Have Fun with this one - discover the true you

Http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/narcissistic.htm

^ Hey: My fun loving friends, you should absolutely try this new one. A little difficult to answer, but you will get it.
Then post your results here like this (this is my results):

Your Total: 6
(Between 12 and 15 is average.
Celebrities often score closer to 18. Narcissists score over 20. )

Here's how you rated on the seven component traits of narcissism:

Narcissistic Trait Strength of Trait
Authority: 3.00
Self-Sufficiency: 2.00
Superiority: 0.00
Exhibitionism: 0.00
Exploitativeness: 1.00
Vanity: 0.00
Entitlement: 0.00
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Below you will find a brief interpretation of each narcissism trait and what your score relative to that trait may indicate about you.

Authority

Authority refers to a person's leadership skills and power. People who score higher on authority like to be in charge and gain power, often for power's sake alone.

Self-Sufficiency

This trait refers to how self-sufficient a person is, that is, how much you rely on others versus your own abilities to meet your needs in life.

Superiority

This trait refers to whether a person feels they are more superior than those around them.

Exhibitionism

This trait refers to a person's need to be the center of attention, and willingness to ensure they are the center of attention (even at the expense of others' needs).

Exploitativeness

This trait refers to how willing you are to exploit others in order to meet your own needs or goals.

Vanity

This trait refers to a person's vanity, or their belief in one's own superior abilities and attractiveness compared to others.

Entitlement

This trait refers to the expectation and amount of entitlement a person has in their lives, that is, unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with one's expectations. People who score higher on this trait generally have a greater expectation of entitlement, while those who score lower expect little from others or life.
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PLEASE TRY IT, YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO HAVE FUN! Don't worry, I won't comment.

Fascinating to know what you're supposedy like, isn't it?

That's the most scientifically accurate personality statement in this thread so far.

Ahem.

Authority: 3.00
Self-Sufficiency: 4.00
Superiority: 5.00
Exhibitionism: 4.00
Exploitativeness: 1.00
Vanity: 0.00
Entitlement: 4.00

Total: 21

Oh, I'm FAMOUS!

For the record, I got 15 in that one.

Including 3 points for Exploitativeness. Watch out.

And I'm an INFP.

And that's the true me, according to Forer effect.

I got 12, with a whooping 5 for superiority but 0 for vanity. Don't know how that happened. It doesn't say much for the human race if I am very modest but still think I'm better than everyone else, lol

Got 12.

Authority: 2.00
Self-Sufficiency: 5.00
Superiority: 0.00
Exhibitionism: 1.00
Exploitativeness: 2.00
Vanity: 0.00
Entitlement: 2.00

I took it twice. Once I got 16, then I got 14. What does that say about me? : P

Authority: 2.00
Self-Sufficiency: 2.00
Superiority: 5.00
Exhibitionism: 1.00
Exploitativeness: 0.00
Vanity: 2.00
Entitlement: 2.00

The authority ones were hard, because I wanted an "other" option. Because I don't like people telling me what to do, but I don't really want to tell THEM what to do, either.

I guess I think I'm extra-special, but don't worry, I'm not interested in exploiting anyone.

^ I have been discussing with ALS about the test. Certain options are opposite extremes. Some options mean almost the same thing on either side. I wanted a third option for many questions, a neutral zone if you will. Could not choose certain options due to none of them being appealing.

^^"I took it twice. Once I got 16, then I got 14. What does that say about me?"

^Commented with extreme reluctance under pressure of invitation.

I would say, not much, you are still average (12-15 range), but at risk of becoming a celebrity, if the score tilts any higher. Check, check and check...
But, if heading for the foreign service/diplomatic corps to replace Mrs. Clinton, you would need to be higher in authority, and lower in some other areas :)

But , would you like to know what the MBTI matchmaking computer tells you first? So you have a better chance to survive through the next 10 years.

ISFJ
Introvert(44%) Sensing(50%) Feeling(75%) Judging(11%)

You have moderate preference of Introversion over Extraversion (44%)
You have moderate preference of Sensing over Intuition (50%)
You have distinctive preference of Feeling over Thinking (75%)
You have slight preference of Judging over Perceiving (11%)

Folks, I will use this space to add some more interesting interpretations to your personality types later on when I get time. :)

This is a new set of quizzes, a sort of self-help for screening yourself when you feel very sad for >6 weeks, to see if you need to go see your doc. Please do not use them as a guide to self-diagnose depression. If the scales indicate a problem, take the printouts and see a Professional. Do not try to be one...much too dangerous. Please do not even attempt them, if you do not consider yourself depressed.

