A nurse is caring for a client who has narcissistic personality disorder. Which of the following treatments should the nurse recommend?
A.
Assertiveness training
B.
Response prevention therapy
C.
Schema-focused therapy
D.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Schema-focused therapy.
Explanation:
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Individuals with NPD often exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance, fantasies of unlimited success or power, a belief that they are special and unique, and a tendency to exploit others for personal gain. These traits can significantly impact their interpersonal relationships and overall functioning.
Schema-focused therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is particularly effective in treating personality disorders, including NPD. This therapy combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, and attachment theory to address deep-seated patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that are referred to as “schemas.” These schemas are often formed in early childhood and can influence an individual’s behavior and interactions throughout their life.
For individuals with NPD, schema-focused therapy helps them identify and challenge maladaptive schemas that contribute to their narcissistic behaviors, such as beliefs about entitlement, superiority, and dependency. The therapy aims to help the individual develop healthier ways of thinking and relating to others, ultimately leading to more fulfilling relationships and a more realistic self-concept.
Other options, such as assertiveness training, response prevention therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are not as specifically tailored to the treatment of NPD.
- Assertiveness training is generally used to help individuals develop healthier communication styles, particularly in expressing their needs and setting boundaries.
- Response prevention therapy is primarily used for anxiety disorders, particularly obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where it helps individuals resist engaging in compulsive behaviors.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, but it may not address the deeply ingrained schemas and personality structures present in NPD as effectively as schema-focused therapy does.
In conclusion, schema-focused therapy is the most appropriate treatment for a client with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as it directly targets the underlying cognitive and emotional structures that contribute to the disorder.