Narcissist vs. Borderline On Autopilot: Depersonalization Derealization Disorder
The text is an excerpt from a book discussing depersonalization and derealization. It describes the experiences and symptoms of these conditions, and compares their manifestation in narcissistic and borderline personality disorders. The author, Sam Vaknin, explains the differences in how these disorders present and how they relate to reality testing and dissociation. He also discusses the impact of depersonalization and derealization on memory, emotions, and self-perception in both disorders.
Danger Of Old Leaders ( Cognitive Decline, Cognitive Reserve)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the issue of cognitive decline in aging political leaders. He argues that leaders in the age range of 60 to 90 are compromised cognitively, and this poses a danger. He delves into concepts such as cognitive reserve, brain maintenance, and brain reserve, and emphasizes the inevitability of cognitive decline with age. Vaknin suggests implementing strict restrictions on the age of politicians and advocates for mental health screening for political leaders. He also highlights the prevalence of cognitive decline and its impact on decision-making and daily functioning.
Dealbreaker: No Male “Friends” for Wife, Girlfriend
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the challenges of male-female friendships and the miscommunication and misinterpretation of sexual interest between the genders. He argues that men are more likely to misinterpret friendliness as sexual interest, while women tend to misinterpret sexual signaling as friendliness. Vaknin also suggests that men are generally more sexually attracted to their female friends than vice versa, and that the belief in purely platonic friendships can lead to negative outcomes such as sexual harassment and assault. He emphasizes the need for clear communication and understanding between men and women in these relationships.
Psychology of Urban Warfare
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the psychological implications of urban warfare, drawing from his personal experience and military expertise. He describes the challenges and complexities of urban combat, the impact on soldiers, and the lasting effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. The intense and isolating nature of urban warfare leads to extreme psychological strain, desensitization, and moral collapse, affecting both attackers and defenders.
Mirrored Narcissist Gazes At YOU How Do Other People Exist
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the impact of a mother’s gaze on a child’s development, emphasizing its role in creating the child’s unconscious and shaping their self. He also addresses the connection between maternal gaze and narcissism, as well as the implications for relationships. Additionally, he corrects a previous claim about psychopaths and lie detector tests and discusses the concept of empathy and its link to mirror gazing. He also plans to delve deeper into the topic of behaviorism and its connection to mentalizing in his future work.
Self-hoovering, Narcissism: Trauma or Role Play?
Narcissists devalue and discard their intimate partners, but in long-term relationships, the partner may engage in self-hovering, refusing to leave despite being discarded. This self-hovering is a trauma-bonding response, allowing the partner to remain in the relationship. The narcissist’s voice in the victim’s mind re-idealizes her, leading to a continued relationship with the internal representation of the narcissist. Narcissism is both a post-traumatic condition and a choice-based role play, with the narcissist unable to modify most of his traits but able to control his behaviors and the roles he plays in different social settings.
How Dark Tetrads Confuse Your Therapist, Coach
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the differences between mental illnesses, particularly personality disorders, and the importance of accurate differential diagnosis. He emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of these disorders and criticizes the misinformation spread by self-styled experts online. Vaknin also addresses the need for a more nuanced approach to diagnosing and understanding these disorders, highlighting the complexity of the human mind.
Taker, User Narcissist Feels Loved, Vindicated
Narcissists and psychopaths are users and takers due to their upbringing in environments where they learned to give minimally and conditionally. They lack positive emotions and empathy, so they view relationships as transactional and seek to maximize their returns while minimizing their investment. They perceive taking as a substitute for love and feel entitled to receive love through material goods, services, and power. They exploit and devalue others, using them until they have nothing left to offer, then walk away. The narcissist deludes themselves into believing their shared fantasy is real, while the psychopath is fully aware it’s a manipulation. Both lack empathy and use others for their own gain.
20 Signs that Narcissist Infected YOU (Zombie Narcissism)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of narcissistic contagion and how individuals can become infected with narcissism. He outlines psychological signs of infection, such as identity disturbance, decline in empathy, irritability, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and adopting primitive defense mechanisms. Vaknin emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize and address the impact of narcissistic abuse on their mental and emotional well-being.
Narcissistic, Psychopathic, Or Borderline Abuse
The video discusses how to identify and recover from narcissistic, psychopathic, and borderline abuse. Narcissistic abuse is all-consuming and driven by the narcissist’s shared fantasy, while recovery involves separating and regaining individuality. Psychopathic abuse is domain-specific and goal-oriented, and recovery involves restoring justice. Borderline abuse is driven by anxieties and repetition compulsions, and recovery involves mirroring the borderline’s behavior. The video also mentions the presence of sadistic abuse in all three types.