And, tell me about _your_ mother? What's this doing on a technical mailing list? Adam Adam Steinberg Director, Product Line Management Elgato Systems LLC 900 Kearny Street Suite 750 San Francisco, CA 94133-5145 USA +1 415/391-0310 x235 http://www.elgato.com On 5/13/08 1:55 PM, "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/narcissistic-personality-disorder > > Mental Health: Narcissistic Personality Disorder > > Narcissism is a term used to describe a focus on the self and > self-admiration that is taken to an extreme. The word "narcissism" comes > from a Greek myth in which a handsome young man named Narcissus sees his > reflection in a pool of water and falls in love with it. > > Narcissistic personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called > dramatic personality disorders. People with these disorders have > intense, unstable emotions and a distorted self-image. Narcissistic > personality disorder is further characterized by an abnormal love of > self, an exaggerated sense of superiority and importance, and a > preoccupation with success and power. However, these attitudes and > behaviors do not reflect true self-confidence. Instead, the attitudes > conceal a deep sense of insecurity and a fragile self-esteem. > > What Are the Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder? > > In many cases, people with narcissistic personality disorder: > > Are self-centered and boastful > Seek constant attention and admiration > Consider themselves better than others > Exaggerate their talents and achievements > Believe that they are entitled to special treatment > Are easily hurt but may not show it > Set unrealistic goals > May take advantage of others to achieve their goals > > Other common traits of narcissistic personality disorder include the > following: > > Preoccupation with fantasies that focus on unlimited success, power, > intelligence, beauty, or love > > Belief that he or she is "special" and unique, and can only be > understood by other special people > > Expectation that others will automatically go along with what he or she > wants > > Inability to recognize or identify with the feelings, needs, and > viewpoints of others > > Envy of others or a belief that others are envious of him or her > > Hypersensitivity to insults (real or imagined), criticism, or defeat, > possibly reacting with rage, shame and humiliation > > Arrogant behavior and/or attitude > > What Causes Narcissistic Personality Disorder? > > The exact cause of narcissistic personality disorder is not known. > However, many mental health professionals believe it results from > extremes in child rearing. For example, the disorder might develop as > the result of excessive pampering, or when a child's parents have a need > for their children to be talented or special in order to maintain their > own self-esteem. On the other end of the spectrum, narcissistic > personality disorder might develop as the result of neglect or abuse and > trauma inflicted by parents or other authority figures during childhood. > The disorder usually is evident by early adulthood. > > How Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder Diagnosed? > > If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by > performing a complete medical history and physical examination. Although > there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose personality > disorders, the doctor might use various diagnostic tests, such as X-rays > and blood tests, to rule out a physical illness as the cause of the > symptoms. > > If the doctor finds no physical reason for the symptoms, he or she might > refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist, health care > professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental > illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed > interview and assessment tools to evaluate a person for a personality > disorder. > > How Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treated? > > There is no known cure for narcissistic personality disorder, but > psychotherapy (a type of counseling) might help the person learn to > relate to others in a more positive and rewarding way. Psychotherapy > tries to provide the person with greater insight into his or her > problems and attitudes in the hope that this will change behavior. The > goal of therapy is to help the person develop a better self-esteem and > more realistic expectations of others. Medication might be used to treat > the distressing symptoms, such as behavioral problems, that might occur > with this disorder. > > What Complications Are Associated With Narcissistic Personality > Disorder? > > People with narcissistic personality disorder might abuse drugs and/or > alcohol as a way of coping with their symptoms. The disorder also might > interfere with the development of healthy relationships with others. > > What Is the Outlook for People With Narcissistic Personality Disorder? > > The prognosis depends on the severity of the disorder. > > Can Narcissistic Personality Disorder Be Prevented? > > There is no known way to prevent narcissistic personality disorder. > > Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry > and Psychology. > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways: > > - Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at > FreeLists.org > > - By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word > unsubscribe in the subject line. > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways: - Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at FreeLists.org - By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line.