Based on overlapping symptoms, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) are often mistaken for one another. The two personality disorders even have a rate of co-occurrence of about 25 percent, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Show Though the two personality disorders share some common symptoms, they are distinct disorders with their own set of diagnostic criteria. For example, both BPD and NPD deal with conflict in a way that is unhealthy to themselves and those around them. It’s the expression of the anger that results from the conflict that is different. In her article “Blame-Storms and Rage Attacks,” Randi Kreger, co-author of Walking on Eggshells, points out the difference in how those with BPD and NPD express anger. While those with Borderline Personality Disorder may fly into a rage and push people away, they will often calm down, feel shame for their reaction, and promise never to do it again. “Unless they’re in treatment, the underlying issues don’t go away. Some conventional [borderlines] do not get angry at all, but hold it in or express it inwardly through self-harm,” says Kreger. “The anger of narcissists, on the other hand, can be more demeaning,” she continues. “Their criticism evolves from their conviction that others don’t meet their lofty standards — or worse, aren’t letting them get their own way.” Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality DisorderJust like Borderline Personality Disorder, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) lists nine symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. If you exhibit five of these nine symptoms in a persistent manner, you meet the criteria for diagnosis of NPD:
NPD and BPD: Similarities and DifferencesNarcissistic Personality Disorder can exist on its own, but can also be found co-occurring with Borderline Personality Disorder. Mix and match five out of nine symptoms of NPD with five out of the nine symptoms of BPD, and you get someone who will likely be described at least as “difficult” or “high maintenance,” and who certainly is having a tough time in day-to-day life. Both people with BPD and with NPD deal with an intense fear of abandonment. Enhancing that fear of abandonment is the fact that sustaining relationships with others in the face of these symptoms is a challenge to say the least. “Intense and stormy relationships” is, in fact, one of the characterizing symptoms of BPD. In an article for Psychology Today, Susan Heitler, PhD, author and Harvard graduate, describes emotionally healthy functioning in the absence of BPD or NPD: “Emotionally healthy functioning is characterized by ability to hear your own concerns, thoughts, and feelings and also to be responsive to others’ concerns.” In the world of the narcissist, that second part just isn’t present. Narcissists are unable to step outside of themselves to imagine any weight behind someone else’s opinion. This renders someone with NPD socially and emotionally ineffective, and affects their ability to maintain relationships. On the other hand, those with BPD are often over-responsive to other’s concerns, especially when they are in the “idealization” phase of a relationship. But anger and resentment from putting the other’s concerns first inevitably cycles around, causing resentment, at which point the relationship will enter the “devaluation” phase. The key to a healthy relationship, says Heitler, is finding the point where both parties’ concerns are taken into consideration. “When differences arise, socially effective folks are pros at finding win-win solutions because they routinely hear and take into consideration both their own and other people’s concerns,” she said. Personality Disorder TreatmentA personality disorder treatment center can help you with an accurate diagnosis so that you can design an effective treatment plan to overcome the symptoms of both Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder and have healthier and more fulfilling relationships. Related Articles:
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) are two personality disorders you wouldn’t necessarily associate with each other. But because the two disorders share the same “B cluster” grouping in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) – including erratic, dramatic, and emotional behaviors – they may be confused. BPD and NPD actually have a rate of co-occurrence of about 25 percent, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Though the two personality disorders share some traits, they are distinct disorders with their own set of diagnostic criteria. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) characterizes Borderline Personality Disorder as, “a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior.” The Mayo Clinic describes Narcissistic Personality Disorder as, “a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration.” Similarities between BPD and NPD People with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder or Narcissistic Personality Disorder share many similar characteristics. They often exhibit a distorted sense of self, struggle with anger issues, and vacillate between idealizing others and devaluing them. Similarities in people diagnosed with BPD or NPD also include the following:
Both BPD and NPD occur in about 1 to 2 percent of the population, according to NAMI. Differences between BPD and NPD Despite their many similarities, because Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder are two different psychiatric disorders, they also have a number of differences. For example, people with BPD tend to be highly impulsive and may engage in such compulsive behaviors as excessive spending, binge eating, and risky sexual behavior. People with BPD are also more likely to engage in self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or suicide attempts. People with NPD, on the other hand, have an inflated sense of self-importance and may take advantage of others to get their needs met. Here are some other differences between Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder:
Personality Disorder Treatment Treatment for both Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder revolves around psychotherapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be used to help treat co-occurring symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. Treatment may involve individual therapy sessions, group therapy, or a residential treatment center for personality disorders. How can you tell if someone is narcissistic or borderline?People with NPD have a sense that they are entitled to the best of everything, and they do not have to follow the rules that other people do. People with BPD outwardly exhibit feelings of abandonment, woundedness, and vulnerability. People with NPD have a tendency to exploit others.
Can borderline personality be mistaken for narcissism?Based on overlapping symptoms, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) are often mistaken for one another. The two personality disorders even have a rate of co-occurrence of about 25 percent, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
What's the difference between narcissist and BPD?Antisocial and Narcissistic Personality Disorder☆
Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for the rights of others often exemplified by criminal behavior and a lack of remorse. Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a grandiose sense of self and pathological self-centeredness.
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How do you tell the difference between a narcissist and a borderline
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