If you are reading this, then you are a narcissist. Probably. It’s just become that common, apparently – that’s why the experts have revised their view on Narcissism, classifying it as simply a personality trait rather than an actual disorder. Why? Well, for one thing, so many people have been characterized as narcissists, yet are seemingly functional within society and are otherwise normal – in some cases, being real achievers. But according to an article in The Boston Globe, the real reason may be due to something more pragmatic – the fact that insurance companies no longer want to pay for the treatment of narcissism. Here’s an excerpt from The Globe article; for the entire piece, please click the link below:
The labeling issue may seem arcane, but it matters to patients who want a name for their problem, to family members for whom a label can help them better understand their loved one, and to doctors who have to call it something in order to get reimbursed for treatment. It also matters to insurance companies, which generally require that a diagnosis fit a condition as officially defined by the American Psychiatric Association.
In a sense, narcissism has been done in by its own success.
Because so many narcissists are thriving — at the expense of the rest of us — it’s hard to classify “narcissism’’ as a disability. Growing up with a narcissistic parent or marrying one can be disabling, but, almost by definition, many narcissists go through life without realizing the harm they are doing to others.
In order to find out if you are a narcissist yourself, take the test below – then post your score and let the us know how you did. But on second thought, I guess a real narcissist wouldn’t post their score …
Did you take The Narcissism Quiz? If so, post your score here for the entire world to see how much of a narcissist you really are!
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