Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (continued)
Individual Psychotherapy
Most psychiatrists treat their severely narcissistic patients for symptoms related to crises and relatively external Axis I diagnoses, instead of addressing the personality disorder itself. The therapist must be aware of the importance of narcissism to the contiguity of the patient's psyche, refrain from confronting the need for self-aggrandizement, and help the patient use his or her narcissistic characteristics to reconstitute an intact self-image.
Group Therapy
The aim of group therapy is to help the patient develop a healthy individuality.
The first step towards the aim is to surround the patient with understanding and kindness. Group therapy can make the patient control destructive behavior in spite of ego weakness, creating a better setting for confrontation and clarification. Also, groups can offer the patient supportive relationships.
