Narcissistic personality disorder and marriage: Is a healthy relationship possible?

**Comprehensive review of narcissistic personality disorder: definition, symptoms and treatments** Narcissistic personality disorder (NPDNPDNPD) is a serious mental challenge that can severely reduce a person's quality of life and disrupt their interpersonal relationships. Although there is no definitive treatment for this disorder, approaches such as continuous psychotherapy, taking medication if necessary and using self-care techniques can play an effective role in controlling symptoms and improving mental health.

**What is narcissistic personality disorder?** Narcissistic personality disorder is an unstable and traumatic behavior pattern in which a person does not have the desire to understand or empathize with others. In the eyes of these people, the world is divided into two categories: "I am good and others are bad". They usually approach relationships from a high position and have a commanding and domineering relationship; As if others are subordinates and they are rulers. Even in situations where the mistake is clearly from their side, they still do not accept the responsibility and rarely give the right to the other party. The desire for power is very strong in these people and it manifests in different ways in different situations: - **In emotional relationships:** With control, possessiveness and exclusivity - **In the work environment:** With an obsessive desire to lead and seek superiority Accurate identification of this disorder requires a clinical evaluation by a psychiatrist or a specialist psychologist so that a correct diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment can be started. **Diagnostic criteria DSM−5−TRDSM-5-TRDSM−5−TR for narcissistic personality disorder** A pervasive pattern of self-aggrandizement (in imagination or behavior) that begins in early adulthood and is present in a variety of contexts and is characterized by five (or more) of the following: 1. Feels too self-conceited (for example, exaggerates his achievements and talents and expects too much praise without having significant and specific successes). 2. Engages in fantasies of unlimited success, power, fame, beauty, or ideal love. 3. It is believed to be "special" and unique and can only be understood or related to by other special or high-status individuals (or institutions). 4. Needs excessive praise and admiration. 5. He has a sense of entitlement and is always entitled (that is, he has excessive and unreasonable expectations or expects others to automatically meet his expectations and demands). 6. Interpersonally, he is exploitative and exploitative (that is, he exploits others to achieve his goals). 7. Lacks empathy and does not want to understand or identify the feelings and needs of others. 8. He is often jealous of others or believes that others are jealous of him. 9. He behaves arrogantly or looks down. **When you are in a relationship with a person with narcissistic personality disorder…** ❌ He is not a listener; The voice ignores your feelings and needs. By humiliating you and others, he feels superior and powerful. ❌ He never accepts responsibility for his part in relationship problems. ❌ Even if he regrets inside, he never expresses it. Narcissists need help learning to experience love instead of admiration more than they think. **How to deal with people with narcissistic personality disorder?** **1. Define the framework of the conversation clearly. When interacting with narcissists, it is necessary to define and limit the topic of conversation from the very beginning. For example, if you are going to talk to your manager about a raise, be direct and clear: "I'd like to discuss my performance and salary increase policies." The same approach can be used against arrogant colleagues. For example: "I know you're passionate about your work, but let's focus on my project." **2. Be prepared in advance** Before entering the conversation, consider the possibility of questions or possible reactions of the other person and have appropriate answers in mind. If you are faced with an unexpected question, keeping your cool and showing that you don't break easily is the key to your success. **3. Gently change the direction of the conversation** When dealing with challenging topics or provocative behavior, you can gently move the issue to another direction. For example, if the employer makes an illegal request, do not object directly, but discuss the legal restrictions and possible consequences. **4. Build an agreement background** To get the upper hand in the conversation, try to agree on some simpler points before getting into the main discussion. This will reduce the psychological pressure of the conversation and prevent you from making decisions that are harmful to you. Also, in the way of expression, instead of decisive sentences, use phrases that allow more flexibility; For example, say: "I think..." instead of "I know...". **5. Identify sensitizing stimuli** Narcissists react negatively to opinions that differ from their own. It is better to know the things that provoke them and avoid them in the next conversations. This will prevent them from repeatedly showing off their power and put the conversation on a more effective track. **How to recognize narcissistic personality disorder?** People with narcissistic personality disorder are often characterized by traits such as pride, self-centeredness, and high expectations. They consider themselves superior and different from others, and this feeling of superiority forms the main basis of their behavior. Despite their self-confident appearance, these people are highly dependent on the approval and admiration of others and react negatively and defensively to the slightest criticism. The salient features of this disorder include the following: Magnifying personal abilities and achievements - Trivializing the talent or success of others - Persistent mental preoccupation with ideals such as power, fame, beauty, or success - Tendency to sudden and risky behaviors such as gambling or risky sex Accurate diagnosis of narcissistic disorder requires a psychological evaluation by a specialist to distinguish it from other similar disorders. **Effective solutions to deal with narcissistic personality disorder** If you feel like you're paying too much attention to yourself and it's affecting your personal or professional relationships, there are various therapies that can help you find balance: **1. Specialized psychotherapy sessions: ** A conversation with an experienced psychotherapist or psychiatrist will help you find a more realistic view of yourself and better understand your behavioral challenges. **2. Rethinking thoughts with a CBT approach:** In cognitive-behavioral therapy, you learn how to let go of destructive and self-centered thinking and replace it with healthier, more rational responses. **3. Drug treatment if necessary: ​​** In cases where symptoms such as anxiety or depression are also seen along with this disorder, the use of drugs under the supervision of a specialist doctor can be part of the treatment process. **4. Join therapy groups:** Interacting with people who have similar experiences can help you feel less alone and help you find more practical solutions to your behavioral challenges. **5. Changing behavior in everyday life: ** Practicing new behavioral skills, learning empathy, and fostering authentic connections will help you build healthier relationships. Pirizh Clinic with a team of psychotherapy and psychiatric specialists is with you to take a safe, scientific and human way in the treatment of narcissistic personality disorder. Contact us and take an important step for your personal growth.

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