Application of Kernberg Theory to Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is one of the four personality disorders in Cluster B. These four personality disorders are tied together due to similar symptoms. People with a Cluster B personality disorder are often viewed as overly emotional, self-dramatizing, and unstable. The other three Cluster B disorders are antisocial, borderline, and histrionic personality disorder. NPD is characterized by a pattern of grandiosity, a constant need of admiration, and a lack of empathy for others (Frey, 2012). According to Kernberg and Kohut, the roots of NPD can be traced to disturbances in the parent-child relationship before the child turned three years old (Frey, 2012). However, Kernberg differed from Kohut in that Kernberg believed that NPD was rooted in a defense by the child towards an unempathetic and cold parent (Frey, 2012). This paper will explore Kernberg’s theory as it applies to NPD and its treatment. As well as examine the neurobiology and diversity of NPD.
Theory
A person’s character or personality is made up of various traits (Hertz, 2011). Some of those traits can be adaptive and useful in one situation yet dysfunctional in another (Hertz, 2011). A person is diagnosed with a personality disorder when these character traits become so maladaptive and inflexible that they begin to cause significant impairment in occupational or social functioning or cause subjective distress (Hertz, 2011). As
People who suffer from personality disorders usually have chronic interpersonal difficulties and problems with ones identity or sense of self . People with personality disorders can often cause as much difficulty in the lives of
Personality disorders: is when someone think, feels, sees, and receives things differently than others they can have extreme or unextreme feelings. This can be distressing to that person.
The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual describes personality disorders as being a pattern of enduring behavior and internal experiences that tends to digress a significant amount from the individual’s cultural and societal standards (Sadock, Kaplan & Sadock, 2015). This personality disorder is diagnosed in the presence of grandiosity and the need to be admired and appreciated. There is a chronic lack of empathy as well as inflated self-esteem and the belief that one is entitled to the adoration of others. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is classified under Cluster B, showcasing more erratic and emotional behavior which can be seen in the film American Psycho.
Personality disorders are included as mental disorders on Axis II of the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association and in the mental and behavioral disorders section of the ICD manual of the World Health Organization Personality disorders are conditions in which an individual differs significantly from an average person, in terms of how they think, perceive, feel or relate to others. Changes in how a person feels and distorted beliefs about other people can lead to odd behavior, which can be distressing and may upset others There are three recognized personality disorder clusters, cluster A odd and eccentric, Paranoid Personality Disorder Schizoid Personality Disorder Schizotypal Personality Disorder dramatic and emotional, Borderline Personality Disorder Histrionic Personality Disorder Narcissistic Personality Disorder and anxious and fearful Avoidant Personality Disorder Dependent Personality Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder Personality Disorders: Management
Narcissism personality disorder according to DSM-V is (and now also in Section II of DSM-5) describe “a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy . . .,” indicated by five or more of the following: (a) a grandiose sense of self-importance; (b) preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love; (c) beliefs of being special and unique; (d) requirements of excessive admiration; (e) a sense of entitlement; (f) interpersonal exploitativeness; (g) lack of empathy; (h) envy of others; and (i) arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes. Narcissism has been around or studied for thirty years. Rosenfeld thought that that his client had invented an alter ego at first. In the article what part do narcissism play in the narcissistic disorder? It talk about narcissistic disorder arise when an ego-destructive super ego has arisen in the course of development. The article talks about that trauma as a child or infant may also play a big part of narcissism. A large part of narcissistic disorder comes from a wide range of symptoms like self-enhancing and self-serving incentives. (Elsa Ronningstam) described a 21 none year old client that she treated, his parents brought him in to see her and they described him as selfish, inconsiderate, demanding, and demeaning, with threatening and verbally aggressive behavior, and involved in poly substance abuse (pp 434-438). Bob his self-admitted that some
A has-been rock star Aldous Snow played by Russel Brand and young executive Aaron Green played by Jonah Hill clash for an insane three-day journey to get to L. A.’s Greek Theatre. Rocker tendencies soon take over and an insane binge of drugs, sex, and alcohol in habit the lives of both Aaron Green and Aldous Snow. Struggling with separation from his ex and son along with having to deal with father issues, Aldous Snow is prompted to give a 10-year anniversary concert at the Greek Theatre to help out a record company and rejuvenate
Everyone has personality traits that characterize them and make them unique. Personality disorders exist when these traits become a pattern of thoughts
