Falling for a Narcissist: A Victim Perspective (Pt. 1)
Introduction
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder? (NPD)
NPD is a mental health condition that usually develops in adolescence or early adulthood and is characterized by;
- Persistent Grandiosity
- A superior sense of self/Inflated sense of self-importance/ arrogant
- Abuse of Power & Control/ Impersonally exploitative behaviour
- A need for Excessive admiration and praise
- A fragile self-esteem
- Lack of empathy/ An inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs of others
- Sense of Entitlement/Pretentious and boastful
- A belief that they are special & unique
- Preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, Ideal love
- Arrogant & Demanding
- Reacts negatively/Aggressively to criticism
- Encounter difficulties in relationships
- Accept no responsibility for their actions
What are the causes of NPD?
While the causes of NPD are not well known, and the area requires further study, many cases are believed to be due to:
- Childhood abuse/neglect
- Unpredictable or unreliable caregiving by parents
- Unrealistic expectations from parents
- Excessive parental control
- Excessive praise for good behaviours in childhood
- Excessive criticism for bad behaviours in childhood
- Cultural influences
- Heritability
How is NPD diagnosed?
In order to qualify as symptomatic of NPD, the individuals manifested personality traits must substantially differ from the cultural norms of society. Identifying the distinctive traits of narcissism is a core element in the diagnostic process. A mental health professional must first rule out all other potential causes for symptoms (other personality disorders, accident/brain injuries, etc.
NPD is rarely the primary reason for someone seeking treatment, due to the nature of the illness, narcissists do not accept that the problems with their behaviour or the difficulties that they encounter in life, is of their own doing. Diagnosis is usually prompted by other difficulties, for example; finding themselves on the wrong side of the law due to being abusive in a relationship, losing their temper or because of substance misuse, etc.
Treatment of NPD
Counselling and psychotherapy, CBT, and transference-focused therapy are often used to treat NPD. There are mixed findings on how successful these treatments are, further study is required. It is reported, however, that psychotherapy for treating NPD has a high drop out rate. Psychiatric medications are not considered effective in treating NPD but may be given to treat co-existing symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
What signs should I be looking for if I think I am in a relationship with a narcissist?
The biggest sign has to be; Why you are asking this question?
What is motivating you to look for answers?
What emotions are you experiencing and, if you pay attention to these emotions, what are they telling you?
Do you mostly feel good, do you mostly feel bad or are you experiencing confusion.
Healthy relationships don’t tend to move people to ask these questions in the first place, so it is worth asking yourself – “what is happening that has made me question this relationship?” “Am I truly happy with how I feel”? Be honest, given the choice, is this the relationship you would choose? Because whether you know it or now, you do have a choice!
Phase 1. Idealization
If you are in a romantic relationship, initially, it is unlikely there will be any signs – on the contrary, you will have been led to believe you have found the perfect match.
You will feel loved, respected, idolized even. Your charming, attentive partner appears to be equally besotted with you as you are with them. Everything appears to be wonderful, you feel great – sexy, loved up, like the most important person in their lives! For all intents and purposes, you appear to have met ‘the one’, your soul-mate – and your new romantic partner will endeavour to reinforce these beliefs, telling you how special you are and how long they have waited to meet someone like you.
Phase 2. Devaluation
Something feels wrong! You may be asking yourself, “What did I do wrong”! As your loving, attentive partner suddenly appears distant and uninterested. You may begin to wonder if there is someone else on the scene – a former partner perhaps. Even if you dare to ask, the narcissistic partner is unlikely to put your mind at ease. Instead, they revel in your misery. And so begins the push-pull of phase 2.
Phase 3. Discard
Easily bored, the narcissist moves on to their next supply as quickly as they arrived – often leaving the victim baffled and confused.
(Falling for a narcissist continues in part 2)
If you have experienced Narcissist abuse and you seeking support, please get in touch.
If you are interested in supporting others and raising awareness of behaviours that lead to Manipulation, Exploitation, Abuse and Coercive Control, check out my CPD certified online training course;