Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Paper Summary:

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), also known as megalomania, is a personality disorder that causes strong feelings of self-importance, an extreme desire for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. This paper examines the definition, symptoms and diagnosis of the disorder as well as methods of treatment.

From the Paper:

"A person diagnosed with NPD shows signs of grandiosity, extreme self-involvement, and lack of interest in and empathy for others (McNeal, 2003). Many psychologists and psychiatrists promote the use of Ego State Therapy for treatment of this disorder. Initially ego states that reveal the grandiosity are used. As therapy progresses, ego states that hold the underlying feelings of emptiness, rage, and depression can successfully emerge. With further treatment, transformation and maturation of the ego states occur, showing the changes in internal structure and dynamics in addition to improvement in external interpersonal relationships."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Psychiatric Association (APA). (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fourth Edition. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association.
• Beck, A.T., & Freeman, A. (1990). Cognitive therapy of personality disorders. New York: Guilford Press.
• McNeal, Shirley. (January, 2003). A character in search of character: Narcissistic personality disorder and ego state therapy. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis.
• Raskin, R., & Hall, C.S. (1979). A narcissistic personality inventory. Psychological Reports, 45, 590.
• Schwartz, Robert. Smith, Shannon. (November, 2004). Psychotherapeutic Assessment and Treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. American Psychotherapy Association.

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