by Arthur Burton

Created on: January 23, 2009

I have been a psychiatric patient all of my adult life. I have had numerous diagnosises and have tried an array of anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, MAIO's, SSRI's, and a handful of other interesting acronyms and with their side effects. As it stands right now, my diagnosis seems to run within a continuum, but the concurrence is that I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Narcissism Personality Disorder (NPD) as well as Bipolar Disorder.

Upon discovering my most recent diagnosis, I could not help, but snort at the diagnosis of Narcissism. That probably makes me a perfect candidate for the illness that I would find a medical doctor's perception of my behavior incorrect. I asked her to humor me, and ask herself if I thought Narcissism is something anyone had a right to detect. I offered that in a society where self indulgence, self betterment, and self appreciation is not only acceptable, but most desirable, how anyone could escape the diagnosis of narcissism. The idea of entitlement, dreaming in grand schemes, and pursuing personal happiness is all something America as a whole has taken to whole heartedly.

Finally, I asked my doctor were she more selfless, more realistic, less disillusioned than I, or was she just better at dealing with life's simple boredoms. I suppose, in the big scheme of things, it really does not matter if I am diagnosed a narcissist for I am not judged by what runs through my head, but what is done with word and deed. My curious question is, "Is anyone in America not guilty of Narcissistic Personality Disorder at some point in the day?, In the week?" Who is not guilty of narcissism in their daily lives. These people who are not narcissitic should be recognized as the majority of people chase after the American dreams of betterment, wealth, opportunity, entitlement, or sheer hedonism. I have suffered from my intrusive thinking and mental rituals. However, I have also suffered from simply being mentally ill. To be labeled narcissistic seems similar to labeling what humankind seems to naturally be - self preserving. Narcissism should be thrown out of the DSM-IV and as a diagnosable illness. Narcissism is an epidemic, not a mental illness. Treat grandiosity for what it is - delusional. Treat neurosis. Treat ideologies of the fantastic. Don't label a person narcissistic until you can prove in word and action that you are not in the same boat as the one with the Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Learn more about this author, Arthur Burton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.