Peeling Narcissism Onion: Core Disorders, Defenses (EXCERPT)

Narcissism is like an onion: a defense superimposed on core mental health issues. These primary disturbances lend the narcissistic defenses their precise nature in each and every narcissist. I have been suggesting since 1995 that there is a single clinical entity Personality Disorder with overlays which are self-states (narcissistic, antisocial, borderline, histrionic). The dimensional approach in DSM 5 (Alternative model) and the ICD 11 are moving in this direction. As Judith Herman observes CPTSD complex trauma victims indistinguishable from BPD (dysregulation, lability) and develop situational narcissism (Robert Millman), dysempathy, and secondary psychopathy. Each overlay has 3 states: overt, collapsed, covert. Given stressors that lead to mortification (“hitting rock bottom”) patients transition between these overlays and states (which explains the optics of comorbidity). No type constancy. Transition between the states and the overlays is a reaction to stressful gaps (intrusion of internal or external reality or failure, undermines fantasy/narrative) and narcissistic mortification. Transition from overt to covert and back via collapse and mortification are attempts to revert locus of control. Covert states are unstable and degenerate or evolve to overt states (sometimes with the help of substance use), because … Covert states are not self-efficacious. They fail to secure: Narcissistic Supply (NPD) Goals (AsPD) Sex Partners (HPD) Relationships/intimacy/object permanence or constancy (BPD) Find and Buy MOST of my BOOKS and eBOOKS in my Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/60F8EC8A-5812-4007-9F2C-DFA02EA713B3

Category