What Are The Differences Between OCD And Narcissism?
Question: Is there an easy way to tell the difference between OCD and narcissism? My mother has OCD and I was wondering if there is an easy way to distinguish the two, as they have some similarities?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
These are actually two very different diagnoses. OCD consists of ego-dystonic intrusive, troubling thoughts, accompanied by repetitive behaviors such as checking locks, washing hands, etc. Narcissism is a chronic condition in which low self-esteem leads to angry devaluation of others, a lack of intimate relationships, and problems at work. These are usually easily distinguished.
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Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
These are actually two very different diagnoses. OCD consists of ego-dystonic intrusive, troubling thoughts, accompanied by repetitive behaviors such as checking locks, washing hands, etc. Narcissism is a chronic condition in which low self-esteem leads to angry devaluation of others, a lack of intimate relationships, and problems at work. These are usually easily distinguished.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thanks. My mother seems to have OCD. Does OCD make you look in the mirror checking your hairs a lot? What about enjoying blackmailing people on dating sites who are going behind a womens back? Worrying obsessively about calories and diet? Struggles to get on with people.
Are these more OCD related?
Are these more OCD related?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
These do not seem like OCD symptoms. They seem like narcissistic traits and eating disorder symptoms. I do not think these are OCD related.
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Followup
Detailed Answer:
These do not seem like OCD symptoms. They seem like narcissistic traits and eating disorder symptoms. I do not think these are OCD related.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
My mother was diagnosed with OCD in the past, but I wonder about the narcissist diagnoses. The checking seems to be a highlight, but then there is the other things I mentioned. What do you think?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
As described, it is possible she has narcissism. However, this is a complex diagnosis that requires in-person evaluation by an experienced psychiatrist to be sure of the diagnosis. I think she definitely warrants further evaluation.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Followup
Detailed Answer:
As described, it is possible she has narcissism. However, this is a complex diagnosis that requires in-person evaluation by an experienced psychiatrist to be sure of the diagnosis. I think she definitely warrants further evaluation.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Priyanka G Raj
Could you go though it with me?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
It really requires an in-person evaluation of the patient in question to establish a diagnosis like this. However, if you want to reach out to me at my private link, we can discuss her symptoms in more depth, and determine if she may have symptoms consistent with narcissistic traits.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Followup
Detailed Answer:
It really requires an in-person evaluation of the patient in question to establish a diagnosis like this. However, if you want to reach out to me at my private link, we can discuss her symptoms in more depth, and determine if she may have symptoms consistent with narcissistic traits.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Could you discuss with me on here in this box?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
It would be quite a lengthy discussion, and this thread is limited to 2 followups only.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Followup
Detailed Answer:
It would be quite a lengthy discussion, and this thread is limited to 2 followups only.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
With the mirror thing I've asked why she does it. She says it's because of the fringe not being straight and that type of thing.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
This could be a symptom of many things, such as body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety, OCD, narcissism, or simply normal behavior.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Followup
Detailed Answer:
This could be a symptom of many things, such as body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety, OCD, narcissism, or simply normal behavior.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
When my father isn't here. She checks over the locks multiple times.
But then there is past behavior for not liking someone because of the shape of their nose ??
But then there is past behavior for not liking someone because of the shape of their nose ??
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Checking the locks could be an OCD behavior. But it could also be paranoia or narcissistic fears your father will enter. The nose thing doesn't make sense to me.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Checking the locks could be an OCD behavior. But it could also be paranoia or narcissistic fears your father will enter. The nose thing doesn't make sense to me.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee