General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Narcissistic men have higher levels of stress hormone [View all]lapislzi
(5,762 posts)If we are talking about the pathological kind.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder
I have lived with one who could be cruel and abusive if he didn't receive what he considered his "due."
I like to describe narcissists as the kind of people who will park in the "handicapped" parking space because they feel entitled to a good parking space. I've seen my ex do it and attempt to explain away his needs as being paramount to anyone else's.
Other disorders that are co-morbid:
--Eating disorders. Ex was bulimic co-presenting other eating disorders; believed that the "world is too fat" and it was up to him to set the example (I told you there was pathology here...)
--Bipolar or other mood disorder
--Borderline personality disorder
--Sociopathy, to varying degrees
Not all narcissists share all of this pathology, but there's often some overlap.
As a victim of his abuse, I used to chart the cycle, which closely mimics bipolar and borderline patterns: a period of escalation where the victim feels rising tension and the emotional equivalent of "walking on eggshells," the explosion phase, which can last for hours or days, and the repentant phase, with accompanying dissipation of tension and resumption of "normal" behaviors.
I could write a book, but it would just make me depressed.