Are Narcissists Psychotic? (4th World Congress on Neuropsychiatry, Sleep Disorders and Medicine)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of psychosis and its relation to personality disorders, particularly narcissism. He explains that psychosis is a chaotic form of thinking resulting from a severely impaired reality test, where the patient cannot distinguish between inner fantasy and external reality. Narcissists may experience psychotic micro-episodes, but Vaknin argues that narcissism is not psychosis, as narcissists are aware of the difference between true and false and are in full control of their faculties and actions. He also explores various solutions narcissists may adopt to cope with their condition, such as delusional narratives, antisocial behavior, paranoid tendencies, and masochistic avoidance.
Narcissism, Trauma, Addiction: The Bridge
Narcissism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction are interconnected and comorbid. Narcissism is a result of childhood trauma and abuse, while PTSD leads to lifelong substance abuse, and most narcissists abuse substances. All three mental health issues resemble dissociative identity disorder, and they feed on each other. Addictions are the normal state, and they provide boundaries, rituals, timetables, and order, but they also provide hope, excitement, thrill, adrenaline, and dopamine. Cold therapy is a treatment modality that unites all these trends and fulfills a dire and urgent need in trauma therapy.
Disorders of Eating and Personality (3rd International Conference on Neurology and Brain Disorders)
Eating disorders are complex and often comorbid with personality disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder. The key to improving the mental state of patients with both disorders is to focus on their eating and sleeping disorders first. By controlling their eating disorder, patients can reassert control over their lives, leading to better regulation of their sense of self-worth, enhanced self-confidence, and self-esteem. Treatment options include medication, cognitive or behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and family therapy. Recovery prognosis is good after two years of treatment and support.
Why We Dream (International Congress on Neurology and Brain Disorders)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the functions and significance of dreams, as well as their cultural and societal roles. He also critiques the movie “Inception” and its portrayal of dreaming. Vaknin emphasizes the subjective nature of dreams, their role in processing information, and their connection to creativity and inspiration. He also challenges the idea of dream sharing and the distinction between endogenous and exogenous ideation.
Anxious Personality Pandemic and Its Therapy (Intl. Conf. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Management)
The text discusses the prevalence of anxiety, stress, and depression, and their misdiagnosis and treatment. It delves into the similarities and differences between anxiety disorders and personality disorders, particularly narcissistic personality disorder. It also explores the long-term effects of abuse, including complex post-traumatic stress disorder, and the challenges and complexities of therapy for abuse victims. The text emphasizes the need for a supportive social network and practical guidance in the healing process.
Freud and Jung on Cold Therapy: Re-integrating the Narcissist’s Self
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the psychodynamic theories of Freud and Jung, focusing on the narcissist’s true self, ego functions, and the development of personality disorders. He delves into the concepts of the ego, the self, and the shadow, and their impact on the individual’s integration and perception of self. Vaknin also explores the role of split off material and its effect on conflict resolution and the treatment of personality disorders.
Narcissist, Psychopath, Misogynist, Racist? Josh Neal Talk to Sam Vaknin
Sam Vaknin is a professor who has developed a new treatment modality called cold therapy for narcissistic personality disorder. He believes that language is an obstruction to understanding the physical nature of reality and that narcissism is a post-traumatic condition caused by abuse during the child’s formative years. Vaknin discusses the decline of power structures in North America and Europe and diagnoses the narcissism of American presidents, including Barack Obama and Donald Trump, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Internet: The Narcissist’s Hunting Haunt and Playground (Gazeta Polska)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the relationship between social media and narcissism, arguing that social media platforms were designed to be addictive and encourage aggression. He explains that the need to be seen is a natural human need, but it can become malignant and pathological when people become addicted to external feedback that lacks information. Vaknin also shares his own approach to using social media in a non-narcissistic way, which involves disseminating only information and eliminating any comments that have a personal angle. Finally, he argues that social media was never meant to be used for personal communication, and that it can be deleterious and dangerous to personal interaction.
The Narcissist’s Inner World and His Intimate Partner: New Directions
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the difference between healthy and unhealthy narcissism, the prevalence of narcissism, the emotional components of self-awareness, the role of emotions in narcissists, the types of abuse, the characteristics of narcissism, and the effectiveness of cold therapy in treating narcissism and depression. He also explains the concept of trauma bonding and the challenges in breaking free from a relationship with a narcissist.
Mental Illness: Myth or Real? (7th International Conference on Brain Disorders and Therapeutics)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the debate surrounding mental illness, questioning whether it is a myth or a clinical entity. He highlights the medicalization of behaviors previously considered sinful or wrong, and the impact of cultural and societal norms on the classification of mental disorders. Vaknin also addresses the limitations and controversies in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on psychiatry.