Personality disorders are pervasive patterns of abnormal traits and behavior that cause a certain degree of impairment to a person's life. They are not yet fully understood, but they are generally viewed as extreme versions of normal personality types.
1. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Individuals suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) have an insatiable need to feel loved and admired. They project a superior, arrogant image of themselves and regard others with contempt. They usually lack empathy and are only interested in others only if they have something to offer. They frequently fantasize about unlimited power, success or love.
As with every personality disorder, there is a fine line between the normal and the pathological. However, psychotherapists agree that there are a few personality styles that resemble the narcissist, while still remaining in the normal domain.
The self-confident style is characterized by very high levels of self-confidence. These individuals see themselves as exceptionally gifted and destined to accomplish a lot in their lives. They have great leader capabilities and are able to easily attract followers for their cause. They like to rule and to be the best in their profession, but they are seldom envious of others who are better than them. Though demanding respect, they aren't arrogant or haughty.
The asserting style is highly competitive and self-confident. Bold and ambitious, they strongly believe in their own talents and are natural born leaders. They are audacious, intelligent and inquisitive and have the power to persuade others. Most of the time, they are fast at making decisions and have a strong sense of responsibility. They feel entitled and want others to recognize their role as leaders.
It becomes clear that, despite the similarities, there are remarkable differences between the normal-range narcissistic style and the full-blown disorder. The narcissistic personality displays an exaggerated feeling of superiority and expects to be admired, despite not having measured up to its achievements. On the other hand, the narcissistic style has healthy self-esteem based on real accomplishments. Unlike the disordered, who has fantasies of omnipotence and unlimited success, the healthy style sets realistic goals and strives to reach them. Whereas the narcissist wants to affiliate only with special people, the normal style prefers to have like-minded people around, without seeing others as inferior.
2. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Individuals suffering from Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) have a lack of regard towards social rules and find it hard to obey the law. They are difficult, irritable and hard to get along with. They have poor impulse control and are frequently irresponsible. Furthermore, they are deceitful and have no remorse when confronted with their acts.
Surprisingly, many characteristics valued by our society actually belong to the antisocial. However, these traits usually combine with healthy psychological traits such as: independence, individuality, perseverance and determination.
The adventurous personality style belongs to unique individuals who have challenged their limits and our society's, thus remaining in history as explorers and men of courage. They enjoy taking risks and pushing their own boundaries further. Their thirst for freedom, discovery and adventure drives them to great lengths, pursuing their ambitions. Adventurers live in the present and never worry about the past or ponder upon the future.
The dissenting personality style is rather nonconformistic and unusual. They value their independence and they always do things their way, regardless of what others will believe. They see authority figures as contemptible and seek their own individuality. They often feel very motivated and they can be great entrepreneurs because of their ambitious nature.
We can therefore notice the glaring difference between normality and pathology. While the disorder commits illegal acts and disobeys the law, the normal-ranged style simply has an individual system of values to abide to. The antisocial constantly lies, whereas the normal individual may only beautify the truth. The disordered person cannot control its impulses, whereas the normal one knows when to stop from harming others.
Personality disorders can thus be seen as a continuum of normal development. They are situated at the extremes of what is acceptable and desirable in our society and they need to be addressed as such.