How Can CBT Help Treat Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Living with untreated narcissistic personality disorder can be quite challenging for some individuals. If left unmanaged the effects of the mental health condition can negatively impact one’s lifestyle and potentially destroy relationships. Although an individual may benefit from developing a structured routine, combining self-help strategies with psychotherapy can significantly improve one’s mental health. Participating in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with a trained specialist at Restoration Recovery can treat narcissistic personality disorder and provide various health benefits for those who are seeking professional support and proper management.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
According to Healthdirect, while many individuals display narcissistic traits, those with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may believe they are better than others. Unmanaged NPD may greatly interfere with an individual’s life. Those with NPD may seem arrogant, have an inflated self-image, and commonly disregard feelings for others. Many individuals with NPD do not feel empathy and experience problems developing deep relationships. An individual with narcissistic personality disorder may experience unstable emotions and an intensely distorted self-image.
The onset of NPD typically begins in an individual’s early adulthood. Research indicates that narcissistic personality disorder affects less women than men and is not caused by an underlying condition or substance use disorder (SUD). The mental illness is not known to change with time either but learning to detect the warning signs can help one better understand their condition and effectively report how they feel to a specialist. Common symptoms include:
- Having superiority over those who may be perceived as lower-class
- Feeling obsessed with their status and class
- Experiencing feelings of grandiosity
- Constantly seeking attention from others
- Experiencing high sensitivity to stress
- Feeling that others are envious of their lifestyle
- Setting unrealistic goals
- Fantasizing about power, success, beauty, and intelligence
- Exaggerating abilities and achievements
- Experiencing deep family pride
The Challenges Associated With Untreated Narcissistic Personality Disorder
According to a study, if NPD is left unmanaged, one may experience social, medical, and further psychiatric complications. Studies have found that those with narcissistic personality disorder have an increased risk of death by suicide in comparison to other personality disorders. If an individual lacks understanding of their condition they may be at risk for further complications. For example, an individual may misuse drugs and alcohol to self-medicate their mental health condition. This worsens their condition and can also lead to physical health problems. Other complications may consist of:
- Increased hostility and aggression
- Co-occurring mood disorders
- Problems with work management
- Other personality disorders
- Problems with law enforcement
- Poor relationships with family and friends
- Inability to form new healthy yet long-term relationships with others
How Can CBT Treat Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Although many individuals who choose to go for a prolonged period before surrendering to treatment experience serious complications, it is never too late to participate in a recommended therapy. According to the aforementioned Healthdirect study, even though further research is required to decipher the best treatment, talk therapy is one of the most effective therapeutic approaches for treating narcissistic personality disorder.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help an individual facing problems with NPD develop a neutral self-image and help one better relate to others without flaunting superiority. This type of therapy can help one learn to recognize their negative behavioral patterns and effectively replace them with more positive yet productive behaviors. Knowing families may be negatively impacted by their loved ones’ mental health condition, CBT in combination with family or marital therapy can help repair relationships. Psychodynamic therapy can also help improve one’s mental health in the long-term.
The Benefits of Moving Forward With CBT At Restoration Recovery to Treat Narcissistic Personality Disorder
It can be difficult for an individual to accept they have narcissistic personality disorder. This may be due to the fact they just naturally feel there is nothing wrong with them. It is common for some individuals with NPD to feel therapy is not worth their time. Those with NPD may also feel defensive about pursuing mental health treatment, but it may be helpful for one to list the pros and cons that come with professional care. Support from loved ones can also significantly help offer encouragement for those who are indecisive about starting treatment.
There are no medications used today to treat this mental health condition but moving forward with Restoration Recovery can help those with NPD holistically treat their mental illness. Attending CBT can help one effectively overcome the negative effects of NPD. Staying dedicated to therapy can also help one repair various aspects of their life that may have been affected by their psychiatric disorder. further benefits of holistic care with Restoration Recovery include:
- Reduced stress levels
- Improved mood
- Better quality of sleep
- Reduced impulsivity
- Abstinence from drugs and alcohol
- Improved relationships with loved ones
- Minimal side effects
- Balanced self-esteem
- Greater understanding of themselves
- Increased understanding of their behaviors
- Improved management of their condition
Established in May 2017 in Auburn, California, Restoration Recovery Center is a product of the desire of a group of experienced therapists who wish to help in the recovery of person’s with a substance use disorder. At Restoration Recovery Center, our drug rehab near Sacramento helps those struggling with a multitude of different conditions. Our center offers an integrative health approach to mental health and drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Our programs include holistic services designed to support the recovery process by healing the body, mind, and spirit. Many holistic therapies are rooted in bodywork and mindfulness practices. Call us at (888) 290-0925 to learn more about how CBT can help you overcome narcissistic personality disorder.
