Teen Narcissistic Disorder
Teen Narcissistic Disorder
Teenage narcissistic personality disorder is a serious condition that can cause emotional turmoil for both parents and their teenager. Marked by an over-inflated sense of ego, this disorder is typically the result of severe insecurities. Teens with narcissistic personality disorder are often unable to maintain relationships or reasonable expectations, resulting in difficulties at home and in school. However, with the right treatment, teens can learn ways to overcome these destructive views and behaviors, so that they can lead a well-adjusted and purposeful life.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Teens?
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is characterized by an ongoing need for validation, an overall lack of empathy, and an overblown ego. Teens with this disorder often have a difficult time with criticism and act out defensively when they feel that their sense of self-importance is being threatened. Furthermore, they typically believe that they are better than their peers, often feeling as if they are entitled to special treatment.
Teenage narcissistic personality disorder can make it hard for individuals to form sustainable, interpersonal relationships as they are too focused on themselves and their own desires. In many cases, they take advantage of others for their own self-interests and exhibit little to no consideration for the needs or emotions of those around them. Thankfully, with proper treatment, teens can address underlying insecurities while learning ways to garner empathy and identify narcissistic characteristics.
Types of Teen Narcissistic Disorder
There are several different types of narcissistic personality disorder, each with its own unique set of symptoms and challenges. These types include:
- Unprincipled Narcissist: Unprincipled narcissists have no fear of any consequences and typically disregard rules, boundaries, and the well-being of others. They may lie, cheat, or steal and often exhibit antisocial behaviors.
- Amorous Narcissist: An amorous narcissist craves attention and admiration in romantic partnerships. They often use charm and flattery to seduce or garner validation from others. In most cases, their love is conditional and based on what they can gain from being with their partner—therefore, the majority of their relationships prove to be superficial.
- Compensatory Narcissist: Compensatory narcissists conceal insecurities by overcompensating and appearing overly self-assured. Their sense of purpose hinges on achievements, status, or material belongings. When they feel they are not getting the validation they deserve, they may react with anger or passive-aggressive behaviors.
- Elitist Narcissist: An elitist narcissist displays a strong sense of entitlement and superiority. They often look down on those they feel have lower status or intellect. This commonly manifests through boasting about themselves and belittling others.
- Fanatic Narcissist: A person who is a fanatic narcissist associates their sense of identity and purpose to a specific belief or cause. They commit themselves to these views as a means of garnering validation. Furthermore, they show a sense of superiority—dismissing the beliefs of others and aggressively defending their own convictions.
Causes of Teenage Narcissism
Teenage narcissistic personality disorder can develop as a result of environmental, psychological, and genetic factors. This is because these influences can cause deep-rooted insecurities and a need to reinforce the ego to safeguard the mind from emotional pain. Underlying factors that can lead to the development of this disorder include:
- Chemical Imbalance: Individuals may have hormonal irregularities in their brains causing unhealthy thought patterns.
- Abuse: Traumatic experiences such as verbal, physical, or emotional abuse at home or at school can lead to intense mental challenges. Teens may compensate with narcissistic tendencies as a coping mechanism.
- Family History: Those with parents or other close family members who have been diagnosed with a type of personality disorder may be more likely to develop one.
- Ineffective Parenting: Both consistent criticism and excessive complimenting can be linked to teenage narcissistic personality disorder. Those with parents who are too harsh may exhibit narcissistic traits as a way to cover insecurities. Alternatively, parents who give their children too much adoration and validation often foster an unhealthy sense of superiority.
How to Help Your Teenager With Narcissism
It is understandable to be concerned when your teen displays narcissistic tendencies. Thankfully, there are strategies you can utilize to help your teen improve symptoms of NPD so that they can exhibit healthy behaviors and establish meaningful relationships.
These include showing empathy and patience while establishing unwavering boundaries. Furthermore, it is important to always foster open communication and provide them with positive feedback when they do display healthy social traits such as self-awareness and empathy. When they do demonstrate narcissistic tendencies, discuss the feelings behind their behavior and help them identify how their actions are affecting others.
