What Is The Difference Between A Narcissist And Someone Suffering From Ptsd?

[UniqueSunflower]

I'm curious about this aspect of personality because I've dated individuals who have possessed narcissistic traits (lack of empathy, remorse, and trouble accepting responsibility) along with a history of trauma although one of the characteristics of PTSD is Denial. Even if someone is rating higher in narcissism and they've been traumatized, is it likely they'll never be open / aware of the need for treatment or does it just vary from person to person?

 

[Friday]

Disorders are constellations of symptoms, and it's the entire constellation -rather than any single star- that makes up the disorder.

Disorders also share symptoms.

Emotional Distancing/Numbing/Dysregulation/etc.? (Expressing as a lack of empathy, or remorse, etc.) Is a symptom in ADHD, Anti-Social-Personality Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bipolar Disorder... Many many other disorders... Narcissistic Personality Disorder, & PTSD.

So what makes PTSD different from NPD? (And every other disorder it shares 1 or more symptoms with?) All the rest of the symptoms in each of their relative constellations.

 

[UniqueSunflower]

Disorders are constellations of symptoms, and it's the entire constellation -rather than any single...

FridayJones,
Thank you, I like your response in that there are clusters of symptoms present in a lot of different disorders which makes sense. I know a diagnosis is usually just a guide used by professionals. I don't typically like labels but when dating, I've had trouble determining if someone's in a denial phase of PTSD or if they are a narcissist who will likely never have the insight to want to get better. In a couple of recent relationships I've become more aware of these overlapping symptoms in both individuals and it's felt confusing. It's something that got me thinking though when there were other posts related to people who have similar symptoms generally being attracted to each other. With PTSD, there are different phases to recovery and before someone's started treatment, their symptoms / behaviors have seemed blurred / confusing.

 

[redsandy]

I admit that I've spent alot of time looking into narcissism,,,,,wondering if my husband was one :(
Wondering if I was one as I am taking blame from him for his behaviour :(
Ptsd has been mentioned by my padre,,,, now I'm even more confused.
Perhaps this question can go in the same tray as nature vs nurture,,,,or the chicken and the egg one - but it sure does take my mind off things while I fathom the same :)