classic observable, and consistent patterns of behaviors. Generally speaking, input from those around the person with NPD
is probably necessary to get the full picture. Examples of such behaviors will be summarized in this article.
People who might be viewed at the other points on the continuum (from NPD) have a much less severe impact on the
people around them (though they certainly may be difficult at times). Generally, these folks are at least capable of
developing insight. When properly motivated, they have the ability to change. Their self-orientation doesn’t necessarily reach
into all areas of their life and relationships. NOTE: these folks might have an easier time in life (and be easier to work and
live with) if they sought counseling for themselves. Also, it is important to recognize that all of us, as humans, have
moments of selfishness, self-absorption and sometimes the hurtful behavior that might go along with that. The difference
between this and a person who is diagnosable with NPD, has to do with the number of types of challenging behavior
patterns, in that they are pervasive in almost every area of life. The long-term pattern of the types of behavior and
relationships, intractable false narratives, and the general lack of insight of the person with NPD are pervasive throughout
their lives.
A person with NPD might be willing to embrace the idea that they have some other type of mental health problem, such as
anxiety or bi-polar disorder, pointing to themselves as being “victims” of such. However, owning that they have NPD is very
rare.
A person who is actually diagnosable with NPD presents a totally unique and difficult challenge. The nature of the problem
behaviors, the motivations, and the underlying causes of NPD make the chance that the person can develop any insight, or
significant change, very low. This is because of the troublesome nature of their emotional relationships, the lack of authentic
insight (replaced by grandiosity and even a delusional belief system), are formed to protect themselves from an actual
emptiness inside and an ego that is too fragile for them to bear the true feelings that go along with it. They are very stuck on
the defense mechanism called projection. In other words, whatever negative thing they are thinking, doing, or have done they
turn it around and put it out onto someone else. You may all have become familiar lately with the saying: every accusation is
a confession. That is what this refers to and originated with trying to help people understand how a person with NPD
functions in such illogical ways. In general, those diagnosable with NPD will lie about almost anything, even when there is no
need. They will make up lies that are very […]