Someone with narcissistic personality disorder would show an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a preoccupation with being admired, and a lack of empathy for the feelings of others (Hooley, p.349). Many studies support the fact that narcissism has two sub types: grandiose and vulnerable narcissism (cain et al.,2008; Ronningstam, 2005, 2012). The grandiose sub-type is manifested by traits related to grandiosity, aggression, and dominance. They usually overestimate their abilities and accomplishments and underestimate the abilities and accomplishments of others. They feel entitled, behave in stereotypical ways, and often think they can only be understood by those of
To those who have a narcissistic personality disorder, they may come across as arrogant, egotistical or snobbish. They often dominate conversations. They may belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior. They may feel a sense of entitlement and when they do not receive special treatment, they may become impatient or angry. They may insist on having "the best" of everything for example, the best car, athletic club or medical care. At the same time, they have trouble handling anything that relates to criticism. They may have secret feelings of anxiety, disgrace, and embarrassment. To feel better, they may react with rage or contempt and try to degrade the other person to make themselves appear superior. On the other hand, they may feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection. For example, symptoms to look out for in someone you know or in yourself would be, someone having an amplified sense of self-importance or blowing your achievements and talents out of proportion. Being absent-minded with dreams about accomplishments, power, intelligence,
Personality disorders are very defined and recognized in today’s society. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association provides common language and standards to classify mental disorders. The DSM is used by many people in varying disciplines in many other countries. In times past, people with disorders may have been misunderstood, outcast from community, or even persecuted. However, in our current culture the pendulum has swung in the other direction. People are tricky creatures to study due to the complexity and magical way our brain works. Very little is known, even less is understood about how and why we work the way we do.
Personality disorders are very defined and recognized in today’s society. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association provides common language and standards classifying mental disorders. The DSM is used by many people in varying disciplines in the USA as well as many other countries. In times past, people with disorders may have been outcast from a community or even persecuted. However, in our current culture the pendulum has swung in the other direction. It almost seems that there is a trend to explain all behavior by a mental disorder. This results in needing to disprove that certain people are not displaying a disorder, rather acting within a normal human emotion or
Psychologically; “personality disorders have been defined as a persistent pattern of deviant behaviors within an individual which remains unstable” (Dorland, 2007). Of the wide range of personality disorder, “millions of individuals around the world are suffering from the diagnostics of Anti-personality disorders” (Antisocial Personality Disorder, 2010). According to the medical encyclopedia, it can be described as a mental condition causing a long-term history of abuse, manipulation or violations of others. APD diagnostic patients are seen to be incapable of fulfilling responsibilities, weather at work or at home. This onset is normally detected during early adulthood; from the age of 18 and up. Psychologists from around the world, day by
Cognitive theory also explains the lack of remorse common in people with antisocial personality disorder by hypothesizing that those with the disorder genuinely cannot recognize a point of view other than their own. Based on the views of the biological perspective of psychology, antisocial personality disorder is a result of deficient functioning in the frontal lobe of the brain, explaining the lack of ability to plan ahead, strategize efficiently, experience sympathy, or
Narcissistic personality disorder is defined as a disorder that entails a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, either in fantasy or behavior, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. The disorder is closely related to functional impairment, one of which being seen visibly through interpersonal relationships, or lack thereof. There is research that documents NPD as having 6.2% prevalence within our population. The personality disorder was initially going to be rejected from the DSM-5, due to it lacking research material. However after review, it was included and narcissism was broken down into two particular dimensions. The two dimensions are labeled as grandiose and vulnerable. Take note that although NPD is broken into two dimensions, this does
Everyone has their own personality. Personality is defined as a set of individual differences that are affected by the development of an individual, which typically consists of a person’s values, attitudes, personal memories, social relationships, and skills. (McAdams, Olson, 2010, p. 517-542) There are two classifications of personalities. If you are considered Type A personality, then you are more competitive, outgoing, possibly impatient and could even be considered aggressive. While the more relaxed, laid back personalities are classified as Type B personalities. No matter which category of personality a person falls under, they can be afflicted with a personality disorder. These disorders can be such a mild version that a person doesn’t even notice that they have one. But then there are some that are affected by their disorder to the point that it completely takes over their lives. So much so that they are unable to live what’s considered a normal life.