Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Abstract

It is a mental disorder in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need too much attention from people. People who are suffering from this disease may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others. Narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life such as financial matters, school, work, and relationships. Here in this article, we will discuss this disease in detail and its Ayurvedic management also.

Introduction

A narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which a patient believes that he is better than everyone else. The word narcissism means self-obsessed. These individuals need topmost priority at all times. This disease is caused due to childhood trauma, early relationships, hypersensitivity, and genetic factors. The symptoms shown by narcissistic personality disorder are fast mood swings, craving attention and unrealistic goals, etc. This disease can be diagnosed by personality tests easily. People with this disorder may be generally unhappy when they are not given special favors. In this disorder mainly males are affected. This disorder not only affects the individual but also others in society. Let’s discuss this in detail.

Causes

• Hypersensitivity to light, noise, and textures.
• Environment- the bad relationship between parent and child.
• Neurobiology- the connection between the brain and thinking.
• Children whose parents do more praise are at higher risk
• The children are ignored and abused badly.
• Males are more prone to NPD as compared to females.
• Genetics- inherited characteristics
• Childhood trauma
• Early relationships

Subtypes

1. The Covert Narcissist

It is the subtype of narcissistic personality disorder in which the patient tends to be shy, self-effacing, hypersensitive, and chronically envious. They often think their problems are worse than everyone else.

2. The Cerebral Narcissist

This type of patient derives their self-importance from their intellect. They believe that they are smarter than everyone else.

3. The Somatic Narcissist

They get their self-worth from their bodies. They tend to obsess over physical appearance and criticize others based on their

4. The Spiritual Narcissist

They always try to show their level of spirituality and closeness to God. They also claim that they had a vision from God about someone else.

Symptoms

• Fast mood swings
• Set unrealistic goals
• hey think that they are special
• Show off their talents and achievements
• They think about themselves and talk about themself a lot
• Fantasize about unlimited money and success
• They don’t take others’ feelings seriously
• Crave attention
• They always try to Put themself first
• Struggle to keep relationships
• Upset other people often
• Being selfish
• They always think that they know the right way
• Not able to keep the relationship for a longer time

Complications

• Suicidal thoughts
• Drug or alcohol misuse
• Physical health problems
• Anorexia

Other personality disorders such as

• Relationship difficulties
• Depression
• Anxiety

Diagnosis

1. Questionnaires

If a patient has symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder then psychotherapists will give him questionnaires. After asking questions, therapists can easily diagnose the patient.

2. Personality tests

In this test, psychotherapists ask questions of patients. This test includes a personality diagnostic questionnaire, millon clinical multiaxial inventory, and an international personality disorder examination.

Treatment

In this disease, doctors prescribe medications to treat symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder.

1. Antidepressants

These medicines manage depression but it has some side effects. The drugs which are given to the patients are fluoxetine and paroxetine etc.

2. Mood Stabilizers

To reduce mood swings, mood stabilizers are given to the patients. Eg. lithium.

3. Antipsychotic Drugs

These drugs reduce depression and anxiety in patients. Examples of antipsychotic drugs are aripiprazole and risperidone.

4. Psychotherapy

Many therapies are used in the management of narcissistic personality disorder. Some therapies are as follows

• Psychoanalytic psychotherapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Schema-focused psychotherapy
• Metacognitive interpersonal psychotherapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy

This therapy is also known as talk therapy. In this therapist might work with the patient on the

• Maintaining good relationships with family and coworkers
• Understand and regulate the feelings
• Try to minimize unrealistic goals and ideal conditions

Prevention

Some methods that help in the prevention of narcissistic personality disorder are as follows

• Consult your doctor as soon as possible
• Seek guidance from a social worker

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda is a Vedic science that not only focuses on physical well-being but also focuses on mental and psychological health. It is one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine. As we all know the entire universe is made up of five elements i.e. Aakash, Vayu, Agni, Jal, and Prithvi. These five elements form the three basic senses of humor of the human body i.e. vata, pitta, and kapha. In Ayurveda, the concept of Prakriti is mentioned which is based on the mental and physical constitution of a person. According to Ayurveda mental disorders are caused due to imbalance of mansik doshas such as sattva, rajas, and tamas. Mental disorders mainly occur due to the aggravation of rajas and tamas doshas and the decrease of sattva dosha. The management of mental disorders works in the reverse way in which equilibrium would be set between attributes of the mind i.e. sattva, rajas, and tamas. This disease can be manageable by some ayurvedic therapies such as daaivavapashrya chikitsa, yuktivyapashrya chikitsa, satwavajaya chikitsa and achara rasayana.

Daivavyapashray chikitsa

Daivavyapashraya means to manage the symptoms of disease with the support of god. This chikitsa is used for mental and psychosomatic disorders. When the medicines do not work this therapy can be considered. This chikitsa works on faith and it is also called faith and spiritual therapy. It is divine therapy and derived from the Atharva Veda. In this mantra, mani, homa, niyam, ausadha and yatragamana can be used.

Yuktivyapashrya chikitsa

This chick is divided into three parts i.e. antah parimarjan (internal purification), bahirparimarjin (external purification), and shastra pranidhana (surgical therapy). In Santa Parimarjan chikitsa elevated doshas can be managed by shodan and shaman procedures. In Bahir parimarjan medicines apply to the body externally. Due to this it increases blood circulation and releases any blockages. In Shastra, pranidhana surgical therapy can be done.

