How to Treat Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by unrealistic perceptions about one's own importance, and a complete absence of empathy for others. Since the ego construct of such an individual is so fragile, psychotherapy should take place in a controlled environment, such as a hospital or mental health facility, to avoid the feelings of having one's "life fall apart."

Things You'll Need

• Hospital for inpatient treatment
• Psychiatrist or psychologist

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Instructions

Treat a Narcissistic Personality Disorder

• 1

  Note the occurrence of the more common symptoms of a narcissistic personality disorder. These may include a grandiose exaggeration of one's self-worth, the inability to feel empathy for others, the existence of a fantasy world where the individual is famous and important, arrogance, a sense of entitlement to special treatment or privileges and a constant need to exploit others for personal gain.

• 2

  Obtain a diagnosis of a narcissistic personality disorder from a qualified mental health professional. A short hospital stay may be required in more serious cases of this disorder, especially if the life of the individual is in utter chaos, which is common, or if they are exhibiting self-destructive tendencies.

• 3

  Use a combined program of individualized psychotherapy, family intervention and inpatient hospital care in order to effectively treat narcissistic personality disorders. This may be necessary, since the fragile structure of this disorder may cause a violent reaction in the individual when therapy is implemented. A hospital environment and constant supervision may create a safe haven for the individual to make these adjustments.

• 4

  Follow a plan of individualized psychotherapy after the initial treatment plan has occurred and the patient feels more emotionally stable and safe. Care should be taken to present the positive attributes of the individual in the more realistic context of their everyday lives in order to preserve their self-image and avoid the feeling that their entire life has been a fantasy.

• 5

  Seek group therapy as an effective method to re-introduce the individual to normal interpersonal relationships and a correct set of social boundaries. Focus on keeping the individual active within the dynamics of the group and make sure the patient does not feel unduly insulted if the others in the group criticize their feelings of self-worth.