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Writer's pictureRay Reynolds, Ph.D.

TOXIC & DANGEROUS SITUATIONS: Narcissism, Psychotic & Personality Disorders


Psychotic disorders are a group of mental illnesses that are characterized by a loss of contact with reality. These disorders are mainly categorized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thoughts or speech, and abnormal movements. The symptoms are usually negative and should be handled with a mental health professional.


There are several types of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, and brief psychotic disorder. Treatment for these conditions often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and supportive care.


Personality disorders are a group of mental illnesses that are characterized by persistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that deviate from cultural norms and cause significant distress or impairment. There are several types of personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.


People with personality disorders may struggle with interpersonal relationships, have difficulty regulating their emotions, and engage in impulsive or risky behaviors. Treatment for personality disorders often involves therapy, medication, and other forms of support to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall functioning.


With appropriate mental health decisions, and continued support, people with psychotic and personality disorders can live a normal life. However, if left unchecked it often leads to toxic and dangerous situations. Specifically when dealing with a narcissist, or a covert narcissist, one must proceed with caution.


Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by a sense of self-importance, a need for admiration and attention from others, and a lack of empathy for others. People with narcissistic traits often believe that they are superior to others and that they deserve special treatment and recognition. This makes forming lasting, healthy relationships extremely difficult.


While some degree of self-confidence and self-esteem is healthy and normal, people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can take these traits to an extreme. The lack of empathy leads them to the point where they are unable to consider the needs or feelings of others. Narcissistic individuals may have a grandiose sense of self-importance, exaggerate their achievements, boast about their talents, and expect to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements.


In addition to a lack of empathy, people with narcissistic personality disorder may be preoccupied with fantasies of power, success, money or beauty. They may exploit others to meet their own needs and use gaslighting and manipulation to influence others. However, it is important to note that not all individuals with narcissistic traits have NPD, and the diagnosis of NPD requires a formal assessment by a qualified mental health professional.


If you, or someone you know, struggles with psychotic and personality disorders… please seek a mental health professional. There is hope. Take your mental health seriously.


You are loved.

Dr. Ray Reynolds




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