Saturday, October 7, 2017

A cluster of bees

I have often described Scarlett as a Cluster B personality.  There happen to be 4 sub types in there, for which, based on my years of experience with her, she exhibits qualities of at least 3 of them.  Those 4 sub types are (courtesy of Wikipedia):

NARCISSISM:

People with narcissistic personality disorder are characterized by their persistent grandiosity, excessive need for admiration, and a disdain and lack of empathy for others.[7][8] These individuals often display arrogance, a sense of superiority, and power-seeking behaviors.[9] Narcissistic personality disorder is different from having a strong sense of self-confidence; people with NPD typically value themselves over others to the extent that they disregard the feelings and wishes of others and expect to be treated as superior regardless of their actual status or achievements.[7][10] In addition, people with NPD may exhibit fragile egos, an inability to tolerate criticism, and a tendency to belittle others in an attempt to validate their own superiority.

According to the DSM-5, individuals with NPD have most or all of the following symptoms, typically without commensurate qualities or accomplishments:[7][10]
1. Grandiosity with expectations of superior treatment from others
2. Fixated on fantasies of power, success, intelligence, attractiveness, etc.
3. Self-perception of being unique, superior and associated with high-status people and institutions
4. Needing constant admiration from others
5. Sense of entitlement to special treatment and to obedience from others
6. Exploitative of others to achieve personal gain
7. Unwilling to empathize with others' feelings, wishes, or needs
8. Intensely envious of others and the belief that others are equally envious of them
9. Pompous and arrogant demeanor

BORDERLINE:

Borderline personality disorder (BPD), also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder,[6] is a long-term pattern of abnormal behavior characterized by unstable relationships with other people, unstable sense of self, and unstable emotions.[3][4] There is often frequent dangerous behavior, a feeling of emptiness, self-harm, and an extreme fear of abandonment.[3] Symptoms may be brought on by seemingly normal events.[3] The behavior typically begins by early adulthood, and occurs across a variety of situations.[4] Substance abuse, depression, and eating disorders are commonly associated with BPD.[3] BPD increases the risk of self-harm and 10% of people affected die by suicide
Borderline personality disorder may be characterized by the following signs and symptoms:
Markedly disturbed sense of identity
Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment and extreme reactions to such
Splitting ("black-and-white" thinking)
Impulsivity and impulsive or dangerous behaviours
Intense or uncontrollable emotional reactions that often seem disproportionate to the event or situation
Unstable and chaotic interpersonal relationships
Self-damaging behavior
Distorted self-image[3]
Dissociation
Frequently accompanied by depression, anxiety, anger, substance abuse, or rage

HISTRIONIC:

People with HPD are usually high-functioning, both socially and professionally. They usually have good social skills, despite tending to use them to manipulate others into making them the center of attention.[4] HPD may also affect a person's social and/or romantic relationships, as well as their ability to cope with losses or failures. They may seek treatment for clinical depression when romantic (or other close personal) relationships end.[citation needed]
Individuals with HPD often fail to see their own personal situation realistically, instead dramatizing and exaggerating their difficulties. They may go through frequent job changes, as they become easily bored and may prefer withdrawing from frustration (instead of facing it). Because they tend to crave novelty and excitement, they may place themselves in risky situations. All of these factors may lead to greater risk of developing clinical depression.[5]
Additional characteristics may include:
Exhibitionist behavior
Constant seeking of reassurance or approval
Excessive sensitivity to criticism or disapproval
Pride of own personality and unwillingness to change, viewing any change as a threat
Inappropriately seductive appearance or behavior of a sexual nature
Using somatic symptoms (of physical illness) to garner attention
A need to be the center of attention
Low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification
Rapidly shifting emotional states that may appear superficial or exaggerated to others
Tendency to believe that relationships are more intimate than they actually are
Making rash decisions[4]
Blaming personal failures or disappointments on others
Being easily influenced by others, especially those who treat them approvingly
Being overly dramatic and emotional[6]
Some people with histrionic traits or personality disorder change their seduction technique into a more maternal or paternal style as they age

ANTISOCIAL:

