What characteristics distinguish someone with borderline personality disorder from a Narcissist?

Answer 1

It appears that every personality disorder has been balled-up into one wad of "Narcissism". Narcissism is hard to distinquish and personally, I hate labels. It has got to be the "new word" in modern society because I hear it a lot. The truth! There have always been self-centered, abusive, or pig-headed, bullies out there and it isn't always tagged as Narcissistic behavior. Here is a good place to go to see if you have a personality disorder (BEWARE! We all can fall into some of these situations in our lives, but if it's continuous then we must seek out help.) www.med.nyu.edu/psch/screens/pds.html NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER (NPD) Traits and behaviors which signify infatuation and obsession with one's self to the exclusion of all others and the egotistic and ruthless pursuit of one's gratification, dominance and ambition. MARCY'S NOTE: Many can fall into this catagory. Look out there in the business world. It's "dog eat dog world" so, it causes people to become crafty, sneaky, observant to a fault and the fight is on to be one step ahead of bosses, over-zealous supervisors, etc. Does this mean you are Narcissistic? Nope. Unless you are mean, miserable, pick people apart, then you are doing what comes naturally ... survival! Narcissism is one of a "family" of personality disorders (formerly known as "Cluster B".) 75% of narcissists are men. NPD is often diagnosed with other mental health disorders ("co-morbidity) or with substance abuse, or impulsive and reckless behaviors ("dual diagnosis.) THERE IS ONLY SCANT RESEARCH REGARDING NARCISSISM (So I rest my case when I say, "be careful who you label as a narcissist." It is estimated that 0.7-1% of the general population suffer from NPD. (NOTE: I don't like stats and find them way out of range as they take a small cluster of people and that's where stats come from.) Pathological Narcissism was first described in detail by Freud. Other major contributors are: Klein, Horney, Kohut, Kernberg, Millon, Roningstam, Gunderson and Hare. The onset of narcissism is in infancy, childhood and early adolescence. It is commonly attributed to childhood abuse and trauma inflicted by parents, authority figures, or even peers. There is a whole range of Narcissistic reactions -- from the mild, reactive and transient to the permanent personality disorder. NPD is treated in talk therapy (psychodynamic or cognitive-behavioral). The prognosis for an adult Narcissist is poor, though his/her adaption to life and to others can improve with treatment. Medication is applied to side-effects and behaviors (such as mood or affect disorders and obsession-compulsion) - usually with some success. TRAITS OF A NARCISSIST: Feels grandiose and self-important (eg. exaggerates achievements and talents to a point of lying, demands to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements.) Is obsessed with fantasies of unlimited success, fame, fearsome power or omnipotence, unequalled brilliance, bodily or sexual performance, or ideal, everylasting, all-conquering love or passion. Firmly convinced that he or she is unique and, being special, can only be understood by, should only be treat by, or associate with, other special or unique, or high-status people (or institutions.) Requires excessive admiration, adulation, attention and affirmation or, failing that, wishes to be feared and to be notorious (narcissistic supply.) Feels entitled. Expects unreasonable or special and favorable priority treatment. Demands automatic and full compliance with his/her expectations. Is interpersonally exploitative. ie: uses others to achieve his or her own ends. Devoid of empathy. Is unable or unwill int identify with or acknowledge the feelings and needs of others. (PLEASE NOTE FROM MARCY: HEART MEDICATIONS AND SSRI'S AMONG OTHER MEDICATIONS CAN GIVE THE SAME DEVOID EMPATHY IN SOME PATIENTS. Constantly envious of others or believes that they feel the same about him/her. Arrogant, haughty behaviours or attitudes coupled with rage when frustrated, contradicted, or confronted. NOTE: This info came from the American Psychiatric Assoc. (2000) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition. Text Revision (DSM IV-TR) Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Assoc. HOW TO HANDLE A NARCISSIST: Never disagree with Narcissist or contradict him/her Never offer him/her any intimacy Looked awed by whatever attribute matters to him/her (eg: by his/her professional achievements, good looks or success with women/men and so on. Never remind him of life out there and if you do, connect it somehow to his sense of grandiosity. Do not make any comment, which might directly or indirectly impinge on his/her self-imagine, omnipotence, judgment, omniscience, skills, capabilities, professional record, or even omnipresence. Bad sentences start with: "I think you overlooked ... made a mistake here .. you don't know ... do you know .. you were not here yesterday so .. you cannot .. you should ... (perceived as rude imposition, Narcissists react very badly to restrictions placed on their freedom.) MARCY'S COMMENT: If you suspect a person you first meet is Narcissistic then stay away! Why should the rest of us tread on egg shells and have to agree constantly or be aware of our freedom of thoughts (we can agree to disagree) so it's best to leave these types of people to their own. Funny, do you ever see one Narcissistic person with another Narcissistic person? Never! Hope this information helps some of you. Marcy NOTE FROM MARCY: As we see our own governments rule our countries (I am Canadian) does perhaps the word "Narcissistic" come from them? He, he! Me thinks so!