Storybook

This is a snapshot story from a storybook that contains clinical presentations of various mental disorders. The characters present maladaptive (and adaptive) psychological features that are associated with their disorders.

Narcissus was a young, 24 year old man.

He had just begun work at an online start up as a marketing specialist after he passed the interview with flying colors. He considered himself to be the best financial adviser and had hopes of achieving a lot in his career. At work, his performance was generally good and he was meeting a significant portion of the goals that were set out for him.

One very odd thing about his conduct at job was that he excessively talked about the great things that he is doing and things he will do in the future. While his colleagues thought that he was reaching too far, they didn’t say much as he was doing well at the workplace. On the contrary, some of the employees actually enjoyed the way he talked – as if he was sure about everything. The way he talked was also charismatic, often using a firm but dramatic tone of voice.

He quickly befriended his superiors and began hanging out with them after work.

However, just 6 months in the job, his colleagues started noticing that there were major issues with his conduct. He did not seem to take criticism constructively. In fact, when his colleagues pointed out ways in which he could improve his reports, he responded by pointing out mistakes in how the directions were not clear and that he was doing ‘the best work that could be possibly done.’

Narcissus’s boss understood that some of his concerns were valid. However, Narcissus criticized others often using harsh and inconsiderate language. He routinely used the word ‘idiot’ and ‘smooth brain’ to detract others who criticized him.

But Narcissus’s behavior with the boss was fine. Rather, he often told the boss how he wanted to get to his position eventually and make a lot of money.

One day, the boss criticized Narcissus’s report, pointing out major errors. His voice was raised and a few people around started to notice. Narcissus lashed back by telling the boss, “If you really knew how to write better, you wouldn’t be stuck in this place!”

The entire hall went silent.

This took the boss aback. Narcissus also realized that a lot of people were looking. He then exclaimed, “No one here is even capable of the work that I’m doing!”

And then, he stormed out of the hall.

He didn’t quit the job. Narcissus came back the next day and implemented a few things that the boss had recommended before.

Gradually, in person, Narcissus’s relationship with his boss seemed to get better. However, this was until one of Narcissus’s colleagues told the boss that Narcissus was ‘talking shit’ behind his back. The colleague reported that Narcissus often talked about the boss being a ‘slowpoke’ and that if Narcissus ever got the chance, he would easily surpass the boss.

The boss didn’t confront Narcissus over it. However, the other colleagues soon grew wary of Narcissus’s harsh criticism and an overly ‘high’ view of himself.