Narcissistic + Antisocial Personality Disorders

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) feel superior to others and crave attention, power, and admiration. While often charming and seemingly agreeable at first, they are preoccupied with how others can be of benefit to them, and lack an authentic ability to be in healthy “give-and-take” relationships. While research in this area is still in the early stages, there is some evidence that those with NPD have abnormalities in brain regions related to empathy, decision-making, and compassion. The combination of high self-importance and lack of empathy often results in abuses of power and a tendency to control and take advantage of others. Of note, there is research demonstrating the pervasive and damaging psychological impact on children and others who have been raised by/in relationships with those with NPD.

Other key features of this illness include:

• Fantasies about power, success and attractiveness
• Failure to recognize others’ needs and feelings
• Exaggeration of achievements or talents
• Expectation of constant praise and admiration
• Arrogance
• Unreasonable expectations of favours and advantages, often taking advantage of others
• Envy of others or belief that others envy you

How is Narcissistic Personality Disorders Treated?

At the present time, there is no evidence-based treatment of NPD though researchers continue to evaluate possible interventions. This is also a difficult illness to treat because those with the disorder do not believe there is anything wrong, therefore they do not seek treatment. In our clinic, we tend to provide treatment to those who are recovering from narcissistic abuse.

For more information on Narcissism, see Dr. Craig Mailkin

What is Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Most commonly associated with criminal activity and the engagement in socially deviant behaviour, APD is a complex illness that may stem from neurogenetic abnormalities. While the diagnosis cannot be made until an individual is 18 years of age or older, problems following rules, acting impulsively and in ways that are socially inappropriate, and engaging in violent or aggressive behaviour are often seen throughout adolescence. Individuals with APD show a significant disregard for the needs and feelings of other people and little or no remorse for their behaviour.

Common symptoms include:

• Deceitfulness, repeatedly lying, stealing, or conning others.
• Ongoing problems with the law.
• Lack of empathy, compassion for others
• Disregard for the safety of self and others
• Aggressive, often violent behaviour
• Impulsive behaviour
• Consistently irresponsible

How is Antisocial Personality Disorder Treated?

There is no evidence-based treatment for Antisocial Personality Disorder. While clinicians may use CBT to guide their treatment, most people with this disorder do not seek therapy as they do not see their behaviour as problematic.

Treatments

CBT

Learn More About Other Personality Disorders