Some
insights into cult member traits.
"More
Data About Pathological Narcissists
Most
narcissists (75%) are men.
NPD
(=the Narcissistic Personality Disorder) is one of a "family"
of personality disorders (formerly known as "Cluster B").
Other members: Borderline PD, Antisocial PD and Histrionic PD.
NPD
is often diagnosed with other mental health disorders
("co-morbidity") - or with substance abuse, or impulsive
and reckless behaviours ("dual diagnosis").
NPD
is new (1980) mental health category in the Diagnostic and
Statistics Manual (DSM).
There
is only scant research regarding narcissism. But what there is has
not demonstrated any ethnic, social, cultural, economic, genetic, or
professional predilection to NPD.
It
is estimated that 0.7-1% of the general population suffer from NPD.
Pathological
narcissism was first described in detail by Freud. Other major
contributors are: Klein, Horney, Kohut, Kernberg, Millon,
Roningstam, Gunderson, 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.
Narcissists
are either "Cerebral" (derive their narcissistic supply
from their intelligence or academic achievements) - or "Somatic"
(derive their narcissistic supply from their physique, exercise,
physical or sexual prowess and "conquests").
Narcissists
are either "Classic" - see definition below - or they are
"Compensatory", or "Inverted" - see definitions
here: "The Inverted Narcissist" -
NPD
is treated in talk therapy (psychodynamic or cognitive-behavioural).
The prognosis for an adult narcissist is poor, though his adaptation
to life and to others can improve with treatment. Medication is
applied to side-effects and behaviours (such as mood or affect
disorders and obsession-compulsion) - usually with some success."
Cheerio
The
Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
PS
Our thanks to the member who sent us this article
