Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Sociopath Personality Disorder
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Here is a series of personality disorders that have been found to be more prominent, socially. Information is often requested on the disorders that prevail in our daily lives. They are becoming more noticeable as more research studies surface and people educate themselves about symptoms and behavioral habits. Personality disorders are character traits that are the basis of people feeling and behaving in distressful ways that do not conform to society and routine patterns of normal individuals. This malfunction of behavior would interfere with their daily routine of interaction; for example, it could interfere with work, relationships, or school (Mayo Clinic, 2014).
References & research citations are provided for further study and information.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Are You A Narcissist?
According to the DSM-V, a narcissistic personality is one that has a habitual pattern of grandeur, an insatiable need to be admired, and a lack of empathy for others.
The Definition of Narcissistic Includes:
• A person having an over-estimated value of their importance, a desire for recognition as being superior to others, and a lack of acquired accomplishments or credentials to support it.
• In fact, a narcissist over-emphasizes his/her accomplishments; therefore, they are generally overwhelmed in fantasy with relationships, success, power, and intelligence.
• One desires continual admiration and harbors a perspective of entitlement.
• One that expects special treatment while taking advantage of others and situations in lieu of his/her own agenda; in addition, they would exhibit this behavior without having feelings for others.
• Having envy for other people and feeling that others envy you.
• Having arrogance and a disregard for the feelings and desires of others.
How a Narcissistic Personality Might Develop
There are two prominent ideas, which support the development of NPD (narcissistic personality disorder). One is drawn from the ego Psychological Object Relation Theory (O. Kernberg, 1989. 1998). From this view, a detached and frustrating parental pattern style is usually prevalent in the early stages of child development and it is generally demonstrated by the mother. Accompanying this pattern is a deeper rooted aggression and frustration behavior. It could very well be a structured environment but, a tendency toward a superficial atmosphere. These elements could position the development of NPD.
How A Child Reacts Early On in An Unstable Environment
As a result of the environment, the child will systematically react with envy, aggression, resentment, and a devaluing nature to parent-frustration early on in his/her growth. In the absence of binding between parent and child and the disregard to address the needs of the child, will confirm a developmental arrest and the gradual onset of the grandiose self (Akhtar, 1997; Cooper 1998; Kohut, 1968, 1972).
How Being An Over-indulged Child Contributes to NPD
On the other hand, the biosocial development of NPD suggests that being special and over-indulging the early childhood development, affects his/her valuation of self. For example, the child harbors a sense of being self-sufficient, over-values himself/herself, in spite of self-accomplishments; consequently, they have expectancies of automatic admiration and attention.
The Mother & Father’s Role in Negative Development
Unfortunately, this premise is a breeding ground for a passive-oriented attitude. In addition, according to the researcher supporting the cognitive behavior theory (CBT), he suggests that a generally excessive doting mother that conveys a uniqueness in the child, while not addressing the real feelings and desires, harbors a sense of “entitlement” as well (Beck, Freeman & Associates, 1990; Young, 1998). Adding to this developing atmosphere, the father is generally cold and detached, thus stimulating a devaluing sense of worth for the child.
Heritability a Contributor To Narcissism?
Interestingly, there have been recent studies, which indicate a factor of heritability affecting one’s development of NPD. Dang, Lively, Vernon, and Jackson (1996) discovered in a study of 483 twins, that as high as 45% heritability existed in NPD personality types. This indication puts the consideration of hereditary factors credible and of needing more research (Ronnington, 2005).
Some dimensional characteristics of NPD range from healthy narcissistic to pathological or from realistic self-described to violent and immoral, respectively. They would include traits such as self-appraised esteem, degrees of acceptance approval, criticism, and rejection. Other traits toward the arrogant and shy person would include an over-estimated self-approval and confidence with taking unusual and risky behavior or actions. In other words, there are different types of narcotic behavior that depend on the range of emotions and responses. The range of emotions is usually enacted by the individual and their particular degree or levels of grandiose perceptions of capabilities and vulnerabilities.
Therefore, the definition of NPD can be varied and complicated as many elements must be accounted for and determined when being diagnosed by a professional.
When Someone Should Seek Help for NPD
A person should seek help if they experience depression and sadness, often the result of perceived criticism and non-acceptance from peers or family members. Many patients with narcissistic behavioral symptoms seem confident and empowered; but, it is rather an unhealthy confidence of exaggerated self-importance and a lack of feelings for others coming before their own endeavors. Seeking help may interfere with their sense of value and therefore be counter-productive; however, seeking help will bring more happiness and joy in a fully functional and healthy lifestyle.
References:
Mayo Clinic. (2014). Mayo Clinic Health Newsletter. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 4th Edition. Retrieved from mayoclinic.org.
Ronnington, E. (2005). Identifying and understanding the narcissistic personality. Oxford University Press.
Borderline Personality—More Common Than Ever Before
A personality that is characterized by unstableness in relationships, self-image, and distinct impulsivity (DSM-5).
The Definition Includes:
• A terrifying fear of being abandoned.
• An erratic and heightened relationship that appears one day as good and the next day as uncertain and cruel.
• Extreme sudden, quick changes in self-identity and image that also include rapid changing of goals and values. This may exhibit in viewing oneself as not a good person and even as non-existent in some cases.
• Stress-encountered paranoia and being out of touch with reality.
• Extreme patterns of behavior toward relationships, risky life style habits such as drugs, unsafe sex, obsessive buying, leaving a good job, and gambling, etc.
• Suicidal tendencies, self-injury and wide-gap mood swings based on feelings of fear and rejection.
• Heightened anger bouts that may result in physical fights and/or verbal outbursts of bitterness and sarcasm.
BPD Statistics
While borderline personality disorder (BPD) exhibits an extreme fear of abandonment, bouts of anger, and frequent changing moods, statistics point to 14,000,000 people per year have symptoms and they are equally manifested in men and women, according to the National Education Alliance (clearviewtreatment.com, 2016). It is not always easy to diagnose BPD, as usually comorbidity exists; such as, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and even Bipolar Disorder. In addition, it is estimated that over half of all patients with BPD, also demonstrate major depressive disorder.
BPD Causes
Even though the causes of BPD are precisely unknown, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) stresses that it is not the fault of the patient; but rather, one’s environment and heritage may have a hand in the onset of the disorder. There is no specific gene that has been pin-pointed as a cause; however, in MRI testing of the brain, people show different functioning with BPD than others and this finding suggests that it may be a neurological primary factor.
The Downside of BPD
Unfortunately, on the down side of BPD, people can become a self-inflicted danger to themselves, which does not necessarily lead to suicide; on the other hand, dangerous self-harm could include cutting and burning oneself. These behaviors should be reported, as a person with BPD will attempt to balance and cope with their emotions, and before a fatality occurs.
Treatment Success Rate is Optimistic
The American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that even though Borderline Personality Disorder is a complicated and serious diagnoses, it does not mean that the individual is doomed to live. Research continues to improve the alternatives and treatment for BPD. In fact, it has been reported that many of the cases with proper and adequate treatment no longer meet the symptom criteria as a BPD patient, after approximately two years of treatment. In fact, after 10 years of treatment, 88% of patients originally diagnosed with BPD, no longer meet the standard guidelines to determine BPD as an illness. The success rate is high for each individual when treatment is properly given and the patient complies.
A person should seek help for Borderline Personality Disorder when a friend or family member witnesses any of the signs mentioned above by talking to the respective individual about consulting a professional in the field.
References:
(N.A.) (2016) Retrieved from https://www.clearviewtreatment.com/bpd-residential-treatment-center
Sociopath Personality Disorder: Do You Know A Sociopath?
