Borderline personality disorder and narcissism often go unidentified until someone you know is diagnosed. Suddenly you begin to realize, why things are the way they are.
Narcissists, and those with a borderline personality disorder, both inflict abuse on others that’s mostly emotional and sometimes physical.
Individuals with these personality disorders are really difficult to deal with, and while they usually depict similar traits, there are some differences too.
Borderline Personality Disorder vs. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
The differences between narcissism and borderline personality are usually hard to spot since there are numerous traits and symptoms they share.
Here’s a brief overview of the fundamental differences between the NPD and BPD abusers and how they behave:
Borderline Personality Disorder
While both NPD and BPD abusers seek constant attention, the major reason why those with BPD do so, is because they think of themselves as unlovable and fear lack of intimacy and validation from others.
In addition to their bottomless need for attention, BPD frequently have many additional symptoms and characteristics, such as:
- Tries to avoid abandonment.
- Often clingy and dependent on others.
- Idealize as well as devalue their partners.
- Have an unstable sense of self-image and personal identity.
- Often show impulsive behavior.
- Suffer from anxiety, irritability, or emotional instability.
- Often feel low and unmotivated.
- Intense anger outbursts.
- Are suspicious and suffer from paranoia.
- Develop suicidal or self-harm ideations.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Unlike BPD abusers, those with NPD are convinced of their superiority and think of others as inferior. They will often devalue others just to feel better themselves, even if they are devaluing their own child.
Here’s the list of symptoms:
- Lack of empathy for anyone.
- Brag about their accomplishments and special traits.
- Insulting others to make themselves look better.
- Flatter or criticize other people.
- Cannot take criticism and get too sensitive.
- Dominating in relationships.
- Need constant attention.
- Are moody.
- Often fantasize about power, wealth, and fame.
- Have difficulty adapting to change.
- Often show envy, resentment, and the need to take revenge.
Individuals suffering from BPD or NPD both spend a great deal of their lives in isolation. They struggle with jobs and relationships and are also at a high risk of developing disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, eating disorder, PTSD, and bipolar, among others.
Fortunately, therapy can help, only when they are intrinsically motivated to change. The most effective treatments for these personality disorders will include addressing both their psychiatric and social needs, long-term and life-long.