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Narcissism and codependency stem from dysfunctional childhood experiences. Narcissists have an exaggerated sense of superiority and seek attention, while codependents enter relationships and become emotionally dependent. Both disorders cause an unrealistic self-image and can be treated with psychotherapy and drug therapy.
Narcissism and codependency are behaviors characterized by the fact that the patient has an unrealistic view of himself and other people. Both narcissism and codependency usually stem from dysfunctional childhood experiences. Narcissists generally form due to excessive pampering or neglect and abuse in childhood. Codependency is learned from other family members with the same type of behavior. It is passed down from generation to generation by parents who unknowingly teach their children this dysfunctional behavior.
A personality disorder, narcissism is defined as an abnormal self-love with an exaggerated sense of superiority. Narcissists often seek the attention and admiration of others and believe they are better than others and therefore are entitled to special treatment. They are willing to exploit those they consider inferior to them to achieve their goals.
Narcissists exhibit arrogant behavior and an inability to identify with the feelings of the people around them. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is diagnosed through a series of physical and psychological tests. Doctors often do physical tests to rule out physiological causes for the behavior. Subsequent therapy and questionnaires are completed to confirm the diagnosis of NPD.
Codependency is a learned behavior in which a person enters a relationship with another person and becomes emotionally dependent on him or her. Codependent people maintain an exaggerated sense of responsibility to other people in their relationships. They tend to do more than their part in their relationships and are hurt when they don’t get recognition for it. They are often sensitive to criticism, are adamant about change, and have problems with intimacy. Codependency is not considered a mental disorder and can be diagnosed by a certified professional.
Narcissism and codependency appear on the surface to be completely opposite to each other. Narcissists focus on themselves; codependents focus on others. There are some similarities between the two which affect sufferers’ ability to relate to others. People with these behavior disorders are easily hurt when they don’t get the recognition they feel they deserve and are hypersensitive to criticism or name-calling. Both disorders cause a person to have an unrealistic self-image, with one causing exaggerated self-esteem and the other causing low self-esteem.
Treatment for narcissism and codependency includes psychotherapy to help change the behavior. Narcissists are encouraged to develop self-esteem and more realistic expectations for other people. Codependents benefit from group therapy to help them rediscover their identity and stop self-destructive behavior. In either case, drug therapy with antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) could be indicated to help reduce or eliminate destructive behaviors.
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