Ultimately, professional treatment is the most effective way to improve the symptoms of teenage narcissistic personality disorder. While in treatment, your teen will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a highly experienced therapist.
Their goal is to assist your teen in better managing their emotions, enhancing their coping skills, and becoming more aware of the consequences of their words and actions. Furthermore, your teen will be able to participate in outdoor activities and group therapy, which promote positive social interactions.
Our Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment Programs for Teens
We offer personalized programs designed to meet the specific needs and recovery goals of teenagers facing narcissistic personality disorder. Our compassionate team uses an integrative strategy that encompasses both evidence-based and holistic interventions. We address the psychological, emotional, and physical components of this condition to ensure a balanced, whole-body approach to healing. The comprehensive programs offered at our California center include the following.
Residential Treatment
Also known as inpatient rehab, Hillcrest’s residential treatment program offers a safe environment in which teens can fully immerse themselves in the recovery process. While in our care, they receive round-the-clock support and structure—away from the challenges associated with the external world. Teens will feel comfortable and secure while residing in our spacious accommodations and having access to our luxurious amenities.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Hillcrest’s partial hospitalization program is an ideal transition from residential care. Those in this program attend treatment sessions around five days a week for several hours at a time. It is designed to incorporate more freedom and flexibility into treatment, without compromising consistency and progress. This option is also valid for those who need to reside in their home environment throughout their treatment journey.
How Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treated?
Signs and Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Teens
Early detection and intervention are essential in treating teenage narcissistic personality disorder. Once evaluated and diagnosed by an experienced professional, teens with this condition will participate in a range of treatment modalities. This may include behavioral therapies, holistic strategies, and experiential activities. Treatment services offered at Hillcrest include:
- Education: Our education program allows your child to continue making academic progress while receiving crucial mental health treatment.
- Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) focus on replacing unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors with improved ways of thinking and coping.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy assists teens in working through unresolved experiences and conflicts that have contributed to the insecurities and social difficulties associated with NPD.
- Interpersonal Therapy: This therapeutic approach teaches those with NPD how to display compassion and establish healthy relationships.
- Family Therapy: Family involvement is crucial in sustaining recovery as it teaches parents and teenagers how to listen and communicate effectively.
- Personal Development: This approach focuses on strengthening self-awareness, which plays a critical role in mitigating narcissistic tendencies.
- Equine Therapy: Caring for and interacting with horses encourages teens to feel empathy, improve impulse control, enhance emotional regulation, and establish a healthy sense of confidence.
- Recovery Management Therapy: This provides teens with continued support as they work on long-term symptom reduction.
- Expressive Therapy: Outlets such as writing, music, and art can help teens more effectively process and express their inner thoughts and feelings.
- Outdoor Therapy: Spending time in nature benefits those with narcissistic tendencies as it fosters emotional growth, self-reflection, and positive social interactions.
Why Hillcrest?
Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center is a dynamic residential facility located in the tropical foothills of Agoura Hills. We specialize in the treatment of mental health conditions, such as teenage narcissistic personality disorder. Our expert mental health professionals and therapists are committed to the long-lasting and sustained healing of each of our clients—both during and post-treatment.
Hillcrest’s individualized approach allows for personal attention and the highest level of care. We recognize the unique nature and experience of each client and value the distinct abilities and traits that your loved ones bring to the Hillcrest program. In addition to individualized therapeutic programs, we offer a variety of extracurricular activities and hobbies to ensure healthy and fun outlets.
We want teens to flourish while at Hillcrest and, moreover, to learn how to nurture positive characteristics that will help them achieve independence and make constructive, impactful changes upon reintegration into the outside world.
Find Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder in California
We understand how confusing, worrisome, and frustrating it can be for you and your teen to cope with their narcissistic personality disorder. At Hillcrest, we take your teen’s specific needs into consideration. Our full continuum of therapeutic services is designed to help your teen in every facet of their life. It’s time to get them the help they deserve so that your family can find harmony and happiness. To learn more about our teenage narcissistic personality disorder program, give us a call or visit our admissions page today.
