The Donald: What A Narcissist!

An August 11 Huffington Post headline: “Does Trump Have Narcissistic Personality Disorder?” The Atlantic announced “A Psychologist Analyzes Donald Trump’s Personality”. MSNBC: “Trump is mentally ill.”

The conversation is everywhere. Many say that Trump suffers from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). NPD is a pattern of behaviors characterized by exaggerated feeling of self-importance, excessive need for admiration and a lack of understanding of others’ feelings. I am not Mr. Trump’s psychologist, but at first glance he seems to fit the bill.

The speculation does not stop there. A respected colleague recently asked if Trump’s character might also fit Histrionic Personality Disorder. This is marked by excessive emotion, dramatization and a penchant for being the center of attention. He may be on to something, who knows?

Here is my perspective: even if Donald Trump has a personality disorder – what difference would that make?

Let’s assume for a moment that Mr. Trump would do a good job as President. Let’s take him at his word and imagine that he will shrink the national deficit, create jobs, bring manufacturing back to this country and restore Law and Order.

What if he proves to be a leader who delivers for all people - regardless of race, gender or political affiliation. Say his policy and temperament strengthens America, bringing peace and prosperity across the land. What if his tax cuts result in increased wages and more take home pay for both men and women? Suppose African Americans enjoy greater economic opportunity as employment rises. Imagine he makes America Great Again!

After 4 years of that, would his diagnosis really matter? His Narcissistic or Histrionic traits might remain his problem – affecting his relationships, happiness and well-being. But is it relevant to the country and his ability to do his job?

The name-game is easy to play. We can engage in armchair speculation about Hillary Clinton, as well. Clinton is accused of exploiting her office and power for personal gain. She is known to twist the truth and tell people what they want to hear while continuing to act in self-interest. Maybe she suffers from Antisocial Personality Disorder – where a person disregards the norms of right-and wrong, lies consistently, uses manipulation and distortion for personal gain, antagonizes others.

Is Hillary Clinton mentally ill? And if she is, is it relevant to whether she is good at her job? Barack Obama – any politician – and any human being, for that matter, can be scrutinized and diagnosed. There are hundreds of named mental disorders – ranging from Personality to Mood to Thought.

It is easy to get caught up in name-calling and “diagnose” others in order to write them off. We do it in our daily lives. Our student has ADHD, our spouse is Bipolar, our mother Schizophrenic, our in-law is Borderline and our father is a Narcissist.

Once identified, we can easily discredit them and excuse our own behaviors toward them – no matter how hurtful or wrong we may be.

Naming the problem does not disqualify the person. In practice, I interact with mental illness every day. I know “Borderlines” who are deeply caring, sensitive and spiritual people and who do great work. Many “Bipolars” have a drive to accomplish and get things done. Some “Narcissists” help thousands and run successful organizations. The particular diagnosis is not important, only the ability to build on strengths and minimize weakness.

Diagnosis is useful in a professional context. It helps conceptualize a problem and informs effective treatment. Outside of the office, it really has no place. All that matters is how the person adapts and is able to perform.

That is what it is about.