Politicians and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Though Americans try to elect officials who will represent their interests and do the best for their constituency repeatedly those choices put people in office who have significantly questionable morals and ethics. The news seems to always be reporting on some politician who has committed a crime, had a sexploit, or done something else to take advantage of the voters trust. You have to wonder why they continue to do this despite the fact that they see the consequences others face in those situations. Once caught, they are sorry and express remorse. They want to be forgiven. But there seems to be a constellation of symptoms and behaviors similar in each case.

Based on the symptoms and criteria in the American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, Washington DC, American Psychiatric Association 2000 (the standard text used to diagnose mental disorders) many of the people running our country have serious cases of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, a personality disorder which is very difficult to effectively treat. This diagnosis affects only about 1% of the general population. They have a pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. The symptoms begin in early adulthood - just about the time a person would be going to college and choosing a career.

The manual lists nine traits that a narcissistic personality might have. They only need five of the nine to be diagnosed with this disorder.

1. They have an arrogant sense of self importance - they exaggerate their achievements - they expect to be recognized as superior. So many times we hear candidates tell us about the wonderful things they have accomplished only to find out they are not so. We chalk it up to campaign rhetoric. And it may be. But the truth has been compromised to impress us. And your vote may be cast based on lies and deceit.
2. They are preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty or ideal love. It's the word 'fantasies' that's important here. That's why they commit illegal or immoral acts that they see others paying the consequences for. They actually do not believe hey will be caught. And they are truly surprised when they are. They are living in a fantasy that somehow they are more powerful or smarter then the person who got caught.
3. They see themselves as 'special' or 'unique' and believe they should only associate with 'high-status' people. Ordinary members of their constituency are looked down on. By being in office they are able to surround themselves with wealthier, more 'upscale' cohorts. They socialize a lot, but rarely with the people who actually elected them.
4. They require excessive admiration. Just take a look at the rallies and gatherings they experience on a regular basis with people holding signs and calling their name. Politicians and actors are the only people who experience that kind of adulation. It certainly isn't unique to see actors becoming politicians and politicians becoming actors. They have very similar personalities.
5. They have a sense of entitlement. They expect favorable treatment. If they commit a crime or a sexual dalliance they expect to be forgiven. They are above the law because they are so special.
6. They are interpersonally exploitative and take advantage of others to achieve their goals. People in power often find it hard to resist taking money or gifts from others. Their specialness entitles them to be indulged and deferred to.
7. They lack empathy and are unwilling to identify with the feelings and needs of others. Though politicians claim to care and express a desire to help their voters, they usually vote along party lines. This is far more beneficial to their careers then to the electorate. Promises made during campaigns are often forgotten once they get into office.
8. They are envious of others or believe others are envious of them. People often envy the travel, meeting of important people and power politicians seem to have. They want to be envied. They like being envied.
9. They display arrogant, haughty behaviors. Certainly the sexual activities eventually revealed would be an example of this. Another would be the refusal to leave office even after crimes have been revealed. They may have been 'bad' but they still deserve a place of power and esteem.

Not every politician has a narcissistic personality. But many do. They seek office for their own exaltation - not to make this a better county. They conduct themselves with disregard for law and ethics. It's hard to know who will turn out to be like this and who will not. But once revealed it is unlikely that their behavior will change. And promises that it will are nothing more then pandering to the crowd. Few narcissists go into therapy - they love themselves too much.

Some people become leaders because they really want to make a difference in how the country functions. And some become leaders because they want the fame and power. It's easy to get caught up with those who have good looks and charisma. But it's important to be realistic and not allow those who have shown this type of behavior to be re-elected. They do not represent the best of us. They only represent themselves.