As I have written before, I strongly believe in the mind-body connection. As such, I want to take this opportunity to discuss Narcissistic Personality disorder (NPD) given the tremendous impact that it can have in the health and finances of those people who get in the path of individuals with this personality disorder.
NPD affects about 6% of the general population and it is more common in men. The hallmark of disorder is a sense of superiority and entitlement accompanied with lack of empathy towards others. The root of the problem stems actually from low-self esteem. NPD can be of the overt type (very obvious to spot) or covert type. The latter is a most dangerous type since they appear to be “so nice” or passed by being the victims though they are truly like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Individuals with NPD may be very toxic to others (partners/spouses, relatives, friends, co-workers). They tend to lie, cheat, take financial advantage of others. They are truly masters of manipulation and are always seeking admiration. Unfortunately, because they can be very charming and seductive sometimes it is hard to follow your gut feeling and get away from them.
If you (or someone you know) are in a relationship with someone who is always putting you down, making you feel like you are crazy by denying things they just said, or when you try to point out things they did or said that hurt you but you end up apologizing to them, and they are “always right” please know that is not good for your mental nor physical health. Please seek more information about this condition. There are plenty of resources out there that will educate you further so that you can take back control of the life that individuals with NPD want to suck out of you. It is important to establish boundaries and keep distance from these individuals. Unfortunately this personality disorder is very difficult to treat as the individual with NPD does not feel he/she have a problem.