Antisocial personality disorder is defined by a pervasive and persistent disregard for morals, social norms, and the rights and feelings of others.[1] Individuals with this personality disorder will typically have no compunction in exploiting others in harmful ways for their own gain or pleasure, and frequently manipulate and deceive other people, achieving this through wit and a facade of superficial charm, or through intimidation and violence. They may display arrogance and think lowly and negatively of others, and lack remorse for their harmful actions and have a callous attitude to those they have harmed.[1][2] Irresponsibility is a core characteristic of this disorder: they can have significant difficulties in maintaining stable employment as well as fulfilling their social and financial obligations, and people with this disorder often lead exploitative, unlawful, or parasitic lifestyles.[1][2][9][10]
Those with antisocial personality disorder are often impulsive and reckless, failing to consider or disregarding the consequences of their actions. They may repeatedly disregard and jeopardize their own safety and the safety of others, and place themselves and others in danger.[1][2] They are often aggressive and hostile and display a disregulated temper, and can lash out violently with provocation or frustration.[1][10] Individuals are prone to substance abuse and addiction, and the abuse of various psychoactive substances is common in this population. These behaviors lead such individuals into frequent conflict with the law, and many people with ASPD have extensive histories of antisocial behavior and criminal infractions stemming back before adulthood.[1][2][9][10]
Serious problems with interpersonal relationships are often seen in those with the disorder. Attachments and emotional bonds are weak, and interpersonal relationships often revolve around the manipulation, exploitation and abuse of others.[1] While they generally have no problems in establishing relationships, they may have difficulties in sustaining and maintaining them.[9] Relationships with family members and relatives are often strained due to their behavior and the frequent problems that these individuals may get into.

I've highlighted those traits in Scarlett that I have seen and experienced the most.  Now granted, there are certainly times and instances wherein most everyone has exhibited some of these behaviors.  The key however is whether these behaviors/thoughts are common enough that the individual becomes *known* by them.  "Oh, that's just Sarah, you know how she is"  is the type of thinking I'm referring to here.

So by my admittedly simplistic and wholly unprofessional categorization system, I've determined that Scarlett's personality is composed of :

6/9ths Narcissism (66.67%)

1/2 Borderline (50.00%)

11/14ths Histrionic (78.57%)

For the math impaired, that equals 195.24%.  Which can't be, well maybe it can since she believes herself to be special and unique....but let's simplify things a little and say that she is likely 45% Histrionic, 30% Narcissistic and 25% Borderline.

Truthfully, no matter what the percentages are, it's still not a good outcome for Scarlett or for those around her.

So now what?  Well, knowing your opponent may not be half the battle but it's helpful nonetheless.  Just being aware of what you're up against can serve as a guide for what to say, what information to dispense or withhold, the best manner in which to react to their antics (though that can be a tough one to adhere to) and in general how to approach them.  I think it also spells out very clearly that being anywhere near this individual can and likely will be hazardous to your mental and physical health.  Stress does things to the body that we all could do without.




4 comments:

  1. Well that is very interesting. And true. I saw a few that I have noticed that weren't highlighted, too.
    One of the ugly ones is lack of responsibility. That one made me shudder. But I am hoping that part can be learned? Learned or else? It's going to make her mad to be controlled by finances, but maybe not mad enough to try and get a job.
    Hope she can do it!

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  2. Had an interesting conversation with her this morning. Believe me when I tell you that she is still in full denial mode. Really sad.

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  3. It's been my experience that PDs rarely, if ever, take responsibility. The best one can get is a half hearted "sorry". I often wonder if they are almost sociopaths in a way, especially the total lack of empathy.

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  4. Responsibility and the PD are not usually the best of friends. In my experience, any "I'm sorry" that I might get is and was typically followed up with either a "but" (which negates everything preceding) or something along the lines of "however, if you had only........" What irks me most, at least today, is why we continue(d) to put up with it? Compassion - yes, to a degree. The idea that if we could just get them to see what we see they'd change? Yep, that too. Kind of like beating yourself on the head with a hammer - it just feels so good when you stop! Says the guy who hasn't completely stopped yet.

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