Narcissism in action. A model of psychopathology illustrated by intensive analysis of an individual case

Abstract

Narcissism, as explained by the authors, is characterized by: a) a typical set of mental states (grandiose, terrific depressive, of transition, of emptiness); b) a dysfunctional metacognitive pattern, in particular the poor access to emotions and desires on behalf of the subject; c) a grandiose sense of not belonging to groups and the incapacity of sharing experiences with the other; d) cognitive biases in order to regulate self-esteem; e) the use of values as a dominant modality of regulating choices: f) dysfunctional interpersonal choices in which the subject shows difficulties in asking and in receiving care or the beginning of an angry competition. These elements contribute, by interacting between themselves, to the perpetuation of the syndrome over time. We are presenting the intense description of a patient affected by Narcissistic Personality Disorder and whose entire therapy has been taped and transcribed. After a synthesis of the circuits of perpetuation of the psychopathology we are showing some session narratives which have been commented on in order to illustrate the exposed theory.