Narcissistic and Histrionic Personality Disorder
Each of us has a personality or group of characteristics or traits which influence the way we think, feel, and behave. These make us a unique individual. Someone may be described as having a 'personality disorder' if their personal characteristics cause regular and long term problems in the way they cope with life and interact with other people. It's possible that some people with these disorders never come into contact with mental health services. Those who are given a diagnosis of personality disorder may feel that they are being blamed or criticized or that they are somehow responsible for their problems. There are a number of types of personality disorders. They are generally present from a fairly early age.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), a guide to diagnosis, divides personality disorders into three clusters:
A) odd/eccentric paranoid schizoid schizotypal B) dramatic/erratic antisocial borderline histrionic narcissistic
C) anxious/inhibited dependent avoidant obsessive-compulsive Etiological Factors
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD):
The etiology of this disorder is unknown. Researchers have identified childhood developmental factors and parenting behaviors that may contribute to the disorder (Stone, 1997):
• An oversensitive temperament at birth
• Overindulgence and overvaluation by parents
• Valued by parents as a means to regulate their own self-esteem
• Excessive admiration that is never balanced with realistic feedback
• Unpredictable or unreliable care giving from parents
• Severe emotional abuse in childhood
• Being praised for perceived exceptional looks or talents by adults
• Learning manipulative behaviors from parents
Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD):
There has been