New Treatments for Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder is a disorder that has no known cause. Someone with narcissistic personalty disorder is essentially obsessed with themselves to a degree that makes it impossible for them to make friends, keep a job, or function in a normal range. They cannot accept criticism nor can they stand to be told what to do. They expect to be treated better than others and don't understand when they aren't.

Unfortunately, there are no new treatments for narcissistic personality disorder. In fact, there are no treatments specifically designed for this disorder, mainly because the cause is unknown. Essentially, people with narcissistic personality disorder receive a treatment from their doctor or therapist that is specifically designed for themselves rather than being part of an established treatment plan.

Some of the methods of treatment that a doctor or a therapist might try are:

• Short-term hospitalization to stabilize behaviors
• Long-term residential care to provide ongoing support
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Group therapy

If the person in question experiences bouts of depression or other unrelated mental health issues, those may be treated with medication. Overall, medication is not prescribed for this condition because it doesn't seem to help.

Self-help is the most common choice of treatment for people with narcissistic personality disorder. The biggest struggle with this is getting the person to admit that something is wrong. That is because to someone with this disorder it is important for them to feel as if they are in complete control and that they give the perception to others that they are in complete control. Going to therapy negates that belief and creates more problems for the individual. That is why a hospital stay is usually more common than behavioral therapy initially.

While it is difficult to treat someone with narcissistic personality disorder, it isn't impossible. However, family members or friends of someone who has been diagnosed with this disorder will have to be patient and refrain from telling the person in question that they have a problem. Instead, you will have to lead them to making the choice for themselves so that they still feel like they have control of the situation as much as they can.