Ukraine: From Invasion to PTSD (Newsweek, Part 1)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the psychological impact of the war in Ukraine, highlighting the fact that trauma is a systemic event that affects everything from an individual’s ability to think and trust others to their ability to sleep. He notes that PTSD and complex trauma are both likely to be prevalent in Ukraine, with at least 3 million people expected to have PTSD and 25% of the population displaying post-traumatic effects. Vaknin suggests that a community approach to healing trauma is necessary, leveraging the resilience of those who were not affected by trauma to support those who were. He also proposes the creation of a Peace Corps of mental health experts from around the world to help Ukraine recover.
Is Fantasy Good for You? Fantasy vs. Lies vs. Delusion vs. Confabulation
Fantasy is a psychological defense mechanism that helps people cope with an unbearable reality. There are two types of fantasy: person-centered and process-centered. Person-centered fantasies revolve around another person and often dissolve into reality, leading to chaos. Process-centered fantasies are based on a narrative or impersonal process and can be more benign and long-lasting. Transitioning from person-centered to process-centered fantasies can be a therapeutic goal for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
Grieving Your Dead Narcissist
In this transcript, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the phenomenon of grieving the death of a narcissist. He explains that prolonged grief syndrome is typical of ex-partners who were or are narcissists and that closure becomes impossible when the narcissist dies. The grieving process is complicated by the narcissistic abuse, which is an invasion, a breach of boundaries, and a torment intended to modify behavior to the point of vanishing. The narcissist’s absence in relationships and internal emptiness are on full display when he dies, and the introject of the narcissist is extremely active, taking over the mind of the grieving person.
Alien World of Narcissism (TalkTV with Trisha Goddard)
Professor Sam Vaknin, a leading authority on narcissism, explains that healthy narcissism is a normal part of early childhood development, but when it persists into adulthood, it becomes pathological. Narcissists are unable to regulate their self-esteem and rely on others for attention and validation, often creating a false self that is grandiose and perfect. In relationships, narcissists commoditize their partners and see them as extensions of themselves, seeking sex, services, supply, and safety. Vaknin advises those in relationships with narcissists to cut their losses and leave, as narcissism can be contagious and damaging.
Asexuality, Grey Sexuality, and Narcissism
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concepts of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), asexuality, and graysexuality. He clarifies that asexuality is a legitimate and healthy sexual orientation, but HSDD is a disorder that requires treatment if it causes distress. Vaknin also explains that all narcissists go through phases of asexuality during the pathology of their disorder, but not all asexuals are narcissists. He warns that asexuality has become a form of identity politics and may be exploited by narcissistic and psychopathic individuals.
Psychopathic (Malignant) Narcissist: Best of Both Worlds (with Jim Mora, New Zealand)
Sam Vaknin, a diagnosed psychopathic narcissist, explains that narcissism is a desperate attempt to obtain attention to regulate the internal landscape of the narcissist. He describes the signs of narcissism, distinguishes between narcissistic personality disorder and narcissistic style, and argues that it is impossible for narcissists to have successful relationships. Narcissism is not treatable because it is the entire personality that is deformed beyond reconstruction in early childhood. Sam Vaknin discusses his journey of self-discovery and how he became an expert on narcissistic personality disorder.
Narcissist First Discards You in His Mind, Then in Reality (EXCERPT)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the process of idealization, devaluation, discard, and replacement in the context of narcissistic behavior. He explains the psychological dynamics behind these stages and how they relate to the narcissist’s need to separate from their intimate partner. Vaknin delves into the complexities of the narcissist’s mindset and the internal struggle they face in justifying their actions. He also explores the discrepancy between the sequence of events in the narcissist’s mind and their actual behavior.
New Light on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in DSM-5-TR and ICD-11
Psychology is currently in turmoil with new diagnostic texts, definitions, and clinical insights. The DSM-5 text revision and the ICD-11 both offer new approaches to understanding borderline personality disorder (BPD). The distinction between complex trauma and BPD is blurry, and some scholars argue that various personality disorders, including narcissistic and borderline, should be considered post-traumatic conditions. The ICD-11 has moved towards a dimensional approach, focusing on aspects like identity, empathy, and antagonism, suggesting that all personality disorders may be part of a single underlying clinical entity.
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.