A.J. Mahari | MHMatters

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

By A.J. Mahari | Apr 30, 2015 | Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Personality Disorders | 0 |

In examining, defining, and understanding the explanation to the question what is narcissistic personality disorder it is important to consider that the myth the name of this personality disorder stems from is often very misleading to answering this very question. The term Narcissistic comes from a character in Greek mythology, called Narcissus. He saw his reflection in a pool of water and fell in love with it. Even more to the point, to accurately reflect the gravity and meaning of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and what narcissism in this context is to further explain this personality disorder, is that, more than falling in love with his reflection, Narcissus, was singularly focused on himself. He was totally absorbed with his own reflection to the negation of everything and everyone else around him. This is metaphorical for the way in which those with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) are so self-absorbed and focused on “self” that they lack empathy, compassion, and even (in most cases) an understanding or acknowledgment of others. How another person could feel in relation to their behavior, or words. How others feel invisible and very abandoned, dismissed, and devalued by those with NPD (to varying degrees). How others for the narcissist only serve as narcissistic supply which the narcissist manipulates others for and takes from others to fill up his or her empty wounded “self” such as it is....

Asperger’s Syndrome Defined

By A.J. Mahari | Feb 23, 2015 | Asperger's Syndrome, Neurodevelopmental Disorders | 0 |

Asperger’s Syndrome defined gives room and space for important aspects of what Asperger’s Syndrome is without narrowly only answering that question, “What is Asperger’s Syndrome”. In defining Asperger’s Syndrome it is important to broaden what that refers to and means in people’s lives. Those diagnosed with it and those who are loved ones of those diagnosed with it. You may have already read on this site and many other sites including my own at Asperger Adults very similar and standard definitions of what Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is and what the traits of it are that once recognized make for the diagnosis of AS. You will again, read those here as well. They are important and at the core of how AS is understood, however, they do mislead people into thinking that all people with AS are the same. That is not the case at all. They are relevant and need to be known. But, as equally as they need to be known, as an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, myself, diagnosed in adulthood in 1998, as to how they do or do not apply to each individual with AS. What is Asperger’s Syndrome (Officially and technically) at its core? The traits of AS are: Diagnostic Criteria for 299.80 Asperger’s Disorder (From the DSM-IV): “(I) Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following: (A) marked...

What is Antisocial Personality Disorder?

By A.J. Mahari | Dec 9, 2014 | Antisocial Personality Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Disorder, Histrionic Personality Disorder, Impulse-Control Disorders, Personality Disorders | 1 |

What is antisocial personality disorder? It is known as “A psychiatric condition in which a person manipulates, exploits or violates the rights of others … this behavior is often criminal. One of the biggest signs of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a pervasive disregard for right and wrong and for society’s norms.” (Source: Dr. J. Clive Spiegel M.D. in a Health Guru Video – https://www.youtube.com) The symptoms of ASPD tend to be more obvious and identifiable in the late teens to early twenties. A person cannot be diagnosed with ASPD until he or she is at least 18 years...

What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?

By A.J. Mahari | Nov 15, 2014 | Histrionic Personality Disorder, Personality Disorders | 0 |

What Is histrionic personality disorder? (HPD) Not such a commonly discussed or named or even recognized personality disorder in the lives of those who demonstrate its traits and suffer emotionally or for their loved ones. Outlining what HPD is can help people recognize and become aware of what they might be struggling with socially or occupationally and relationally. Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is found within the Cluster B of Personality Disorders in the DSM-IV and is now with regard to the DSM-5 often diagnosed as one of the remaining main personality disorder categories after the far-reaching and curious changes from...

Treating People in Therapy – Not Diagnostic Labels – A Holistic Approach

By A.J. Mahari | Oct 16, 2014 | Borderline Personality Disorder, Histrionic Personality Disorder, Holistic Approaches, Issues, Mental Health Stigma, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Personality Disorders, Psychotherapy, Treatments | 0 |

So many of my clients have expressed relief that I treat them as individuals and I do not in any way pre-judge them based on what they may have been diagnosed with or what they fear their issues are themselves. Systemically, mental health Care, is letting clients and patients down far too-often by attempting to treat people as diagnostic labels rather than as human beings with mental health challenges that are the result of wounding and painful human experience. Do we have to label that as something pathological and approach it that way? Too many would answer yes. I...

Author: A.J. Mahari

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Treating People in Therapy – Not Diagnostic Labels – A Holistic Approach

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