Isolation & the Brain

I live alone and except for my cell phone, some zoom calls, and delivery persons, I have been isolated. My memory seems much worse that it was at the beginning of the pandemic. Some days I feel like I’m going crazy!

 You are not alone. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2018 found that 1 in 10 Americans feel lonely or isolated all or most of the time—and that was before COVID-19. Social isolation brings with it its own health cost and can affect mental health. The human brain is relational. Granted, different brains need more relational connection than others—but regular human connection is vital. A correlation between viral attacks on the brain and resulting mental-health symptoms has been well-documented since the 18^th Century. Social isolation during the early postnatal period of development can lead to several abnormal and lasting behavioral and pathophysiological features resembling the core symptoms of some neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia.  Estimates are that social isolation is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 

 More tomorrow.

Advertising & the Brain

I do not understand the reason companies show a picture on the Internet with a catchy title . . . then when you click on it the process begins with 6 lines about something entirely different with a “next” button—37 frames later you may get the answer to the first title question—or not. Drives me crazy! What’s the deal and what do you do?

 Since I am not privy to these companies, I can only guess it’s an advertising strategy—perhaps so you are exposed to all the adds surrounding the “6 lines.” This is my personal modus operandi: If I see an advertisement that looks interesting and I see “next”, I stop. The same with medical promotions that ask you to turn up the volume and listen, only to discover 57 minutes later that the answer is only available by purchasing a product. If the promotion offers a “script” I am more likely to read that and y to do that and have even made a purchase or two. Otherwise, my time is worth much more than that. If you really want to know an answer, google it. You’ll likely find it without having to sufferingly pace yourself hitting “next” or listen to someone drone on and on—unless you have nothing better to do. If you think that is harsh, remember that your time is valuable and does not last forever. Ask yourself, “How do I want to spend it?”

Narcissism Questions, 5

What can a parent do to avoid providing risk factors for a child to develop a Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

 Some believe that narcissism in adulthood may be the response to anguish from a troubling, difficult, abusive, and inconsistent environment; one in which Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) occur. The healthier and more functional the parent, the healthier and more functional the parenting style is likely to be. For example:

 Be consistent, make sure your words and actions match.

Aim for balance, avoid erratic actions/reactions, unpredictability.

Be calm. Parental anxiety can trigger insecurity in children.

Be kindly realistic in terms of praise and criticism. Avoid extremes: lavishing exaggerated praise and/or criticizing them far too harshly.

Give loving attention. Negative attention is still attention.

Role model the behaviors you want to see in the child. Training by example is generally the most successful style.

The child is not “bad,” but loved, even when behaviors need tweaking. 

Narcissism Questions, 4

I do not understand the perspective that those with Narcissistic Personality Disorder have low self-esteem. How can that be?

Studies have shown that individuals with NPD do have low self-worth. This makes them hypersensitive to perceived criticism or defeat. They are prone to feelings of shame, humiliation, and worthlessness over minor or even imagined incidents. They usually mask these feelings from others with feigned humility; or by isolating themselves socially; or by reacting with outbursts of rage and/or defiance; or by seeking revenge. They utilize various strategies to protect the self at the expense of others. Although overconfidence tends to make individuals with NPD ambitious, it does not necessarily lead to success and high achievement professionally. Thus, they be unwilling to compete or may refuse to take any risks in order to avoid appearing like a failure. In addition, their inability to tolerate setbacks, disagreements, or criticism, along with lack of empathy, make it difficult for such individuals to work cooperatively with others or to maintain long-term professional relationships with superiors and colleagues.

More tomorrow 

Narcissism Questions, 3

What causes a person to develop a Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

According to the DSM-5, the exact cause or causes are unknown. Potential contributors include: 

• ·            Genetic changes and heritability
• ·            Changes in the structure or functioning of the brain
• ·            A parenting style either excessively pampering/spoiling or excessively critical (either can start a child on a journey of entitlement, an overestimation of his/her own abilities, the manipulation of others for his/her own ends, and a need to be viewed as better than everyone else). 

Risk factors may include: 

• ·       Family history of mental health disorders
• ·       Unpleasant family life during childhood
• ·       Adverse Childhood Experiences, ACE’s
• ·       Conduct disorder during childhood 

More tomorrow. 

Narcissism Questions, 2

Is Narcissism heritable and is it increasing?

A study of 304 sets of twins examined genetic and environmental bases of two dimensions of narcissism: intrapersonal grandiosity and interpersonal entitlement. Study reports indicated: We are living in a narcissistic age. Narcissists attach superfluous importance and excellence to themselves at the same time they enjoy exploiting and manipulating others. Both grandiosity (23 percent) and entitlement (35 percent) were found to be moderately heritable, while simultaneously showing considerable non-shared environmental influences, meaning they were largely independent of each other in terms of their genetic and environmental sources. There is some sense that this disorder is increasing, partly perhaps because some think this is a Narcissistic Age--with competitive emphasis on individuals. The behavior typically begins by late adolescence or early adulthood and occurs across a variety of social situations.

 More tomorrow. 

Narcissism Questions, 1

These blogs are helping me identify some of my relationship problems and are giving me hope . . . it wasn’t totally “all my fault” after all any time I didn’t do exactly what one of my friends wanted me to do. Would you repeat a definition, please? 

There are more questions being raised on this topic than I ever expected! Glad to. Here it is.

Narcissism is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, a need for excessive admiration and attention (even negative attention is attention), inability to accept criticism of any type, and a belief that one is unique and therefore deserving of special treatment in recognition of their perceived higher status—along with low self-esteem that may be camouflaged. They tend to devalue, derogate, insult, and blame others, often responding to threatening feedback with anger and hostility. In severe cases, the individual views everyone as inferior and may be intolerant of being asked any questions or of any disagreements. More tomorrow.