Childhood Illnesses And Narcissism. Is There A Link Between The Two?

[teartracks]

Hi,

Has anyone on the board, including Dr. Grossman, studied the possibility that childhood ilnesses may account for the person developing NPD in some cases?

teartracks

[BonesMS]

Given that OCD may have a connection with strep, (i.e. P.A.N.D.A.), this could also be a possibility.

Bones

[teartracks]

Hi Bones,

Yeah, I'd heard about the link between Strep and OCD.  Also, the rise in Autism.  I guess they are still trying to figure out what is going on there.

tt

[BonesMS]

I believe the research is still ongoing regarding the connection between OCD and P.A.N.D.A.S.  I read somewhere that there might be a redefinition of OCD when the next version of the DSM is published.

Bones

[teartracks]

Bones,

What does the P.A.N.D.A. S. acronym stand for?

I've poked around online to see if there are articles linking  childhood ilnesses to  NPD, but have found nothing.  Technology being as it is, it's not often that you find a subject where no information is offered. I guess I'm surprised at that. 

There's lots to consider when making judgments about the behaviors of others.  That's what I'm understanding more and more.

tt

[gratitude28]

tt...
This made me think of something... it's a strange train of thought...
There was illness in my mother's family. Their father had diabetes. I wonder if the attention devoted to him took away from the kids and thus, in my mother's case, she created a fantasy world where she was the star?
Along with that thought, it struck me that Nism must be related to multiple personality disorders. Maybe it's a form of escapism in that same way.
Just rambling in type
Love, Beth

[teartracks]

Hi Beth,

Guess who I just saw on TV.  Mr. Trebeck!  I still remember that cute picture of you and the kids with him.  Anyway,  I have struggled the whole way (after learning about Narcissism) with thinking of N's as lower than dog dirt.  I always think, what if they really can't help how they are.  What if...what if...  my thoughts trail off and I just don't have it in me to write them off as worthless.   It could have been as you describe in your mother's family.  I keep looking for answers, but it seems all I get is more questions about it all.
 
tt

[GAP]

My mother the N had a life threatening desease as a child.  My cousin suggested it could have caused the N since life revolved around her for a whole year.

[teartracks]

GAP,

Interesting.  Do you suppose the disease itself could have caused it rather than the year long attention?
So much to learn isn't there?

tt

[GAP]

Can a disease take away your ability to empathize?

[teartracks]

GAP,

I would love to hear the answer to that question.   I guess my mind keeps going to the two diseases mentioned in earlier posts, OCD and Autism.  Both are devastating and rob the one who suffers from it of so much.  I just don't know.

tt

[gratitude28]

tt,
I feel exactly the same way. I fully believe they were abused and in that capacity, I want to excuse them. But did that give them the right to abuse us and others? Especially when they KNOW it is wrong (and I believe more and more that they do know... they just enjoy it too much to stop).
You know, you read about the kids who make it in spite of having hard life situations... they grow up and go to college and give back to the world. And then there are the many who sell drugs and join gangs. Are Ns any different than the gang-bangers? Did they have a choice at some point?

My biggest thing- How can someone enjoy hurting a child??????? Ns do. To me that is just beyond anything I can fathom.

[teartracks]

Beth,

So frustrating trying to make sense of it.  I've sifted and resifted the circumstances surrounding N abuse.  I've learned so much here, and though I understand much more than when I started, the questions still flow.  I remember you mentioning in a post a month or so ago of (paraphrasing) being tired of thinking about it all.  Sometimes, I feel the same way.  I'd like to get the whole thing out of my mind, then another episode pops us and I start the mind treadmilling all over again trying to understand, Why?  Ugh!

tt

[GAP]

Just remembered not my ex was born extremely premature and left at the hospital for an extended period of time.  I know what you mean about constantly going over the abusive behavior, it can drive you crazy.

[Overcomer]

Well in my case I do not think my mom has a case of malicious NPD-But the need for adoration.  I do not think it was because of illness but for a need to del better about herself than what her parents allowed.  Unfortunately her offer have taken priority over anyone elses needs.