Theory and Research Based Treatments

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) [DSM-5 301. 81 (F60. 81)] is an example of such disorders where one is highly unrealistic in the estimation of their importance and achievements. People suffering from NPD are often arrogant, feel entitled, and are in constant need of attention and admiration. The prevalence of NPD is not known, and victims portray unstable types (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Most of the theories that investigate the causes of narcissistic personality disorder do not concentrate on biological factors but on environmental factors (Wright& Furnham, 2014). However, there are many criteria included in the diagnosis of the disorder, and this can help explain its causes. The DSM 5 indicates that parents who excessively criticize or excessively pamper their children may cause them to develop the disorder (APA, 2013).

The ICD-10 (The 10th Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) only specifies NPD in the “other specific personality disorder category” [F60. 0-F60. The first criterion touches on a patient’s sense of narcissism or self-importance. People with the disorder have very grandiose levels of self-aggrandizement. They tend to overstate their achievements and capabilities in a bid to boost their ego and devalue others (APA, 2013). The second element touches on a patients fantasies with regards to their power and success. Most do not feel recognized or appreciated enough by their colleagues or counterparts. The primary reason given for this is that it falls in a category of personality disorders that lack a scientific basis behind them alongside schizotypal personality disorders.

As such, the ICD 10 categorizes borderline personality disorders into two, meaning that patients receive different diagnoses with regard to the nosology used. In contrast, the DSM 5 removes the arbitrary boundaries between well-known mental disorders and personality disorders. The DSM 5 classifies narcissistic personality disorder as a cluster B personality disorder [Narcissistic Personality Disorder DSM-5 301. 81 (F60. He has been previously found to have a personality disorder, albeit unspecified. Believing that therapy has not improved him, he decides to change therapists and try a female one. After being sounded by Rio, Dr. Sylvia Banks asks him to meet her so that she can review his symptoms and notes from his previous therapists before deciding whether to sign up as Rio’s new therapist. In the assessment, Dr.

His sense of self-importance has also led to difficulties in developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships. Dr. Banks concluded that Rio had many diagnostic behaviors associated with NPD. He thinks he is special, talented, overly important, and supremely talented even though he is unemployed and not in a relationship. To him, the world is faulty because it does not recognize his value. In another approach, Kohut (1971) points out that past psychiatrists attributed an individual’s exaggerated sense of self-worth to parental failures. As such, they used different phases to administer treatment that focused on how to mirror the idealization. The method entailed a psychiatrist using transference to develop a disillusion gradually in an individual. Other past psychiatrists would use a combination of the two approaches whereby they would use transference to develop a disillusion in a patient and then use the confrontational approach to snap the person’s views back to reality.

While group therapy was popular in the past, it has been found to be ineffective as it proved difficult to address and engage ego-driven patients simultaneously. Conclusion While the DSM 5 is very detailed in its description of narcissistic personality disorder, the ICD-10 is ambiguous in its description. The DSM 5 goes even further to illuminate how NPD can be confused with other personality disorders. As such, is recommended that one refers to the DSM 5 description to give an accurate diagnosis of NPD. References American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th Ed. ajp. Kealy, D. , Goodman, G. , Rasmussen, B. , Weideman, R. Retrieved 3rd July 2018, from http://www. mayoclinic. org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality- McLeod, S. A. Psychodynamic approach. Psychology. Vol. http://dx.