Misdiagnosed mysteries: Elevated ego vs narcissistic personality disorder.
The Covid-19 pandemic has unfortunately worsened the mental well-being of many individuals due to the numerous restrictions imposed upon us. The mandates for isolation and the closure of establishments and businesses that were once the pillars of a thriving economy have taken a toll on us. Similarly, our mental health has also suffered, and we are now witnessing the long-term consequences of this situation.
Furthermore, in my therapy practice, I frequently encounter couples (marital counselor) seeking advice where one partner accuses the other of being narcissistic. Often, these accusations are made without much consideration or concern for misdiagnosing their partners based solely on certain behaviors that may indicate inflated egos. Merely being proud of one’s achievements does not automatically make someone narcissistic. While I acknowledge that some individuals may exhibit extreme narcissistic traits, not all cases can be classified as such. Additionally, there are other mental illnesses, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which may share certain behavioral characteristics with narcissism but should not be confused with it.
To address any doubts among those who claim to be therapists after reading a few articles on narcissism, it is crucial to understand the distinctions involved.
On the first hand, individuals with narcissistic traits often experience anxiety in their quest for social approval or attention, commonly known as “Covert Narcissisim.” The narcissist’s need for external validation is crucial as it acts as a mechanism to stabilize their fluctuating sense of self-worth. However, this reliance on external feedback renders most narcissists prone to irritability. They frequently erupt into fits of anger and possess a remarkably low threshold for frustration. Narcissists harbor a deep fear of public embarrassment or criticism, which greatly hampers their ability to function effectively in different environments, be it social, occupational, romantic, or others. As a result, most narcissists struggle to navigate these settings proficiently.
Narcissists exhibit perfectionistic tendencies and are constantly preoccupied with the quality of their performance and their level of competence. They place significant importance on maintaining a high standard in their endeavors and are deeply concerned with achieving excellence. Using online definition: “”…(A)re typically overzealous in seeking approval and require excessive reassurance about their performance and their other worries.””
On the other hand, someone exhibiting egotistical behavior tends to be perceived as excessively self-important and harbors a belief in their own superiority over others, often indicating a superiority complex. While closely related to narcissism, their behaviors are not as extreme as those observed in individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), particularly in terms of malignant or overt narcissistic traits.
Furthermore, many narcissistic individuals exhibit lower levels of oxytocin production compared to those who do not meet the criteria for NPD. Neurological tests have revealed that narcissistic individuals display reduced thickness in the frontal cortex and cortical volume, which are medically associated with malignant narcissism. Additionally, research suggests that they have structural abnormalities in brain regions associated with lack of empathy towards others.
It is important to note that we cannot solely attribute blame to individuals who are mentally unwell for their behavior. Rather, it is crucial to focus on understanding the underlying processes occurring within their brains when dealing with such challenging personalities.
There are numerous articles available on the subject of narcissism, making it easy to find more information through a quick search. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when diagnosing someone solely based on certain narcissistic traits. Employing brain scans may provide physiological insight into the issues they may encounter, helping to navigate these challenging symptoms.
Is there a cure? No, but therapy can be highly beneficial for individuals dealing with a narcissistic friend, family member, or spouse. Furthermore, in the case of vulnerable narcissism, there is a possibility that the narcissistic individual themselves may seek help, recognizing the destructive path they are forging around them.
So, what should you do next? Take the initiative to become more informed, read extensively, and deepen your understanding of the topic. When dealing with someone exhibiting a high-ego personality, it is not the end of the world, as most of us possess some degree of ego within us. It is akin to dormant cancer cells within our bodies, awaiting a triggering lifestyle that can awaken destructive medical consequences.
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