53 - Why PMDD Gets Mistaken For Narcissism

In this thought-provoking episode of PMDD Pep Talk, Jes takes us on a deep dive into why PMDD can often be mistaken for narcissism. With empathy and expertise, she explores how PMDD symptoms impact our ability to connect with others and how this can be misconstrued as narcissistic behavior. If you've ever wondered if PMDD shapes how you see yourself and how others view you, this episode will provide clarity and understanding. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The difference between narcissism as a trait and as a clinical disorder. How PMDD symptoms can mimic traits associated with narcissism. The impact of cognitive empathy deficits in women with PMDD. Understanding the distinction between survival states and stable personality traits. Why the diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder may not adequately reflect women's presentations. How relationship dynamics can complicate perceptions of narcissism in those with PMDD. The role of personal distress in altering empathetic responses during the luteal phase. Key Quotes from This Episode: "Your empathy isn't missing. You are in a distressed state which is flooding you with inputs." "The problem is that you're swamped by your own distress, so much so that you can't really climb out of it far enough to see another person's side and perspective." "PMDD might feel like your whole story, but it's just a chapter, and you get to write what comes next." "A survival state can look like a trait that’s cranked up, but a trait doesn’t crank up and crank down." Resources Mentioned: See links below for all HMM resources. HMM Resources + Services https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/pmdd-resources _________________________________ Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/podcasts/pmdd-pep-talk-2 _________________________________ You can find Jes: Instagram: @hermoodmentor https://www.instagram.com/hermoodmentor/ Youtube: @hermoodmentor https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScMMMsmLZDfzjZEQ-1l9lA Website: https://hermoodmentor.com/ _________________________________ Looking for more support? ✦︎ Grab our FREE Symptom Mapping Kit, the first step to healing instead of dealing with your symptoms is to map your symptom pattern. https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/symptommappingkit ✦︎ Work with us. Schedule your Intro Session with our onboarding team and let's run your symptom assessment! https://courses.hermoodmentor.com/offers/Amd9gW98