Brain & Narcissism Revisited

In May you did a fascinating series of blogs on narcissistic behaviors. We have a son who we believe is exhibiting narcissistic behaviors. He is 37 and on a recent visit he became very angry and screamed, "I do not have a happy life and it is all your fault. After all, you had me!" Then he slammed out of the house, and we have not heard from him since. At least he didn’t go on international television and trash us! Can you say more about NPD? It is increasing?

It is very painful to have a child turn on you and complain about their childhood. A study in 2008 reported that the prevalence of lifetime Narcissistic Personality Disorder or NPD was 6.2 percent of the population in the USA. Rates were greater for men (7.7 percent) than for women (4.8 percent). NPD was significantly more prevalent among black men and women and Hispanic women, younger adults, and adults who were separated, divorced, widowed, and never married adults. NPD was associated with mental disability among men but not among women. A report in 2020 indicated that in clinical settings, prevalence rates for NPD can be as high as 15 percent¾so you likely know someone who exhibits narcissistic behaviors. It can be tough when that person is a close family member. More tomorrow.