Symptoms of Narcissistic Abuse

Were you raised by a parent with narcissistic, borderline, or antisocial personality disorder? Children of a parent with a personality disorder can experience a wide range of symptoms, including;

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, including

  • flashbacks

  • nightmares

  • difficulty remembering traumatic events

  • recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event

  • reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)

  • upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event

  • severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event

  • trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event

  • avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event

  • negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world

  • hopelessness about the future

  • memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event

  • difficulty maintaining close relationships

  • feeling detached from family and friends

  • lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed

  • difficulty experiencing positive emotions

  • feeling emotionally numb

  • being easily startled or frightened

  • always being on guard for danger

  • self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast

  • trouble sleeping

  • trouble concentrating

  • Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior

  • overwhelming guilt or shame

Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)

With Complex PTSD you experience many of the symptoms of PTSD and may also include;

  • feelings of shame or guilt.

  • difficulty controlling your emotions.

  • periods of losing attention and concentration (dissociation)

  • physical symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, chest pains and stomach aches

  • cutting yourself off from friends and family.

  • relationship difficulties.

  • destructive or risky behavior, such as self-harm, alcohol misuse or drug abuse

  • suicidal thoughts

In addition you may experience:

  • not trusting your thoughts, your decisions, your perceptions

  • losing your sense of self, or having never developed your sense of self

  • feeling “crazy” yourself

  • difficulty setting boundaries

  • difficulty saying “no”

  • having drama filled and volatile relationships, having relationships with narcissists