Narcissistic Abuse

SNOMED Terms

• Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct

• Antisocial personality disorder

• Intermittent explosive disorder

• Narcissistic personality disorder

Goals

• Accept responsibility for own behavior and keep behavior within the acceptable limits of the rules of society.

• Develop and demonstrate a healthy sense of respect for social norms, the rights of others, and the need for honesty.

• Improve method of relating to the world, especially authority figures; be more realistic, less defiant, and more socially sensitive.

• Come to an understanding and acceptance of the need for conforming to prevailing social limits and boundaries on behavior.

• Maintain consistent employment and demonstrate financial and emotional responsibility for children.

Behavioral Definitions

• An adolescent history of consistent rule-breaking, lying, stealing, physical aggression, disrespect for others and their property, and/or substance abuse resulting in frequent confrontation with authority.

• Failure to conform with social norms with respect to the law, as shown by repeatedly performed antisocial acts (e.g., destroying property, stealing, pursuing an illegal job) for which he/she may or may not have been arrested.

• Pattern of interacting in a confrontational, aggressive, and/or argumentative way with authority figures.

• Little or no remorse for causing pain to others.

• Consistent pattern of blaming others for what happens to him/her.

• Little regard for truth, as reflected in a pattern of consistently lying to and/or conning others.

• Frequent initiation of verbal or physical fighting.

• History of reckless behaviors that reflect a lack of regard for self or others and show a high need for excitement, fun, and living on the edge.

• Pattern of sexual promiscuity; has never been totally monogamous in any relationship for a year and does not take responsibility for children resulting from relationships.

• Pattern of impulsive behaviors, such as moving often, traveling with no goal, or quitting a job without having secured another one.

• Inability to sustain behavior that would maintain consistent employment.

• Failure to function as a consistently concerned and responsible parent.

Diagnoses

• Alcohol Dependence

• Cocaine Dependence

• Polysubstance Dependence

• Adjustment Disorder With Disturbance of Conduct

• Conduct Disorder

• Intermittent Explosive Disorder

• Antisocial Personality Disorder

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder

• Diagnosis Deferred

• No Diagnosis

Definition of Narcissistic Abuse

Narcissistic abuse is a type of emotional abuse inflicted by someone with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) or strong narcissistic traits. It's a pattern of behavior that aims to control and manipulate the victim for the narcissist's own benefit. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Perpetrator: Caused by someone with NPD or strong narcissistic traits. People with NPD have an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

Pattern of Behavior: Involves a repeated cycle of manipulative tactics used to exploit and control the victim.

Emotional Abuse: Focuses on harming the victim's emotional well-being through tactics like criticism, gaslighting, and isolation.

Effects of Narcissistic Abuse

Here are some of the common effects:

Emotional distress: Victims of narcissistic abuse may experience a range of emotional problems, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and low self-esteem.

Cognitive difficulties: Narcissistic abuse can also lead to cognitive difficulties, such as problems with concentration, memory, and decision-making.

Relationship problems: Victims of narcissistic abuse may have difficulty trusting others and forming healthy relationships.

Isolation: Narcissists may isolate their victims from friends and family, which can make it even more difficult to heal from the abuse.

Physical health problems: The chronic stress of narcissistic abuse can also lead to physical health problems, such as headaches, stomachaches, and sleep problems.

If you are experiencing the effects of narcissistic abuse, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to understand the abuse you have experienced and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

How does Narcissistic Abuse affect your life?

Here's a how narcissistic abuse can affect your life:

Emotional Damage: Narcissistic abuse can cause a range of difficulties like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and low self-esteem.

Self-Doubt: The constant criticism and gaslighting from a narcissist can make victims question their own reality and worth.

Confused Thinking: The manipulative tactics used by narcissists can lead to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making.

Relationship Issues: Building trust and healthy relationships becomes challenging after enduring narcissistic abuse.

Isolation: Narcissists often isolate their victims, making it harder to heal and find support.

Physical Health: Chronic stress from the abuse can manifest in physical problems like headaches, sleep disturbances, and stomachaches.