Furthermore, excessive suspicion compromises empathy and compassion.
Beyond empathy, excessive internet use could lead more generally to a reduced ability to communicate effectively, as it has been associated with a lack of emotional intelligence, including poor performance on interpreting facial expressions.
As spelled out in the petition, the DSM IV criteria for diagnosing NPD includes a grandiose sense of self-importance, being preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, requiring excessive admiration and lacking empathy.
It is composed of Machiavellianism, which is a tendency to manipulate others to gain advantage, psychopathy, which is a general lack of empathy, and narcissism, which is excessive self-love.
Narcissistic personality disorder involves a pervasive grandiosity, an extreme desire for attention, a sense of entitlement, a willingness to exploit or mistreat others, an excessive need for admiration and a lack of empathy.
Primary care providers can be taught to use patient-centred skills to recognize which patients have health anxiety, to express empathy, and to guide patients who demand excessive care in more effective medical decision-making.
Montross makes us aware of the profound and unavoidable dilemma at the core of doctoring: physicians must place themselves at the midpoint between "excessive emotional involvement with patients and a complete lack of empathy".
"That is all very nice," she said, "but how will it help her in the tough real world?" But sensitivity, if it is not excessive and is properly nurtured, can be a catalyst for empathy and even leadership.
Mr. Braunstein's narcissistic disorder, she said, led to feelings of grandiosity, "an excessive need for the admiration of others," and to "lack of empathy for those around him".
