| |  Narcissistic Personality Disorder
NPD has been named a psychological disorder is defined in Wikipedia as:
"... turning inward for gratification rather
than depending on others and as being excessively preoccupied with
issues of personal adequacy, power and prestige.[2] Narcissistic personality disorder is closely linked to self-centeredness..."
- has a grandiose sense of self-importance
- is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
- believes that he or she is "special" and unique
- requires excessive admiration
- has a sense of entitlement
- is interpersonally exploitative
- lacks empathy
- is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him or her
- shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
If a person you know has five or more of the above traits, this person can be diagnosed by a mental health professional as suffering from NPD. I've known people suffering from NPD, and most often they refuse the notion of needing help. It always ends up tragically, by engaging in self-destructive behaviors and even suicide.
NPD has its' roots in childhood. Here's what wikipedia says about what causes it:
- An oversensitive temperament at birth
- Overindulgence and overvaluation by parents
- Valued by parents as a means to regulate their own self-esteem
- Excessive admiration that is never balanced with realistic feedback
- Unpredictable or unreliable caregiving from parents
- Severe emotional abuse in childhood
- Being praised for perceived exceptional looks or talents by adults
- Excessive praise for good behaviors or excessive criticism for poor behaviors in childhood
The Narcissist needs treatment. This person tends to feel very confused, always searching for an identity but is often confused as to the "greater meaning" of their life, as if their lives are destined to be anything but conventional. This person tends to compare him or herself to icons, or other legendary figures, destroying relationships and having a bitterment and angry turmoil that leads to self-destructive behavior if not cured.
Narcissus is pictured in the painting here. In greek mythology, Narcissus is so consumed by his own image, he can't stop looking at himself in a reflecting pool and it leads to his destruction. The destruction of the Narcissist is often actually a blessing, because the process of living with endless self-consumption is intermittently devastating and frought with fear and doubt.
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| | Posted 3/12/2009 11:27 PM - 1032 Views - 26 eProps - 16 comments
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