KERA's Think Do narcissists deserve compassion?
Aug 21, 2025
Nick Keppler, a freelance writer known for his article on narcissism, explores the complexities of narcissistic personality disorder. He discusses the challenges narcissists face in seeking change and why society struggles to offer them compassion. The conversation touches on the nuances of self-awareness, love bombing, and the dynamics of relationships with narcissists. Keppler also highlights the experiences of self-identified narcissists in therapy and how humor and social media play into modern perceptions of narcissism.
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Self-Discovery Via A Fight
- Lee Hammack discovered he was a narcissist after a fight with his wife and then identified with the DSM criteria he found online.
- He now posts humorous videos about narcissism and says therapy helped him change behaviors.
DSM Focuses On Patterns Not Abuse
- DSM criteria focus on patterns: grandiosity, need for admiration, and impaired empathy rather than specific abuse tactics.
- Empathy in NPD is reduced or blocked, not necessarily absent, and self-image protection drives reactions.
Therapy Over Drugs For NPD
- NPD prognosis research is limited but intensive talk therapy can help patients recognize irrational patterns and choose better responses.
- Personality disorders resist medication but respond to challenging distorted self-image through therapy.
