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What Are The Differences Between OCD And Narcissism?

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Posted on Fri, 5 Aug 2016
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?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (59 minutes later)
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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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (28 minutes later)
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?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
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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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (21 minutes later)
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?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (11 hours later)
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.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 hours later)
Could you go though it with me?
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Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
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.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (15 minutes later)
Could you discuss with me on here in this box?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 minute later)
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.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (54 minutes later)
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.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (7 minutes later)
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.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (22 minutes later)
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 ??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (2 hours later)
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.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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What Are The Differences Between OCD And Narcissism?

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. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.