Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), which is sometimes abbreviated as “narcissist,” is widely used online. Even in your social circles, perhaps. In my experience as a therapist, this phrase has been used to refer to former best friends, parents, churchgoers, preachers, pastors, and, in general, anyone who injured or didn’t agree with the person. And it’s simply untrue.
According to the research we have, 3–4% of women and 6-7% of males are believed to be affected by NPD. It affects roughly 0.5 percent of Americans, with 20% of those affected being in the military and 17% of first-year medical students. So, around 1 in 200 persons experience NPD. A situation where the NPD sufferer has suffered a loss, rejection, or setback can also cause worry. Despite the fact that persons with NPD frequently do not seek mental health therapy, they nonetheless struggle with a condition where general support may be beneficial. Contrary to popular belief, the diagnosis of NPD encompasses more than only a lack of empathy in sufferers.
In reality, a narcissistic personality disorder diagnosis calls for
Having a lofty view of oneself Being concerned with illusions of achievement, brilliance, or ideal love
believing that only unique people can understand them
excessive adoration required
has an entitlement complex or even irrational expectations a positive outcome
Is it unjust?
demonstrates haughty traits and attitudes, is frequently envious of others, and thinks that others are jealous of them.
Therefore, contrary to popular belief, narcissism is not just a lack of empathy; rather, it is a collection of behaviors that endure over time and throughout a person’s life. In addition, those who suffer from NPD do not bother about other people, do not worry about what other people think of them, and undoubtedly are unable to interpret and comprehend the emotions of others. This implies that they would have trouble deciphering the body language and facial expressions of others. They might even be limited to simply imputing others’ feelings as they experience them themselves.
Having said that, it’s possible that your ex-whatever is not a narcissist. However, they could also be rude, petty, spiteful, violent, or self-righteous.
Without being narcissistic, people can be cruel, self-centered, domineering, manipulative, petty, spiteful, and other negative traits. Furthermore, we are frequently unable to evaluate someone’s actions objectively when we are hurt. We must now identify the undesirable traits and how they affect those around them.
A significant characteristic of narcissists is that they exhibit narcissism in all facets of their lives, not only in their sexual relationships. They exhibit narcissism in work, in their family of origin, in whatever friendships they may have, in social clubs, and they frequently experience failure in a variety of areas., before labeling someone with a mental health diagnosis when they engage in harmful behaviors and injure us, we need to draw attention to that behavior and that person’s character. As a result of stigmatizing undesirable behaviors under a diagnosis the individual most likely doesn’t even have, it harms those who do have the disease and is, at the very least, harmful to a group of people.
I’m aware that the majority of readers are saying, “Dr. Lexx, they had all these characteristics, THEY’RE A NARCISSIST,” and I agree. And that very well well be the case; there may surely be a global underdiagnosis of NPD.
I would also advise you to put your own healing first because I am aware that it comes first. It can be difficult to deal with someone who has NPD, and recovery may be even more difficult. Even the narcissist themselves, I would argue, needs some kind of mental health support when they are around someone who has NPD.
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