Narcissistic personality disorder.
The term ‘narcissism’ originates from Greek mythology. The Greek god, Narcissus, who, upon seeing the image of his reflection in a pool of water, fell in deeply and irrevocably in love with himself. In today’s terms, narcissism or narcissistic personality disorder is used to describe a person whose characteristics are defined as egotistic, vain, selfish,thoughtless,highly manipulative and very self centered,using others to get their way without thought to others or consequences.They are the Center of their own Universe in short.
Narcissism Symptoms
Sam Vaknin’s book,Malignant Self-love: Narcissism Revisited published in 2012 is an extraordinary read about narcissism in which he has compiled an extensive list of narcissistic personality traits that such people often display. Most often exhibit many of these characteristics, but there are also some who display all of the following:
• Obvious self-focus when it comes to interpersonal exchanges
• A strong feeling of self entitlement
• Lack of or low level of psychological awareness
• Difficulties in showing empathy
• Lacks empathy
• Extreme sensitivity to any type of insult, even if these have only been imagined
• Vulnerability and susceptibility to shame instead of guilt
• haughty behavior
• Flattery given towards other people who affirm him/her
• Detest people who do not affirm or admire him/her
• Using other people without thinking about the possible consequences of doing so
• Pretending to be a person who is more important than they are
• Persistent bragging
• Exaggerating their achievements
• Claims to be an expert at many different things
• Inability to perceive the world from other people’s perspective
• Denial of gratitude or remorse
Narcissism Quiz
Take a quiz from http://psychcentral.com to see what personality you are…
Narcissism According to Masterson’s Subtypes
James F. Masterson, an American psychiatrist, claimed that a narcissist can either be categorized as an exhibitionist or as a closet narcissist. An exhibitionist is one described as having an exaggerated and grandiose perception of him/herself. A closet narcissist, on the other hand has a more deflated and inadequate perception of him/herself.
Narcissism According to Millon’s Variations
Theodore Millon, an American psychologist proposed 5 different types of narcissists. He referred to these as the following:
• Unprincipled Narcissist – Such individuals exhibit antisocial characteristics
• Amorous Narcissist – Defined to have histrionic qualities, also referred to as the ‘Casanova’ or the ‘Don Juan’ in today’s time
• Compensatory Narcissist – Manifests passive-aggressive and avoidance traits
• Elitist Narcissist – Someone who has a pure narcissist pattern
• Fanatic Type – Fanatic narcissists have paranoid mindset and often consider themselves as omnipotent
Other Types of Narcissism
There are many other forms of narcissism. These include the following:
- Acquired Situational Narcissism
- Aggressive Narcissism
- Conversational Narcissism
- Inverted/Co-Narcissism
- Group/Collective Narcissism
- Conversational Narcissism
- Corporate Narcissism
- Cross Cultural Narcissism
- Cultural Narcissism
- Destructive Narcissism
- Malignant Narcissism
- Medical Narcissism
- Phallic Narcissism
- Primordial Narcissism
- Sexual Narcissism
- Spiritual Narcissism
- Narcissistic Parents
- Narcissistic Leadership
How does narcissism begin?
For an extreme narcissist, people are objects to be manipulated. There are many theories regards why. Psychologists generally agree this disorder usually begins with a milestone or traumatic emotional wound or even a series of them, which will end in major trauma of separation or attachment. This may stem from lack of proper parental care,abandonment, parental abuse either psychologically or physically or both, abuse from other people.There will be certain characteristics of narcissism in relationships, regardless of how socially skilled a narcissist is, he has a major attachment dysfunction. They are functioning from the level and scars of childhood emotions and experiences and become ” emotionally stuck” at the time period of the major trauma of trauma or separation.
This trauma was so devastating, it affected this child emotionally in every way possible. The pain has never totally gone and to survive, this child constructed a protective barrier against the external world of people and being emotionally hurt again. They feel all people are untrustworthy and harmful.
This protective shield is called a false persona, a false identity. But this identity is not the true person within. There are many types of false persona’s which a narcissist may take on, as you have learned!
Quite a few narcissists have the chameleon like ability to change identities to suit the situation. The wounded child may present as a tough individual, maybe looking intimidating and scary. He might also play the “Mr nice guy/person” , the happy outgoing person whom everyone feels comfortable with. The corporate version can be diplomatic, proper and appearing to care, but does not. Another very likable role is the narcissist who chooses t be a comedian. He can be the life of the party, making people laugh constantly. Everyone loves this person because they are so much fun!
Try to get close or ask personal questions as to how he is internally doing and feeling and you will find is that he will quickly distract you. They will sidestep the question with another joke, making you suddenly forget what you were asking. Narcissists can be very skilled at dodging and ducking personal questions. If you press them, they will then slot you as “unsafe” and will begin to avoid you and exclude you from their life.
Effects on Relationships
In psychological research dealing with narcissism,the many different impacts have been widely documented. Most people who are involved in a happy and loving relationship, will accept a certain degree of give and take between both parties. Narcissists on the other hand will cleverly manipulate without regard,quite unconsciously and keep taking without giving anything in return. In other words, due to their self-obsession, their relationships revolve purely around themselves.
A lot of people who are involved or in a relationship with a person with narcissistic personality disorder will often exhibit signs and indications of physical, mental, and psychological stress. They eventually have to end the relationship in order to protect themselves. In the case of children, the effects of the damage caused are often damaging in later life with psychological issues surfacing.While there are treatment options for both parties, the success lies greatly on the narcissistic party to be really committed to change.
Treatment Options
Treatment for narcissism revolves mainly around psychotherapy. Sometimes drugs may be used to treat this condition. Some of the types of therapy used in narcissistic individuals include the following:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Helps patients identify their unhealthy behaviors and negative beliefs while replacing them with more positive behaviors and thought beliefs.
- Family Therapy – In such cases, the entire family is brought in for the sessions. Conflicts are explored, communication is strengthened, and problem solving methodologies are explained that will help overcome relationship problems.
- Group Therapy – In group therapy, people who have the same conditions meet with each other. The aim is to teach the participants to better relate with other people.
- Hospitalization –patients suffering severe Narcissistic Personality Disorder may be hospitalized frequently. Those who are impulsive,suffering chronic destructive lifestyles or self-destructive tendencies may require medication for specific debilitating and troubling symptoms of narcissism.
