Lucious, Severus, and Narcissistic PD (long response)

[fanofminerva]

No: HPFGUIDX 127462


> 
> Alla:
> 
> Julie, thank for your insight, but I think I have a follow-up 
> question. 
> 
> Right now, on the limited information we know about Snape you seem 
to 
> agree that he behaves in the ways that seems narcissistic, 
correct? Y
> 
> Are you saying that he is just pretending and the narcissistic 
traits 
> of his personality is just a mask to the world and if yes, what 
are 
> you basing this conclusion on?
> 
> Would you have diagnosed Snape with narcissism, if you knew that 
you 
> will learn no more information about him than we know now?
> 
> Thank you,
> 
> Alla

These are great but difficult questions to answer.  Part of the 
reason they are difficult is the inexact science of mental health.  
Some of what I base my opinion is 10+ years of practice and 
the "instinct" if you will that develops from this.  I would not 
diagnose him as Narcissistic PD because I do not think this is who 
he is as a person at the core of his being.  In the HP series, we 
see Severus from Harry's point of view and Harry does not like him.  
We do not know that he lacks empathy.  We know he was once a death 
eater, but we know FOR SOME REASON that DD trusts him.  We do not 
know that reason because that has not been shared.  A dark 
character..absolutely.  Not very nice and friendly...agreed.  But 
lacking in empathy?  That I don't know.  I would not be surprised if 
his empathy is what made him turn from being a DE and this is what 
DD knows/sees in Severus.  Again, this is purely speculation, but 
based on how I have read the books, this has been my interpretation.

In an earlier post (#127435), I mentioned why I would diagnose 
Lucious Malfoy with Narcissistic PD. I will try the same approach 
and why I do not see Severus as such.  I will refer to the 
diagnostic criteria in abbreviated form...for an unabbreviated list, 
see post #127435.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is "a pervasive pattern of 
grandiosity...need for admiration...and a lack of empathy."

1. Grandiose sense of self-importance --> I do not see him as 
exaggerating his achievements versus his abilities.  He is an 
accomplished wizard, particularly in potions, and he is confident in 
this.  I do not see him as particularly grandiose, nor do I see him 
as humble.  I think his lack of humility is what people see 
as "grandiose."  Personally, I think his achievements are very 
commensurate with his abilities.

2. Preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, etc --> I 
see him as longing to have power, ideal love, etc., but not occupied 
with the fantasies of already having it (which is what is meant by 
this criteria).

3. Believes he is "special"...--> This may be what underlies his 
suport for Slytherin and contempt of the other houses.  However, the 
other heads of houses may favor their houses as well, just not as 
obviously as Severus.  Again, we are seeing this from Harry's point 
of view.

4. Requires excessive admiration --> Not sure about this.  I don't 
see him acting "chummy" with Draco, just not as contemptable toward 
him as Harry.  Not sure what impact excessive admiration would have 
on Severus.  He does seem to be loyal to DD, but I would think this 
is because he feels loyalty toward DD and not because DD excessively 
admires him. 

5. Has a sense of entitlement --> He expects to be treated with 
respect by the students because he is a professor.  I don't see this 
as entitlement.  I would think Minerva would not act to kindly if 
students treated her with disrespect.  The difference is she is seen 
as a warmer and more likeable person, even though just as strict as 
Severus.  

6. In interpersonally exploitative --> I have not read anything in 
canon that would support this.

7. Lack empathy --> See my first paragraph of this post

8. Often envious of others --> Did seem envious of the Marauders in 
the pensive.

9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes --> I'd agree with 
this.

So, in this analysis, Severus possibly meets 2 criteria, less than 
the 5 required for the diagnosis.  Granted, he is not nice, not warm 
and fuzzy, and not tops on my list to invite to a dinner party.  
However, I would not diagnose him with NPD.  If he were a client of 
mine,I probably would keep it in the back of my mind and see how the 
therapy plays out, but would not diagnose him based on the 
information at hand.

Thanks for the discussion!
Julie