Narcissism in women usually takes the form of dramatic and overly emotional behavior, and is often explained as overconfidence. A woman with narcissistic personality disorder may believe that she is actually better than others and treat others as if they are below her. Extreme jealousy and a demanding nature are also potential symptoms. Beneath the tough exterior, most women with this condition actually have a very fragile sense of self-esteem and have trouble maintaining healthy relationships. The recommended treatment for narcissism is usually psychotherapy, although prescription medications can sometimes be used, especially if the patient has other underlying emotional disorders.
An exaggerated sense of self is often the most noticeable sign of narcissism in women. The woman with this condition will often brag about her achievements and will try to bamboozle others over even the smallest things. She truly believes that her ways of thinking and behaving are always correct and she hopes that the people around her agree. Those who disagree are often mistreated, as if they weren't worth talking about at all.
While narcissism tends to cause a dramatic emotional reaction to perceived disrespect, it usually completely ignores the emotions of others. The woman with this condition may feel completely justified when she mistreats others, even though she would not accept the same treatment directed at herself. She normally doesn't feel any guilt about taking advantage of others because she feels that everyone else is below her and should do exactly what she wants.
Extreme jealousy is a major component of narcissism in women. The affected woman may believe that everyone is jealous of her because she is so much better than them. On the other hand, she is also extremely jealous and distrustful of others. Although the narcissist may seem confident, her self-esteem is often very low. This combination makes it very difficult for her to maintain long-term healthy relationships.
Psychotherapy is an essential part of treatment for narcissistic personality disorder. The therapist will try to help the woman understand the reasoning behind the harmful thoughts and feelings and work to replace them with healthier alternatives. Counseling for family members may also be recommended so that the patient has an extensive support system during the recovery period. Medications are not usually prescribed for narcissism, although underlying conditions such as depression or anxiety can be treated with prescription medications.