A sociopath personality demonstrates an antisocial behavior with a disregard for others. It is also characterized by not having good or sound moral conduct, while refusing to adhere to the norms of society. Similar to antisocial behavior, a sociopath engages in lying, stealing, lack of regret for their behavior and others, and can be impulsive, aggressive, and violate the rights of others; in addition, the behavior has also been linked to drug and alcohol abuse.
The Definition of Sociopath Personality Includes:
• High degrees of deceptiveness when engaged with others; which also encompasses lying, conning without regard for others, as well as, using disguises in their profile.
• Often demonstrates aggressiveness, which may escalate into violence or assault.
• Displays a total disregard for others with no feelings or emotions of remorse.
• Demonstrates impulsive behavior.
• Irresponsible toward social norms and the law.
• Has no concern for the safety of humans that he/she may be connected to, nor to themselves.
Other Characteristics of Sociopath Personality Behavior
Surprisingly, most individuals have in some way interacted with a sociopath and have not been aware of the fact. This is because generally sociopaths are very savvy in their behavior when in public. In fact, anyone who exhibits a “no conscience” behavioral pattern is a sociopath, according to Martha Stout, (2005) (Cangemi & Pfohl, 2009). In addition, it does not concern them how much education they may or may not have; that is, they are most creative in covering up any detection of their condition to most alert and aware people; thus, this sometimes includes a psychologist and/or psychiatrist, to the amazement of many. Since they are not easy to detect, they are mostly discovered for the pain or harm to others they have left behind. Sociopaths have no regard for any damage they have inflicted and harbor and no remorse, as well. They generally move on to the next unsuspecting individual, who is generally a supporter of their faulty pattern of behavior, unknowingly.
Statistical Information on Sociopaths
According to Stout 2005, Morse 2004, Babiak & Hare, 2006, 4% of society in the United States is sociopathic. Some prominent researchers who have done extensive studies and accumulated statistics over the years believe that these statistics are greater than originally reported. This information is alarming since sociopaths are clever individuals in masking their symptoms and behavioral patterns. This is also unfortunate news since sociopaths are extremely focused individuals, revengeful competitors, and callous. In fact, they enjoy inflicting damage and pain to another person and will do whatever it takes to acquire what they want; whether it is immoral, unethical, or illegal.
Shame, Guilt, or Regret Make No Difference to Sociopaths
Shame, guilt, remorse is foreign to sociopaths; so much so, that they are void of any emotional feeling and would rather manipulate their emotions, and especially others in order to control a situation. They are not able to function in a relationship under normal conditions and are incapable of experiencing love as normal individuals. They cannot conduct a relationship with only one person at a time; instead, they must have multiple encounters even though they may exhibit normal responses and habits of married life and/or relationship patterns. They are convincing to others but are of course often found out within time. They never stay in a relationship for long periods unless it is of some benefit to them, such as, economic, status, or some kind of advanced development or improvement situation.
The Focused Intent of a Sociopath Personality
In conclusion, because a sociopath’s goal is to take revenge or succeed beyond the limits of a functioning normal society, one must be aware that the strong desire to win or compete will demonstrate these traits at all costs, without remorse for the afflicted. In fact, their strong desire to win will override any regard for what is right or wrong. That desire will emerge predictably when a sociopath is confronted with their obsessions. Therefore, for lawful, kind, and respectful human beings, who are unsuspecting or fearful of this type of individual, it is imperative that one is aware of the patterns and behavioral symptoms displayed. So, in the event of such a situation, a person may react with fearless and comprehensible tactics to disarm such an individual. Of course, one must proceed with caution because usually the sociopath will invent a self-denial excuse or may back down when found out, according to the experts.
Lastly, a professional should be consulted when a person exhibits traits mentioned above or when those characteristics are evident in an individual you may know.
