What type of professional is best for diagnosing npd?
Hi I think my husband has npd and I was wondering what I should look for when chosing a professional, and what kind of professional a phycologist or a physiatrist ? Im also not sure if a male or female would be the better choice of doctor. He is a 46 year old man who feels he is better than most and is very successful in his career. He seems to treat men with more respect then women aside from his mother who he treats like a queen. But on the other hand I feel a women would see through the fake image and lies more than a man would. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
@Beccab20182018
Hi!
I'm not sure where abouts you live in as to whether to recommend a psychiatrist or a psychologist since the laws vary place by place. In some places, psychologists aren't even qualified to make a diagnosis - just work on therapy. Psychiatrists definately can make a diagnosis, but they also work on a lot of medication management. So it might be worth finding out what the laws are where you are!
As for male or female - that's completely up to you and your husband. Some will find that they're just more comfortable with the same gender (male and male) where as others don't mind. It often comes down to what's a good fit - which is not always easy to tell while searching. When someone is having an initial assessment, the pro (whoever it is) will often take a big history - and that includes the things your husband can't see; like how quickly he talks, the type of words he uses, his mannerisms, etc. This makes things a lot easier if someone is presenting differently to how they're really feeling (like seeming happy but depressed inside, or covering up a lot of anger). So it can be hard to mislead one!
The other thing that might be worth mentioning is that often while you're searching, you can look for certain criteria - often people will have a special interest in certain areas. If you look for 'personality disorders' that will include NPD.
Hope this makes sense! Good luck 
@romanticthi3f
its a big help thank you I live in Canada. Would I need to make an appointment first for myself to explain the issues and reasons for the evaluation?
I know I would be more comfortable talkiing to a female but with him I dont know what would be best for diagnosis purposes where hes such a good con. I know he would listen to a mans opinion vs a female better, but on the other hand hewould probably show his true colours more around a female and care less about what they thought of him. This is a one time shot for me and I would love to hear a persons opi that has npt before choosing a professional. I worry where he said yes to professional help so easily that he is going to try to use this against me somehow instead of taking it seriously and actually caring.
@Beccab20182018
Hi! These are good questions! I guess the one thing that comes to mind though is how does your husband feel about talking to a professional?
I ask this because sometimes partners (or people in general) can be very specific about who they want to talk to, and why. Some may refuse to see a certain gender for personal reasons. Its also important to figure out whether he is open to having you in the appointment with him and whether hes comfortable with this.
As far as the first appointment goes, the sole focus is him in therapy - so the psychologist/psychiatrist would need to be seeing him. Its up to you both as to whether you both attend. Some therapists prefer to only have the client attend so they can try and get a full picture of where their at and get a full assessment.