Distinguishing trauma-associated narcissistic symptoms from posttraumatic stress disorder: a diagnostic challenge.
Individuals with trauma-associated narcissistic symptoms (referred to in this paper by the acronym TANS for simplicity) display a discrete cluster of psychological symptoms that can closely mimic those of PTSD. In TANS, the underlying vulnerability to traumatic stress usually stems from a narcissistic personality disorder or narcissistic personality traits. However, narcissistic symptoms associated with an external traumatic event may be reflexively and erroneously attributed to PTSD, no matter how small or insignificant the traumatic stressor. Mistaking TANS for PTSD usually results in treatment failure. In litigation, distinguishing between TANS and PTSD assists the trier of fact in determining causation and assessing damages.
Simon
Robert I
RI
Program in Psychiatry and Law, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA. risimonmd@aol.com
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D004651:Employment; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy