When we hear or think about someone having a personality disorder, we often picture someone unable to function. However, the range of severity for personality disorders is vast. Many who have personality disorders struggle with relationships and other areas of daily life and could likely benefit from counseling. However, it is not until their symptoms impair their ability to perform daily responsibilities that seeking mental health treatment programs becomes necessary.

At Harmony Hills, we know that neglecting your mental health can lead to significant physical and psychological issues, resulting in worsening symptoms, impaired personal and professional relationships, legal issues, substance use disorders, and more. If you or a loved one has a mental health condition like narcissistic personality disorder disrupting your daily functioning, Harmony Hills can help. Call 855.494.0357 to learn more about our mental health treatment programs.

Do You Need Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment?

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is one of ten individually identified personality disorders. All personality disorders are divided into three categories, called clusters, according to their common characteristics. Cluster B personality disorders are distinguished by overly emotional, dramatic, or unpredictable thinking or behavior. Cluster B personality disorders include:

• Antisocial personality disorder
• Histrionic personality disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Narcissistic personality disorder

NPD, in particular, often manifests as an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) have an overly inflated concept of self and an almost desperate need for attention from others. Further, they have little value for the opinions of others and ignore other people’s needs. There is a difference between someone who is narcissistic and someone with NPD, which is a diagnosable mental health disorder. Signs or symptoms of NPD can include the following:

The belief that they are special or unique and should only associate with the same type of people

• The constant need for praise, attention, and affirmation
• An exaggerated sense of their achievements and abilities
• Sense of entitlement and expectations of special treatment
• Preoccupation with power, success, and fantasies of achieving them
• The exploitation of others for personal gain
• Extreme sense of entitlement and expectation of special treatment

Those with narcissistic personality disorder are often perceived as being self-centered, arrogant, and conceited. They imagine themselves as superior to others and strive to attain a status that they feel reflects their self-worth. At the core of their exaggerated sense of ego is usually an unconscious sense of low self-esteem attributable to:

• Excessive and undue praise
• Parental overindulgence
• Lack of authentic validation
• Unreliable parenting
• Abuse or trauma
• Parental modeling

Behind the mask of narcissistic personality disorder often lies a fragile sense of self-esteem or self-worth that is exceptionally vulnerable to the slightest criticism. In fact, criticism often propels those with NPD to go to extreme measures to prove their worth to others.

The Goals of Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment Programs

Compared to mood disorders, there is considerably less research on the effective treatment for personality disorders. Most experts consider personality disorders more challenging to treat because they are shaped by innate personality traits that are primarily unchangeable. Additionally, it is less common for those with personality disorders to seek treatment than those with mood disorders. That said, several evidence-based treatments are progressively showing to be effective for personality disorder treatment.

Individuals who have NPD are not likely to acknowledge their condition and very rarely seek treatment. Most often, these individuals seek treatment for co-occurring disorders, and that is when NPD is uncovered. A combination of psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications can help these individuals achieve the following treatment goals:

• Gain insight into patterns of thinking
• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Change maladaptive ways of thinking and behaving
• Improve communication, interpersonal, and coping skills
• Modify personality traits like manipulativeness

Residential treatment is often best for those with personality disorders because of the structure and boundaries. Also, individuals can receive instant feedback on observable behaviors, helping them become more aware.

Treatments for Narcissistic Personality Disorder at Harmony Hills

Harmony Hills offers evidence-based treatments in a safe and supportive environment. Our team understands how difficult it can be to admit you need help, especially for something as personal and stigmatized as mental health treatment. That’s why we strive to provide compassionate care that addresses the whole person, not just their diagnosis.

Our residential program includes:

• Comprehensive psychological and medical evaluations
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders like substance use disorder or depression

Individuals engage in a variety of evidence-based therapies that are tailored to their specific needs. For instance, our cognitive-behavioral therapy program helps individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviors and replace them with healthier ones.

Find Personality Disorder Therapy at Harmony Hills in Florida

With personality disorder therapy in Florida, you will receive education about your disorder to gain insight into your thinking and behavior patterns. The team at Harmony Hills provides evidence-based, holistic treatment to help you overcome the obstacles created by your personality disorder. Contact us at 855.494.0357 to learn about your treatment options for narcissistic personality disorder and co-occurring disorders.