That was a very interesting article. I wonder if many narcissists become alcoholics or addicts?

I had a therapist who finally told me he had NPD and he had also been a heroin addict.
It got so our sessions became gradually about me helping him. He was the first one to explain to me how my "empathy" was an attraction, he told me not to interact with PC because I would end up "giving" too much to others and I needed to focus more on myself.

Reading this article helped me understand how someone with PTSD can get misdiagnosed as narcissistic though. The "need" for empathy and "safety" is similar in therapy too. I had a wonderful mother who loved me, but I can see how without that a child can grow up with NPD challenges.

What I have noticed about people who have narcissistic tendencies nearing being "disordered" is that they get very uncomfortable "empathizing", perhaps they can "imitate" it but they don't really empathize. Very rarely do they give "hugs", it is sometimes even offensive to them. To hug them physically is very different than getting a genuine heartfelt hug from them.

I think that it is important to understand how these individuals develop and for perspective parents to understand that and learn how to keep it from happening. I fear for all the children that grow up in day cares while their mothers have careers and the contact needed is not there for them. I see the difference in these children all the time, sad that the parents "don't".

OE