Ayurvedic Management of Narcissistic Personality Disorder [NPD]Mental ILLNESS

Abstract

There are several types of personality disorders which are mental conditions. One among them is Narcissistic personality disorder [NPD]. It is known to occur more in males than females. In this condition the person is blown up with a sense of self-importance along with many other factors which will be discussed in this article. Along with it, we will be discussing various other symptoms, causes, and Ayurvedic Management of Narcissistic Personality Disorder [NPD].

Introduction

Narcissistic personality disorder [NPD] can be said as a superiority complex disorder, as in this condition a person has self-esteem that is vulnerable to even the slightest denunciation. People with this condition may have problems with family, friends, at work, and in relationships due to their disgraceful behavior. They generally are unhappy and disappointed when they do not receive the special service they believe to deserve from your side. However, you may find it hectic being around them due to their constant behavior to seek unwanted attention and validation from you.

Ayurvedic Aspect

In  Ayurveda 3 doshas [Vata, Pitta, Kapha] are categorized for the body, similarly, 3 gunas [Sattva,  Rajas, Tamas] are categorized for the mind. Likewise the doshas, these gunas have their distinctive qualities. Sattva guna is considered to be flawless while Rajas represents agony and action) and Tamas guna represents dormancy and passivity. In short Sattav guna is considered pure and superior to Rajas and Tamas guna. All 3 gunas have their subtypes namely

7 Subtypes of Sattva guna

• Brahm
• Mahendra
• Varunn
• Kober
• Gandharv
• Yamya
• Rishi

6 subtypes of Rajas guna

• Aasura
• Sarpa
• Shakun
• Rakshak
• Paishach
• Preta

3 subtypes of Tamas guna

• Pashu
• Matasya
• Vanaspatya

From these 16 subtypes, we can relate ‘Aasura Sattva’ (subtype of Rajas guna) qualities with Narcissistic personality disorder [NPD] symptoms, which are similar to a large extent example –

• They care about their own
• They are selfish
• Have a self-esteem
• They are deceiving in nature and can be cruel

Causes

Causes are said to be unknown in medicine or can be due to –

• Environmental factors
• Biological factors

According to Ayurveda, its cause is

Rajas guna of mind, which dominates Vata and Pitta doshas

Symptoms

Narcissistic personality disorder [NPD] symptoms vary from person to person and according to the severity of the disease. The most commonly found symptoms are –

• Sense of self-esteem
• Have a superiority complex but deep down have feelings of humiliation, shame, and criticism.
• Having fantasies about perfection
• Expect special favors from others
• Arrogant and selfish
• Cannot handle criticism

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Narcissistic personality disorder [NPD] is a bit difficult and is done based on the symptoms of the person as described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health, APA.
There is no physical test analysis for this mental condition.

Complications

The complications of Narcissistic personality disorder [NPD] can be listed as –

• Problems with family, friends, and relationships.
• Troubles at work
• Suicidal thoughts
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance misuse

Treatment

The treatment for Narcissistic personality disorder [NPD] is

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy helps the person to better understand the emotions and relations with others. It also increases the ability of the person to accept their failures and criticism. The person will learn to tolerate issues related to his superiority complex. With time the condition of the person can get better and family members can be indulged in these therapies.

Medications

Anti epressants and anti-anxiety drugs can be prescribed but they are seen to not affect the condition of the person. Also, the long-term use of such medications may cause other health problems.

Ayurvedic Treatment by Planet Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, we can use various treatment protocols for beneficial results which include

Diet Plans

Since Narcissistic personality disorder [NPD] is a Rajas gun disorder. The satvik diet can help reduce the symptoms. Satvik diet enhances Sattav guna in the body which ultimately increases harmony, and maintains balance in the mind of the person. You can get recommended diet from a good Ayurveda practitioner.

Daivavapashrya chikitsa

Sattav, Rajas, and Tamas guna are displayed by god in our minds. Praying to god for goodwill and positivity in your life can help the person recover in a better way and in less time. This spiritual practice is indicated in maximum diseases along with mental disorders.

Herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda for NPD

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified, ISO-certified, and US-FDA-registered ayurvedic company which prepares natural medicines by using authentic ways. The herbal medicines prepared by the company are prescribed worldwide for many health conditions. These medicines are 100% pure and are completely herbal with no side effects. Also while formulating these remedies, our MD experts take care of adding any sort of resin, color, or chemical. The preparation of medicines is purely based on ayurvedic principles and strictly follows government guidelines. Many brain relaxants, brain tonics, and herbal medicines of Planet Ayurveda are used in the treatment of Narcissistic personality disorder [NPD], which have wonderful results and are doing great in managing the condition –

1. Brahmi Capsules

These fabulous capsules are prepared with standardized extracts of a perennial herb Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). Taking brahmi helps improve brain functions by preventing brain cell damage. It acts as a brain tonic and is a good memory enhancer. Due to its stress relieving properties it is proved to be very beneficial in Narcissistic personality disorder [NPD].

Dosage – Eat 1 capsule twice daily after a meal with plain water

2. Mahapaisachika Ghrit

Thisherbal ghrit is prepared by mixing and heating various herbs such as – Vacha (Acorus calamus), Keshi (Bhutakesi), Trayamana (Gentiana kurroo), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Sthira (Desmodium gangeticum), etc. This ghee is used for improving memory, psychosis, epilepsy, and other mental conditions according to references given by Acharyas.

Dosage –  Have 1 tablespoon twice daily with warm water.

3. Saraswatarist

This ayurvedic tonic is used in various mental conditions. Self-generated alcohol and water are added along with Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa), Abhaya (Haritaki), Shunti (Zingiber officinalis), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Usheera (Vetiveria zizanioides), Makshika (Honey), Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa), Kushta (Saussurea lappa), Vajigandha (Withania somnifera), Bibhitaki (terminalia bellerica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Twak  (cinnamon) sugar candy and gold leaf. It is a memory tonic and acts as an antidepressant, working in sleep problems, anxiety, phobias, schizophrenia, speech disorders, and many other mental conditions. It helps improve the condition of Narcissistic personality disorder [NPD] patients by easing the symptoms.

Dosage – 2 tablespoons twice daily mixing in water

4. Stress Support

This polyherbal support system is prepared from the standard extracts of the herbs – Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tagara (Valeriana wallichii), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). These herbs help to relieve stress and depressive mood. These capsules act on brain cells and improve the thinking of the person which will make his condition better.

Dosage – Eat 1 capsule  twice daily after meal with plain water

Conclusion

Since the cause of Narcissistic personality disorder [NPD] is unknown. Genetic and environmental factors could not be altered. The best we can do is to strengthen the mind of the person with the herbal brain tonics so that over time life gets better and conditions could be managed effectively. However, the person with high symptoms may need a full treatment plan along with diet plans and other therapies including yoga and meditation