Antidepressants Scam, DSM Capitulation
Professor Sam Vaknin criticizes the field of psychology, particularly the use of antidepressants and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), for being influenced by money and celebrity rather than focusing on helping patients. He argues that the serotonin hypothesis, which claims that low serotonin levels cause depression, is a scam perpetuated by the pharmaceutical industry. Vaknin also highlights the flaws in the DSM, such as its vague and arbitrary diagnostic criteria, and its failure to transition from a categorical to a dimensional model. He calls for a reevaluation of the influence of the pharmaceutical and insurance industries on psychological research and treatment.
Making Sense of Narcissistic Abuse
Narcissists are the result of early childhood abuse and are in a constant state of grief and mourning. They create a shared fantasy with their intimate partners, where they reenact their childhood traumas and use vicarious trauma and narcissistic abuse to weaken their partners. This cycle of abuse and trauma is meant to resolve the narcissist’s unresolved conflicts with their mother figure and restore a sense of power and control. The only solution for those involved with a narcissist is to go no contact to protect their mental well-being.
When Your Pain Traumatizes Others: Vicarious (Secondary) Trauma
Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress, occurs when an individual is exposed to another person’s traumatic experiences, leading to emotional and psychological distress. This phenomenon is common among mental health professionals, but can also affect loved ones and others who empathize with trauma survivors. Vicarious trauma can have severe consequences on an individual’s mental and physical health, as well as their personal and professional relationships. To cope with and prevent vicarious trauma, individuals should practice self-care, seek therapy, and work on building resilience and happiness.
Covert, Women Narcissists Make It Into NEW DSM 5-TR
The DSM-5 acknowledges covert or vulnerable narcissists and accepts parity between women and men in terms of being diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. However, the DSM-5 is still disappointing and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Committee is still somewhat influenced by the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. The DSM-5 introduces dimensional models for personality disorders, which represent maladaptive variants of personality traits that merge imperceptibly into normality and into one another. The DSM’s alternative model for narcissistic personality disorder specifies typical features of narcissistic personality disorder are variable and vulnerable self-esteem, with attempts at regulation through attention and approval seeking, and either overt or covert grandiosity.
Suicide: Why Choose Life, Not Death!
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the rising tide of suicidal ideation among people of all ages and cultures and provides a philosophical foundation for why people should choose life. He argues that existence is always richer in potential than non-existence and that life is full of potentials because it is complex and because of other people. He also criticizes modern society for presenting falsities, lies, manipulations, and life substitutes that limit people’s promise and suppress their free will. Ultimately, he urges people to choose themselves and realize that their existence alone suffices to steer everyone and everything in another direction and towards an alternative destiny.
Collapse Variants Of Somatic Narcissism, Wounded Borderline Self Trashing
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the mispronunciation of “ketamine” and delves into the topic of narcissism and sexuality. He explains the differences between cerebral and somatic narcissists, and how they transition between these states, often experiencing collapse. Additionally, he explores the behavior of borderline women in response to abandonment, and the connection between collapse and personality disorder transitions.
Solitude: Why Are We So Lonely, Alone? (with Benny Hendel)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the increasing trend of people choosing to be alone, with half the adult population in the United States being single or in short-term relationships. He attributes this to factors such as technological self-sufficiency, the hollowing out of family functions, overcrowding, societal collapse, and a preference for being alone when needs are met. Additionally, Vaknin mentions the rise in depression and anxiety rates, which can lead to social isolation. He warns that this trend could lead to social unrest and violence on a global scale.
Autism, Borderline, Narcissism: Some Similarities And Differences
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the polythetic problem in modern diagnostic psychology, where comorbidities, or multiple mental health issues, are diagnosed in the same individual. He explains that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) has not yet recognized that there may be only one personality disorder, which is a form of complex trauma or CPTSD. Vaknin also discusses the similarities and differences between autism, narcissism, and borderline personality disorder, noting that both narcissists and borderlines experience separation insecurity and create shared fantasies with intimate partners. However, borderlines distance themselves due to overwhelming anxiety, while narcissists devalue and discard partners to separate from a maternal figure.
Narcissistic Women vs. Borderline Women vs. Narcissistic Men
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the differences between men and women when it comes to personality disorders. He states that there is little difference between male and female narcissists in terms of their psychodynamics, but their behaviors may differ due to societal and cultural expectations. Within the same diagnosis, the variation between men and women is low, but the variation between diagnoses is much higher. Vaknin also notes that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is gender-neutral in its language, but some claims within it can be seen as sexist.
Adapting to Dystopian New Normal (Interview with Shot Magazine)
The transcript features a conversation between the interviewer and Professor Sam Vaknin, discussing societal trends, psychology, and the future of human behavior. Vaknin expresses a pessimistic view of current societal trends, suggesting that narcissism and psychopathy are becoming more adaptive traits in modern society. He argues that technology and certain ideologies have led to increased isolation, self-sufficiency, and a decline in empathy and intimacy. Vaknin proposes that limiting harmful ideologies and regulating technology could reverse these trends, but he doubts the political will to make such changes. He also notes that younger generations seem disengaged from life, showing less interest in traditional markers of adulthood. Vaknin believes that while there is potential for societal healing, the current trajectory is concerning, with a shift towards materialism and self-objectification.