First Quiz:
http://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm

Second Quiz (PHQ-9)
http://www.integration.samhsa.gov/images/res/PHQ%20-%20Questions.pdf

Third Quiz (Only for teens...my cutter friends)
http://www.connecticare.com/Provider/Communications/CDDSTeen.pdf
Columbia DISC depression scale

Fourth Quiz (Mayo clinic depression screen)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00103_D

Hamilton-D inventory is the most reliable, but should be only administered by a Professional, hence I will not post the link in here.
-----------------------------
EDIT: This one is for those who feel they cycle like a bipolar which is separate disorder:

http://counsellingresource.com/lib/quizzes/bipolar-testing/bipolar-test/

Attempt at least quiz #1 and any other quizz. Score them and if the scores are worrisome, you may need to see a Professional. Talk to your family/friend. Remember these are just screens.

"I'm not depressed! I've just been in a bad mood for thirty years." - Shirley McClean, Steel Magnolias.

And I can certainly understand that Larry...from a Shirley fan, a lovely star from those days. But, a "sad mood" is not a "bad mood" literally or metaphorically.

So your comment prompted me to investigate the "bad mood" a bit closer....so here is a test for those who feel they have a hard time with this issue and are always making and breaking up with people, from love to spitting fire...in a split second, and don't really know why their brain fires both ways....and remember this is not the bipolar, it is something way different... each time I meet one, I can recognize them after a while, and so would you one day. Feel free to try and publish your results if you are over 18 (luckily the results do not apply to teen angst):

http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/borderline.htm

My score on this test: 4

Interpretation of results:

If you scored...
33 & up - Severe (I will pray for you)
20 - 32 - Likely
15 - 19 - Possible
0 - 14 - Unlikely

Hm. One of my best friends is diagnosed borderline, but I don't know much about it. A lot of these seem to line up.

Unfortunately, the name "borderline" for this personality is an understatement by itself. It is one of the most malignant of personality disorders.

The latest ICD (International Classification of diseases by the WHO) has incorporated it in it as "Emotionally unstable personality disorder". It now has two subtypes, impulsive type and borderline type, the first subtype is the one which is the most difficult for any friend, family or lover to handle, and leads to the ultimate loss of every single relationship they may have had and many become ultimately isolated and some suicidal.
Manipulative behavior in this type is the most difficult to deal with: sometimes best illustrated by the urban diction's "brat rat"...
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Brat%20Rat

But, there is much more to it than the "brat rat". Here is some reading material from the net:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borderline_personality_disorder
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/symptoms-of-borderline-personality-disorder/

Listen, aside from the one-minute education of the net, there are some things you ought to know about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) versus the loose slang many GPs throw about calling a patient borderline.

This stuff you probably won't find on the web; it comes from my own training in Juvenile Forensic Psychology & decades of practice in law dealing with these people and their healthcare providers.

The actual diagnosis by a *competent psychologist* of BPD is one of the most harsh possible. It is in the DSM so I'll leave you to read the issues there. However, the salient characteristic, and the reason for the name, is that the person has severe problems establishing Ego-Borders; that is, boundaries where she ends and the other person begins. For example, the mother incorporates the child into her ego structure and is overbearing in her control over the child. Eventually, the child either becomes a devoted sycophant or breaks off with the mother entirely. There is rarely a middle ground. (I use women in these examples because the greater incidence of cases involves females.) In marriage, the woman is so entranced by the suitor that he can do no wrong. She will overlook his lapses and side with him against family, friends and even the law. Let him leave her, though, and he is the devil. Nothing he has ever done was worthy of her devotion except he tricked her and betrayed her.

A frequent manifestation of this hatred is another issue in itself: Parental Alienation Syndrome. PSA is the deliberate (albeit sometimes unconscious) demonification of the other parent with the purpose of destroying the healthy relationship between that parent and their child.

All that being said, too many GPs who know the symptoms of BPD are too quick to tell their patient that she is "suffering" from a case of Borderline Personality without ever doing the actual referal for diagnosis. NO GENERAL PRACTITIONER HAS THE COMPETENCY TO DO THIS DIAGNOSIS. Only a trained Psychologist or Psychiatrist can do so with the proper diagnostic tools. The casual "diagnosis" in this manner is malpractice!