References:
Cangemi, J., Pfohl, W. (2009). Sociopaths in high places. Organization Development
Journal. 27,(2). Retrieved from questia.com
Million, T., Grossman, S. (2013). Sociopath, socio-pathetic personality disorder and types. Retrieved from http://depressiond.com/sociopath-sociopathic-personality-disorder/
Antisocial Personality Disorder: How To Recognize an Antisocial Person in Your Group
This is a personality disorder, in which, the person has no regard for others and is in violation of their rights (DSM-5). Many of the characteristics displayed in the antisocial behavioral disorder begin in childhood but, are obvious and apparent for many people in their 20s and 30s. Children who demonstrate cruelty to animals, bullying, impulsive and angry behavior coupled with social isolation, are prevalent factors in determining the disorder.
Diagnosing The Characteristics of Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)
The diagnosis of the disorder pertains only to those over the age of 18 years old. If there is some history of symptoms of conduct before age 15, a diagnosis is then warranted. However, the degree of symptoms in antisocial personality disorder could vary as to its seriousness. The emphasis in determining a diagnosis based on how dangerous or harmful one’s behavioral patterns suggest; for instance, if a person has been characterized as sociopathic or psychopathic.
A sociopath is described as someone whose conscience is severely affected. On the other hand, psychopathy is described as a person who is completely void of any conscience for others. Professional doctors have labeled patients with these characteristics mentioned as having symptoms, which are “stone cold” (psychology today.com) The disorder is further complicated by signs of imprisonment, drug abuse, and alcoholism.
Society should be cautioned that individuals described as having symptoms of antisocial personality behavior generally seem very charming, but harbor feelings of irritability and aggressive behavioral traits and are often extremely irresponsible. They could also be suicidal; as well as, displaying manipulative tendencies that make it difficult to distinguish the truth of what they say in regard to themselves to be actually the truth or not.
The Outlined Definition of Antisocial Personality Disorder includes:
• The manifestation of characteristics are usually visible in childhood or early adolescence and continue into adulthood.
• Antisocial personality is also equated with other forms of disorders such as psychopathy, sociopathy, or dissocial personality disorder.
• Deceit and manipulation are core components of antisocial behavior.
• Displays child abuse or neglect.
• Exhibits no regard for others nor demonstrates remorse for actions harming others.
• Takes high risks and displays dangerous behaviors.
• Maintains poor or abusive relationships.
• Rates as having hostile, irritable, impulsive, and violent behavior traits.
• Dishonest and violates the rights of others with no regret.
Difficult To Diagnose
Moreover, it is difficult in some cases to diagnose antisocial personality disorder both in the courts and within the law. It is generally not an easy task to predict the dangerousness of an individual when demonstrating some of the symptoms of the illness; certainly, with the exact measurements from the psychiatry profession as with the court system (McCallum, 2004).
However, patients who exhibit symptoms of (APD) or antisocial personality disorder have been ordinarily difficult to assess treatment options; in fact, in various cases, some patients have not been successfully treated at all in regards to a psychotherapy treatment. Contrary to this view, recent researchers have started to turn this idea around to a more positive outcome.
Determining The Illness
Lastly, there is some controversy regarding the determination of the illness as to whether it is a combination of other behavioral traits or the result of its own personality behavioral pattern. This is an important issue as it plays a major role in the type of therapy or treatment that may be recommended or administered in each case. All researchers and psychiatric professionals are not in complete agreement as to how it should be diagnosed (Rotgers & Psyd, 2006).
If someone you know displays behavior consistent with the above-mentioned characteristics, talk to the individual about consulting a professional, who may help them achieve stability and happiness in their lifestyle.
References:
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. (2014). Personality
Orders. Retrieved from http://www.dsm5.org/Pages/Default.aspx. American Psychiatric
Association.
McCallum, D. (2004). Personalities and dangerousness: genealogies of antisocial personality
disorder. Cambridge University Press, The Edinburgh Building.
Retrieved from http://www.cambridge.org
Retrieved from psychology today.com
Rotgers, F., Psyd, M. (2006). Antisocial personality disorder: a practitioner’s guide to
comparative treatments. Springer Publishing Company, New York.
