Narcissistic Personality

If you or a loved one has an exaggerated sense of specialness or uniqueness that interferes with work, school, interpersonal relationships, or overall quality of life, turn to board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Kleinman in her practice at Amanda S. Kleinman MD Ltd in Chicago at One Magnificent Mile. Dr. Kleinman diagnoses and treats narcissistic personality disorder to help you overcome mental health challenges and live your best life. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kleinman by phone or request one online today.

What is narcissistic personality disorder?

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition associated with an unreasonably high sense of self-importance or self-uniqueness. The disorder is characterized by constantly seeking attention and desiring admiration from other people. However, symptoms of the condition can actually drive other people away due to a lack of understanding of their feelings.

What are the symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder?

The hallmark symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include:

• Constantly seeking attention
• Desiring admiration
• Not understanding other people’s feelings
• Extreme self-confidence
• Feeling more deserving than other people
• Being upset by criticism 
• Being disliked by other people
• Problems getting along with other people
• Depression
• Feeling superior to other people 
• Being critical of others
• Taking advantage of other people
• Frequent bragging or efforts to impress others
• Acting arrogant 
• Embellishing achievements for attention 
• Anger
• Irritability
• Impatience 
• Mood swings
• Avoiding situations that may cause failure
• Insecurities 
• Feelings of emptiness
• Loneliness

Some people with narcissistic personality disorder may appear very confident, while others may seem very dependent on people around them. All people with this condition have a strong sense of how impressively unique they are, whether they have accomplished more than anyone else or suffered more than anyone else. dDeep down, they’re often very unsure of their own self-worth.

They may struggle to form strong interpersonal relationships, hold down a secure job, or live a happy, healthy lifestyle.

What are the risk factors for narcissistic personality disorder?

Anyone could develop narcissistic personality disorder without a known cause, but factors that may increase your risk of having it include:

• Family history of narcissistic personality disorder
• Being male
• Unhealthy parent-child relationships
• Receiving too much adoration while having actual needs go neglected
• Receiving excessive criticism with little acknowledgment of real strengths
• Certain personality traits
• Brain changes 

The condition often begins in the teenage or early adult years. Seek treatment from Dr. Kleinman at the first sign of a problem to eliminate potential complications. 

How is narcissistic personality disorder diagnosed?

Dr. Kleinman may diagnose narcissistic personality disorder after reviewing your medical and mental health history, emotional symptoms, lifestyle, and behaviors. She addresses input from family or friends and asks questions about your emotions, moods, thoughts, and other factors to determine which mental health condition you may have and how to best treat it. 

How is narcissistic personality disorder treated?

Dr. Kleinman offers medication management and psychotherapy to treat narcissistic personality disorder. She specializes in psychodynamic therapy, a once-weekly therapy, and transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), a more intensive twice-weekly therapy, to help you overcome troublesome symptoms associated with your condition.

Dr. Kleinman follows your progress closely to ensure success, allowing you to thrive at work, school, and in social settings.

Schedule a mental health evaluation with Amanda S. Kleinman MD Ltd by phone or request one online today to get screened or treated for narcissistic personality disorder.