Dr LeCrone
05-31-2006, 01:42 PM
During the first two parts of this series on the Narcissistic Personality Disorder, I discussed characteristics and some of the hypothesized causes of this problem. In today's column, I would like to provide a brief discussion about getting help and living with an individual suffering from this problem.
Many mental health authorities believe that narcissistic traits, like those found in other personality disorders, are present in varying degrees in everyone. Stress and adversity, they believe, make these negative personality characteristics worse so that under emotional duress, small "flaws" are magnified. Illness, financial adversity, and significant losses are but a few of the many things that can cause stress. Other authorities believe that during times of rapid social change and breakdown of traditional social structures, personality disorders are more apparent and troubling because of this breakdown in social fiber. Societal boundaries and limits, which are at times more ambiguous than in the past, higher divorce and problems with substance abuse, etc., are all examples of these changes.
As discussed in last week's column, narcissistic adults are often spoiled and over-indulged in their childhood, given the impression that they could do no wrong, or abused and neglected with the consequent need to exaggerate their own sense of self-importance as a compensatory and protective mechanism. Therefore, the first line of defense in reducing the risk of development of a narcissistic personality disorder is healthy and effective parenting.
Unfortunately, most adults suffering from narcissistic personality disorder do not seek help unless threatened by a crisis or catastrophic loss. The threat to their own life due to disease or trauma, income/career or marriage under assault, (especially if very important to the maintenance of the image of the narcissistic individual) are all examples of these traumas.
Around middle-age, many individuals suffering from narcissistic personality disorder began to experience depression. Looks and physical appearance begin to fade, realization that dreams of power, wealth, and fame may never come to pass, and fear of death and their own mortality are recognized. At this point they may seek empathetic understanding for themselves, which they have never experienced for others, and reach out for help. Unfortunately, their grandiose belief in their own superiority often impairs their ability to accept the kind of help that is needed for real change. If the narcissist can be persuaded to truly confront their weaknesses and deficiencies and seek alternative beliefs and assumptions about their impact on the lives of others, then, perhaps real change can occur. At times, group and family therapy can assist these individuals in obtaining the feedback necessary for positive growth and change.
Copyright c 1998 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.
Many mental health authorities believe that narcissistic traits, like those found in other personality disorders, are present in varying degrees in everyone. Stress and adversity, they believe, make these negative personality characteristics worse so that under emotional duress, small "flaws" are magnified. Illness, financial adversity, and significant losses are but a few of the many things that can cause stress. Other authorities believe that during times of rapid social change and breakdown of traditional social structures, personality disorders are more apparent and troubling because of this breakdown in social fiber. Societal boundaries and limits, which are at times more ambiguous than in the past, higher divorce and problems with substance abuse, etc., are all examples of these changes.
As discussed in last week's column, narcissistic adults are often spoiled and over-indulged in their childhood, given the impression that they could do no wrong, or abused and neglected with the consequent need to exaggerate their own sense of self-importance as a compensatory and protective mechanism. Therefore, the first line of defense in reducing the risk of development of a narcissistic personality disorder is healthy and effective parenting.
Unfortunately, most adults suffering from narcissistic personality disorder do not seek help unless threatened by a crisis or catastrophic loss. The threat to their own life due to disease or trauma, income/career or marriage under assault, (especially if very important to the maintenance of the image of the narcissistic individual) are all examples of these traumas.
Around middle-age, many individuals suffering from narcissistic personality disorder began to experience depression. Looks and physical appearance begin to fade, realization that dreams of power, wealth, and fame may never come to pass, and fear of death and their own mortality are recognized. At this point they may seek empathetic understanding for themselves, which they have never experienced for others, and reach out for help. Unfortunately, their grandiose belief in their own superiority often impairs their ability to accept the kind of help that is needed for real change. If the narcissist can be persuaded to truly confront their weaknesses and deficiencies and seek alternative beliefs and assumptions about their impact on the lives of others, then, perhaps real change can occur. At times, group and family therapy can assist these individuals in obtaining the feedback necessary for positive growth and change.
Copyright c 1998 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.