think very highly of themselves. They also strongly want others to admire and pay attention to them.
When they don’t get the praise or special treatment they expect, they may feel sad or frustrated. Other people might see them as rude or selfish and may not like being around them. In this article, you will learn narcissism treatments in detail. Let’s dig out!
2 Types of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
There are two kinds of narcissistic personality disorder: overt and covert. Both types have similar signs, like feeling superior, being too focused on themselves, and not thinking much about others’ needs. However, they show these behaviors in different ways.
The two types of narcissism are:
- Overt narcissism
People with overt narcissism, also called grandiose narcissism, show common signs of narcissism. They are very confident, outgoing, and like to show off. They often try to be in control, speak boldly, and can sometimes act aggressively.
- Covert narcissism
People with covert narcissism, also called vulnerable narcissism, do not show the usual signs of narcissism. They may seem quiet, sad, and have low self-esteem. However, they still think they are better than others. Instead of showing off, they often feel hurt by criticism and act defensive.
What Are the Causes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
People with narcissistic personality disorder may seem proud, but this disorder often comes from low self-esteem. The exact cause is not known, but experts believe it may be linked to genetics, childhood experiences, surroundings, and culture.
- Life Experiences
- Genetics
- Internal & External Environment
- Culture
9 Ways to Treat Narcissism Personality Disorder
- Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT helps people find and change unhealthy ways of thinking and acting. With the therapist, you will learn new skills. You will also get homework to practice these skills in real life between sessions.
- Schema therapy
Schema therapy is a type of therapy that mixes different methods, including psychotherapy and CBT. It helps you find and understand negative patterns and coping habits that started in childhood. Once you recognize these patterns, you can learn how to change them.
- Gestalt therapy
Gestalt therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses more on the present than the past or future.
It looks at past experiences only to see how they affect you today. You will be encouraged to think about what is happening in your life right now and work on understanding yourself better and taking responsibility for your actions.
- Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, means talking with a therapist one-on-one.
In these sessions, people can share their feelings and actions with the therapist. Over time, they learn to understand their behaviors and control their thoughts and actions better.
- Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)
TFP is a structured type of therapy where people share their feelings about someone or an experience with their therapist.
This helps them understand and process their emotions in a safe and guided way. Over time, it can help them change how they see themselves and others.
- Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)
Mentalization therapy helps people understand how they think. It teaches them to see the link between their thoughts and actions. MBT also helps them understand others better, which can be difficult for people with NPD.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of CBT that helps people manage their emotions, build better relationships, and handle stress.
DBT was first made for borderline personality disorder, but it also helps with narcissistic personality disorder. This therapy includes both group and one-on-one sessions.
- EMDR Therapy
Studies show that narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may be connected to childhood trauma. EMDR therapy helps people deal with and organize painful memories.
In EMDR therapy, a person moves their eyes in a guided way while talking about difficult events with a therapist. Over time, this can make these memories feel less upsetting.
- Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy (MIT)
MIT helps people understand and change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. As individuals with NPD become more aware of these patterns, they can learn better ways to cope. Therapists also help identify and remove any barriers that may slow down progress.
Final Word
Psychotherapy takes longer than most people expect. There is no quick fix for complex problems. Treating NPD usually takes years and happens in stages. Clients can stop at any time. Progress depends on how many stages they complete and how severe their condition is. Narcissists who can reflect on themselves and manage their daily lives well often do better in therapy than those who struggle with work and relationships.
