Trump’s personality issues deserve diagnosis
By Norman Hoffman • Guest Columnist
Most psychiatric conditions require the clinician to interact directly with the individual to determine a diagnosis. For example, most of us have experienced some level of depression, but few of us have reached the threshold for a diagnosis of major depressive episode, which requires additional criteria, such as loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, slowed concentration, feelings of guilt, and/or thoughts of death.
However, there are a few conditions that can be determined from observable behavior. One of these is narcissistic personality disorder. Of the nine criteria, five are required to indicate a diagnosis, and most can be determined from observing behaviors. Here are the nine criteria:
1. Grandiose sense of self-importance, for example, exaggerates achievements and expects to be recognized as superior. Donald Trump unconditionally meets this criterion as he exaggerates achievements almost daily and brags about himself. “I have done more than any other president.” Or “I know more about this than anyone else.” This is definitely a positive criterion for Trump.
2. Preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, etc. “I will solve the trade problems, believe me.” While Trump seems to meet this, we might not know for sure if he is preoccupied even though he certainly appears to be.
3. Believes he is “special” and unique. Trump boasts about being a “stable genius” and how smart he is. Based on the boasts and statements similar to those in the first criterion, this is a positive criterion for him.
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4. Requires excessive admiration. This is definitely a positive criterion. From the beginning of his presidency, staff reported that Trump requires constant positive strokes. His rallies are another indication of needing adulation.
5. Has a sense of entitlement, e.g., expecting special treatment or automatic compliance with his expectations. This is definitely a positive. Think tax returns — he is the only president in decades to not release the returns. There are countless reports of his being annoyed when his desires or expectations are questioned.
6. Interpersonally exploitative, takes advantage of others. This too is obviously positive. From refusing to pay contractors to using staff and appointees to get his way and then dropping them like a hot potato.
7. Lacks empathy — is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others. This is a Trump classic. Just think of Puerto Rico or the Gold Star family Trump savaged.
8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him. We don’t necessarily know this of Trump because we would have to understand his thinking rather than observing behavior.
9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes. No lack of examples here. Virtually any interaction with the press would qualify.
So what is our total for Donald Trump? Seven definite positives, one probable, and a maybe — well beyond the diagnostic threshold of five. The problem with someone who suffers from this condition being in a position of power is that these individuals are concerned only with themselves. Everything is viewed as it pertains to them. They cannot think about issues from the perspective of what is good for the country or really care about the people in it. His “ratings” and popularity scores are all that matter. This situation poses a threat to the rule of law, our democracy, and national security.
(Norman Hoffman is a doctoral level clinical psychologist with more than 30 years of experience in the assessment of diagnosable conditions who lives in Waynesville. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)
