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Megalomania/Narcissistic personality disorder might be what’s ailing someone you know

That pesky individual who is so braggadocios and unsympathetic might not be able to help it because of a mental disorder.

By Cheryl E PrestonPublished 3 years ago 2 min read
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I was recently watching one of the first episodes of I Dream of Jeannie where Major Roger Healy (then a captain) was bragging about personal possessions he did not have. Dr. Bellows the Air Force psychiatrist did not realize Roger believed the Genie, named Jeannie was going to use her magical powers to give him this grand lifestyle. The doctor thought the captain was probably dealing with megalomania. If you’ve not heard of this term that’s because it is no longer in use.

Today this mental disorder has a new name and is referred to as narcissistic personality disorder. The current term comes from Greek mythology where Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. He was so handsome that he could not pull himself away from his reflection and wasted away. While Roger Healy was simply humorous, studies indicate that most people dealing with this illness become sadistic have grandiose thoughts and become cruel, and are unable to express empathy towards others.

This disorder is what many mental health experts have said they believe it is the root of Donald Trump’s penchant for making it seem that no one could do anything better than he. Perhaps as you listened to the President during his 4 years in office you might have felt he reminded you of someone. That certain someone you see coming and you desire to run the other way. It may be a co-worker, neighbor, relative, or friend. This person talks non-stop and always about themselves. They boast and brag as if no one else in the world can accomplish what they have.

At times their stories seem completely made up. Such persons might be suffering from what used to be referred to as Megalomania which is a mental illness. People who have narcissistic personality disorder are delusional and have fantasies that they are more powerful and important than they really are. These men and women have inflated self-esteem and overestimate their beliefs and powers. It could be someone who brags that they have it going on with the Almighty in a way others do not.

This individual is always saying how blessed they are and bragging about personal possessions and saying that everything they do is divinely inspired. You cannot hold one conversation with them unless they are boasting. Some historians believe the Roman Emperor Caligula suffers from magalomania because he displayed cruelty, sadism, extravagance, and sexual perversion, thus coming across as an insane tyrant. He was drunk with his own power and made others suffer for it.

Caligula

Your co-worker may always brag on his house, vehicles, job performance, possessions, wife, and children no- stop as if the families of others are somehow less than his. he or she must always be the center of attention and become hostile when they are not. You might have a neighbor who barely lets you get into your front yard before he shows up to tell you about some new plan for his home or property or his next greatest project. Such individuals often talk nonstop, dominating conversations and never let you get a word in. If you do attempt to interject something the individual may become angry, cut you off, and talk over you.

Studies have indicated that there are 9 traits of a narcissist and they are:

Grandiosity. An exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Difficulty with attachment and dependency.

Identity disturbance and an excessive need for admiration.

Vulnerability to life transitions.

Superficial and exploitative relationships.

Lack of empathy for others.

Chronic feelings of emptiness and boredom.

disorder
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About the Creator

Cheryl E Preston

Cheryl is a widow who enjoys writing about current events, soap spoilers and baby boomer nostalgia. Tips are greatly appreciated.

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