This a project for a high school AP Psychology course. This is a fictionalized account of having a psychological ailment. For questions about this blog project or its content please email the teacher, Laura Astorian: laura.astorian@cobbk12.org

1. Narcissistic
Personality Disorder

2. Contents
Information about NPD
What it is like to have NPD

3. Overview of NPD
NPD is the more serious or present manifestation of a personality trait of
narcissism
According to the DSM-IV, NPD is part of a cluster of disorders that include other
personality disorders such as Antisocial Personality Disorder, Borderline
Personality Disorder, and Histrionic Personality Disorder
This psychological disorder is currently incurable, but treatment has been shown
to aide

4. Discovery and Recognition
The idea of narcissism has been around for thousands of years
The ancient Greeks were among the first to recognize this personality trait and
even constructed their own myth regarding it
However in spite of this early recognition NPD was never officially recognized as
a psychological disorder by the American Psychological Association until 1980
Before then, it was just regarded as an
adverse personality trait or characteristic
that someone could possess

5. Characteristics of NPD
People with NPD tend to be arrogant, obsessed with personal appearance, and
tend to belittle or shame others
They tend to have an aura of ultra confidence and pride
However despite this they usually are very insecure and have an extremely
fragile sense of self-esteem or self-worth
They also desire the best of everything
They want the best job, the best spouse, the best car, the best everything and
get very upset when that is not given to them

6. Types of NPD
Grandiose/malignant narcissism: Characterized by anger, manipulativeness, thirst
for power, exaggerated self importance
Fragile narcissism: Characterized by grandiosity as a defensive function, feelings
of inadequacy, anxiety, and loneliness
High-functioning/exhibitionistic narcissism: Characterized by individuals being
self-important, articulate, energetic, and outgoing

7. Causes
As with many personality disorders a definite and universal cause(s) has not been
found however there are a few things that can contribute
Narcissism also has been linked to excessive pampering as a child or excessive
criticism
It can also be linked to genetic factors and a person’s psychobiology
Many adolescents show signs and symptoms
of narcissism leading some to speculate the
competitive environment faced by adolescents
today

8. Diagnosis
A psychologist will diagnose NPD after doing the below
Identifying symptoms and signs of the disorder
A thorough psychological examination possibly using questionnaires
A physical examination to deduct if it is from physical causes
NPD is almost always diagnosed to adults because of
the large number of adolescents that show symptoms
of it simply based on their environment
The psychologist also has to identify at least five of the
diagnostic criteria for the disorder

9. Diagnosis Criteria
Grandiose sense of self importance
Preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or
ideal love
Believe they are special and unique and can only be understood by, or should
associate with high-status people
Requires excessive admiration
Has a sense of entitlement
Interpersonally exploitative
Lack of empathy
Often envious of others or believes others are
envious of them

10. Treatment
The most common treatment of NPD is psychotherapy
It aims to help change personality traits of NPD and increase proficiency of social
interactions
It also strengthens the fragile self esteem that accompanies NPD and makes the
patient far less susceptible to criticism
Psychotherapy also helps release some of the
unattainable goals and helps with setting and
obtaining goals within reach

11. Misconceptions
Many people assume that NPD patients are acting because that is their
personality not because they have a disorder and usually ignore or avoid them
in social situations
Many believe that NPD patients are aware of what they are doing and can
consciously not exhibit the symptoms of
the disorder
Some assume that the symptoms of NPD
patients are fixed and will never get better
with help or therapy

12. Contents
Information about NPD
What it is like to have NPD

13. Daily Routine
NPD has significantly altered my daily routine
I have a two hour therapy session to squeeze into a busy workweek
I work 55 hour weeks and have almost 15 hours of therapy a week
This has significantly cut into my leisure time and relaxation
This makes it much harder to stay calm and focused and actually seems to make
my symptoms worse

14. Work Life
First off NPD has messed with my ability to find a stable job and keep it for long
periods of time
Many employers assume my disorder will mess with my ability to interact with
clients and coworkers
However, many people are understanding once I explain to them what NPD is
and how I’m working to get better

15. Dating
Finding a date has become significantly more difficult when people find out or
observe my symptoms
A lot of women assume I’m vain and wouldn’t care for them
They think I want to take advantage of them for my own benefit
So far I’ve had no luck, but maybe the right girl will be one that is understanding

16. Therapy
Therapy can be a wonderful thing and a great way to get better
Therapy has helped reduce my symptoms, ease my anxiety, and helped me have
more and better interpersonal relationships
My current therapist is a cognitive therapist which seems to work great for me
However, it shouldn’t matter the field of therapy you go to, it matters if you like
the therapist and feel that they are helping

17. Friendships
NPD has hurt my ability to make friends significantly
I have to make an effort to make friends I can’t just start talking to people
I have to plan out things I want to say and things I want to avoid
On top of that, many people shy away when I tell them I have NPD
They assume I’m an egotistical brat that only cares or thinks of myself, sure it
happens but I make conscious effort to not do that

18. Family
NPD has honestly not affected my relationships with my family
My family has become more supportive and helpful because of my disorder
My mother calls daily and my father calls on the weekends
NPD could not get to this precious part of my life, and for that I am grateful

19. Religion
I’m was and still am a Christian, before and after my diagnosis
When I first was diagnosed with NPD, I was angry at God and blamed it on him
In reality, getting diagnosed was one of the best things that happened to me
because I was able to realize what was going on and start to get better
It weakened my faith at first, but as of now it is only getting stronger

20. Overall Feelings
In all honesty, at first I thought that this was awful news and was going to ruin my
life
However, in actuality, it has improved it
It has given a reason for my symptoms and has made people more considerate
and mindful of those symptoms
It has allowed me to get help and improve
It is not like cancer or another disease where it gets
worse after the diagnosis
NPD can pretty much only get better with diagnosis