narcissism as a personality disorder

1. Narcissistic
Yihana Ferrera and Fitzroy
Yearwood

2. Agenda
Introduction
Definition
Characteristics
Causes and Effect
How to handle a narcissistic
person
Case example
Presentation title 2

3. Introduction
Has anyone in here ever dealt with a narcissist
before?
How was it?
What were their behavior like?
Presentation title 3

4. Definition
Narcissism is a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own
importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships,
and a lack of empathy for others.

5. Characteristics
Presentation title 5
• Being overly boastful, exaggerating one’s own achievements
• Pretending to be superior to others
• Lack of empathy for others
• Looking down on others as inferior
• Monopolising conversations
• Impatient, angry, unhappy, depressed or has mood swings when criticized
• Easily disappointed when expected importance is not given
• Always craves for “the best” in everything
• Has a very fragile self-esteem

6. Presentation title 6
Cause Effect
Genetic change Depression
Parenting style either excessive pampering or criticism Drugs/alcohol abuse
Unpleasant family life during childhood Suicidal thoughts
Conduct disorder during childhood Post-traumatic stress
Changes in the structure or functioning of brain Trouble sleeping
Lost of someone close Anxiety/depression

7. How to handle a narcissistic
person

8. 1. Educate yourself about NPD
2. Build your self-esteem
3. Speak up for yourself
4. Set clear boundaries
5. Practice skills to keep calm
6. Find a support system
7. Insist on immediate action, not promises
8. Understand that a narcissistic person may need professional help
9. Recognize when you need help

9. Case example
g
Presentation title 9
A 42-year-old male professional in public office, Edgar, was forced to resign after being arrested when
visiting a brothel. In the aftermath, he suffered from depression, considerable alcohol consumption, and
was admitted for a three-month treatment. He stopped drinking, but his depression remained
unresponsive to anti-depressant medication. Still, without meaningful activities, he felt empty, restless,
and was eventually referred to psychotherapy.
Developmental history indicates that at age five, Edgar’s father left the family and they did not meet
again until he was in law school. He was always ahead of his age and went through school without
difficulty. In law school, he got high marks without hard work. He had many acquaintances, but no close
friendships, and always felt like an outsider. He got married and had two children. Reaching his mid-
thirties, Edgar felt bored. He had everything: house, career, and family. He was respected and
accomplished but felt he didn’t belong. He started drinking heavily and visiting brothels.
The psychotherapist found him self-assured, easily irritated, and quick to make devaluing
remarks. Interactions during weekly appointments were extremely difficult. Unwilling to explore his
situation or his feelings, he blamed the therapist for the impasse and told the therapist that he would
not change and that the therapist could not help. The therapist dreaded the appointments, while the
patient, despite finding the sessions unhelpful, always showed up. When the therapist announced a
three-week break, Edgar suggested the treatment end and did not return. Nine months later, Edgar
informed the therapist that he moved to another city, had a leading position working with international
trade, and was greeted as a king. He said nothing about his wife and children. Nor did he indicate how
he felt about the treatment.

10. Thank
you
Yihana and Fitzroy
Yana_ferrera
501_royy.o