Satwavajaya chikitsa

Satwavajaya means strength of mind. It is a non-pharmacological approach to managing mental disorders. In mental disorders, a person loses his satwa and smriti and the main aim of this chikitsa is to enhance the satwa gun and balance the other mansik doshas. So satwavajaya chikitsa is considered to be the best management of Manik doshas.

Achara Rasayana

According to acharya charaka patients should follow Achar rasayana for better psychological health. It is a very unique concept to calms the mind and rejuvenates. In this method, a person should be truthful, free from anger, avoid alcohol, and have stable thoughts, etc.

Along with these therapies, this disease can be managed by some herbs. The herbs which are useful in the management of this disease are brahmi, jatamansi, haritaki, Shatavari, vacha, ashwagandha, etc. These herbs mainly work on the brain and regenerate the brain cells. The functions of these herbs are as follows

Brahmi

This herb contains powerful antioxidants and boosts brain functions. This herb is mainly present in wet areas.  It also has anti-allergic properties that are helpful in reducing redness and irritation. It also enhances the ability of the mind to learn and concentrate on things properly. Thus Brahmi is a powerful brain health supplement that mainly works on the brain and helps in reducing the symptoms of Narcissistic personality disorder.

Jatamansi

jatamansi is an ayurvedic herb that calms the brain and strengthens the nervous system. To boost your mind and get rid of mental disorders this herb is very beneficial.

Ashwagandha

This herb is very beneficial in stress-related disorders. It gives strength to the brain and also controls blood sugar levels. The symptoms shown by narcissistic personality disorder can easily be managed by this wonderful herb.

Shatavari

Shatavari is a very useful herb in the management of psychosomatic disorders. It controls the serotonin levels in the body and relieves us from anxiety and depression.

Haritaki

Haritaki maintains the nervous system. It has neuroprotective elements that help in preventing memory loss and relieves tension.

Vacha

It is an ancient herb and has many health benefits. It has mainly antidepressant properties. It is very helpful in the management of mental disorders.

Thus these herbs are very helpful in the management of narcissistic personality disorder. These are all herbs present in the herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda.

Herbal remedies for narcissistic personality disorder by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a worldwide company that treats humans as well as animals. This is a GMP-certified company. All the medicines made by this company are natural and free from side effects. This company makes medicines under the observation of MD Ayurveda doctors. Planet Ayurveda makes medicine in the form of tablets, syrup, and churna. All the products are gluten-free. In the case of narcissistic personality disorder following products are offered by Planet Ayurveda

Product list

1. Brahmi capsules
2. Maha Paisachika Ghrit
3. Saraswatarisht
4. Stress Support

Product Description

1. Brahmi Capsules

Brahmi capsules are made using pure extracts of Brahmi(Bacopa monnieri). Brahmi is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine. In Ayurveda, it is also considered a medhya rasayana. It is a non-aromatic or creeping herb that usually grows in wet places. The leaves of Brahmi look like the cerebellum of the brain and promote intelligence. It mainly works on the brain and regenerates the brain cells. It also has anti-allergic properties that are helpful in reducing redness and irritation. It also enhances the ability of the mind to learn and concentrate on things properly. Thus Brahmi is a powerful brain health supplement that mainly works on the brain and helps in reducing the symptoms of Narcissistic personality disorder.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with water after meals.

2. Maha Paisachika ghrit

Mahapaishachika ghrit is an Ayurvedic medicine that consists of natural herbs. The main ingredients of this ghrit are jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), haritaki(Terminalia chebula), vacha Acorus calamus), and sthira (Desmodium genetic), etc. This ghrit is very useful for improving memory, epilepsy, and intelligence. Thus this ghrit is very useful in the management of mental disorders.

The reference of this ghrit is (Charaka chikitsa sthana chapter 9 Shlok no. 45-48)

Dosage: 1 tsp daily with warm water

3. Saraswatarisht

It is an Ayurvedic formulation that consists of a total of eighteen ingredients. All the ingredients in this capsule are natural. The main ingredients of these capsules are Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), sharara (Saccharum), saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), adrak (Zingiber officinale), khas (Vetiveria zizanioides) and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), etc. Saraswatarishta is a powerful medhya rasayana and has other therapeutic qualities such as memory enhancing, anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant properties, etc. It also balances the brain chemicals i.e. neurotransmitters and dopamine due to which level of serotonin hormone in the body is under control. Thus, saraswatarisht is a traditional medicine to enhance the functions of the brain.

Dosage: 12 to 25 ml once or twice daily

4. Stress support

The main ingredients of this capsule are ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Sagar (Valeriana wallichii), and Brahmi(Bacopa monnieri).This capsule is mainly helpful in the management of stress and pacifies the nervous system. It also increases our mental and physical performance. Ashwagandha present in this capsule helps in controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Tagar is present in this capsule reducing anxiety and calming the central nervous system. The main function of this capsule is to fight against depression.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

It is a mental disorder in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need too much attention from people. People who are suffering from this disease may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others. Narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life such as financial matters, school, work, and relationships. This disease will not affect individuals but also others in society. If it goes untreated in an earlier stage it will go on for a lifetime. In earlier stages, patients can be treated with psychotherapy. In Ayurveda, this disease can be correlated with the imbalance of manshik doshas and managed by some herbs and ayurvedic therapies such as daivavyapashray chikitsa, yuktivyapashrya chilies and satwavajaya chikitsa, etc. Here in this article, we will discuss this disease in detail and its Ayurvedic management also.