7 Myths About Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Reader Comments

Back to article

Spreading stigmatising misinformation on NPD for wide consumption is particularly unhelpful, both for those suffering from the disorder and those close to them. Anyone interested in expanding their knowledge on the phenomenon had best begin with google searching "Kohut and Masterson Narcissistic Personality Disorder" for a more balanced, objective and unhysterical perspective. While persons suffering from NPD need to be held to account for their destructive and self-destructive behaviours, sufferers experience just about as much psychic pain as you could imagine. Note: narcissistic abuse and irresponsibility cannot be excused by claims of a "damaged childhood". Nevertheless, articles like the one preclude understanding in spreading slanted and demonising misinformation on the condition.

NL of CA 10:33AM May 18, 2013

One would do well to investigate the sources of the kinds of theory outlined above. There seems to be a lot of vitriolic misinformation and uninformed speculation about NPD out there. Simply because Jean Twenge has a PhD does not mean she is not making an attempt at self-publicity - perhaps she, too, is a narcissist in pursuit of celebrity?. If one desires to know more about NPD from a more objective point of view, perhaps one would do well to start with the theory of James F. Masterson. I do not mean to excuse the destructive and self-destructive behaviours of NPDs , but it would do well not to demonise and stigmatise them either.

mountains and sea of CT 7:09AM May 18, 2013

I think you'd better do a little more in depth research on the disorder before you so succinctly catagorize your "myths." This information is trite and sophomoric. Narcissism is a clinical personality disorder and should not be "boiled down." Not to mention you contradict yourself in the piece. Do your research before you confuse others who are looking for truly valid answers on the pathological condition.

Jocelyn Johnson of FL 4:45PM May 14, 2013

This article is a complete and utter turd. Wrong, poorly written, pathetic.

Regis of FL 7:44AM May 14, 2013

How could you print this? The author's grammar is hovering just above sixth grade! Or would that be narcissistic? Seriously, sentences like' the data don't back it up' are just plain lazy writing.

Noonday of WI 11:28AM May 13, 2013

A shamefully bad article. The behaviour outlined in this article is about people, who are egotistical, flawed and selfish. NPD is a totally different ball game - l should know as l used to have a boyfriend with this disorder. They wreak havoc, manipulate and destroy people's self confidence. Please remove this awful article from the internet.

lc 12:37PM April 29, 2013

KELLY: YES.CAN. it's exactly what it is. (NPD) he creates an artificial psychological construct (''Fake Self") that undermines the "True Self" and replaces it. You wouldn't be aware of WHAT you really ARE.

norkuce 10:41PM April 21, 2013

This article is full of incorrect and hurtful information that could harm the recovery of those with Narcissistic Personality Disorder through misinformation given to both patients and their peers. I humbly request you remove this article from your site

Trevor (NPD sufferer) of WA 8:40PM April 03, 2013

Can a person be a narcissist without thinking they are necessarily "better" than others. Can they be selfish and use manipulation, lying etc to get what they want w/o the "grandiose" ideas or would that be a different type of disorder? My daughter (adopted) is an extreme manipulator and pathological liar and I'm trying to decide if NPD fits her personality.

Kelly of KY 5:16PM March 27, 2013

I think you need to make a distinction between 'Narcissism' and 'Narcissistic Personality Disorder' as most of what you are saying seems to define a Narcissist and not someone suffering with a mental health issue.

There are people, like Donald and Paris, who have high self esteem that is a fundamental part of their personality and does little damage to the individual, and there are those who suffer being tarnished with the same brust who are compensating for insecurities brought on by neglect or abuse.

All personailty disorders are simply an exaggeration or aplification of normal behaviour, it becomes a disorder when it is seen as destructive in nature and out of control. I like to keep things clean, but I would only be classed as having OCD if this were out of my control and reducing my quailty of life. Equaliy this apllies to Narcissism; there are healthy (and varied) levels of confidence and insecurities in everyone, only when this is extreme can is be classed as a disorder.

I state again I think you are lacking a clear seperation in your definition of 'Narcissism' and 'Narcissistic Personality Disorder' and should explore this a bit further before branding a large number of people with Mental health issues as shameless egotists.

Tommy Moore 4:03AM March 20, 2013

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

Back to article

Eat + Run

advertisement

advertisement