What may seem like borderline symptoms are often the effects of a severe emotional reaction to life circumstances that will run its course and be gone. With proper treatment and the support of her friends, it will pass quicker.

On the other hand, BPD is pervasive and profound; it will not go away, it will not be outgrown. It is life long and extremely difficult to treat.

People with either AntiSocial Personality Disorder (predominantly affecting males) or BPD are the two disorders that most Psychologists refuse to take on as clients because both are unlikely to improve from treatment. Instead, the APD & BPD actually learn from treatment (especially group) how to become more effective manipulators. One major difference is that the active destructive manipulations by most APDs disappear in their 40s. BPD manipulation lasts forever.

I agree fully with your statements Larry, and appreciate the re-education. Absolutely no disagreements with what you stated. But, how would you know that I don't know enough about it, but will never want to frighten people who will run into such people one day, only to be bewildered/repulsed by the persons personality. I completely agree, it is a very difficult disorder, not easily treatable. But, subtility is the name of the game in its description to the lay.

Nor am I a GP, a psychologist or a psychiatrist, who the lawyers love to hammer in courtrooms. haha! I have deep sympathy for them though, when they get bullied in courtrooms. But, you may have a hard time catching me on the wrong foot in the courtroom. :)

But, we have absolutely no disagreement on the description, do we? Nor is the description in the Wikipedia or the ICD misleading, is it? Though, I agree the DSM IV (psych manual) carries the ultimate authority....

So, here is a respectful salute to the Forensic psychologist cum lawman. :/
-------------------

And Sibs, you must have a real (and I really mean it) compassionate side to you, to be able to have a best friend with this label! Most people cannot even stand them. No wonder you and Mel are probably the most lenient mods in letting "brattish" or sometimes "bullying" behavior be condoned/overlooked (sometimes even encouraged by your comments). :)(x 2).
Enjoy, no sarcasm or offense implied.

Not a reliable test - take it with a grain of salt.

I took the depression test posted above and scored................78

mmmmmmm

However I am already aware that I have this monkey on my back.

interesting test though, virtually the same as my doctor gave me to fill out.

edit ***haha

the borderline test scored me 37

better start praying,

I would say with a depression score of 78 and a borderline score of 37 I have the perfect mind set to be a poet.

Was that a General Practitioner or a psychologist / psychiatrist?

I took a depression quiz with my GP,

the bordeline whatsamajig I have never heard of before and took ALS quiz.

i am not too concerned because with one probably intrudes into the other.

Http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/borderline.htm

^ Scored zero, 0. It'd be better if the test was longer and in depth.

Fourth Quiz (Mayo clinic depression screen)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00103_D

^ Zero, no depression.

First Quiz:
http://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm

^ Zero, No depression.

Second Quiz (PHQ-9)
http://www.integration.samhsa.gov/images/res/PHQ%20-%20Questions.pdf

^ Similar to test 4.

Did not take test 3, unnecessary.

"And Sibs, you must have a real (and I really mean it) compassionate side to you, to be able to have a best friend with this label! Most people cannot even stand them."

I don't know the circumstances of the label - whether it was an official diagnosis or a suggestion or guess on behalf of the psychiatrist. All I know is that it followed a psych evaluation after some dark times involving an ambulance, and that it was one of several possible identifications that was thrown around. The initial descriptions seemed to hit the mark, but based on Larry's expansion, I don't know how completely it fits. I would say that she has tendencies towards it, but not to that extreme, and she's seemed to stabilize herself slowly in the past few years. All I know is that it wasn't self-diagnosis based on an internet quiz.

Another good friend of mine, however, has bi-polar, which is another term that is thrown around far too often. I know this diagnosis took YEARS to happen, not to mention the years it's taken to find the perfect drug cocktail to treat it. In fact that still hasn't happened, but I think she's making progress as well.

"No wonder you and Mel are probably the most lenient mods in letting "brattish" or sometimes "bullying" behavior be condoned/overlooked (sometimes even encouraged by your comments). :)(x 2)."

Yeah, I'm just a special angel of mercy, made out of rainbow cupcakes and optimism.

Bi-polar or manic-depressive, as it used to be called, is another over-diagnosed condition. On the other hand, it can be missed with a diagnosis of depression. This happened to my first wife & it was three years before they realized their mistake.
The problem with b-p is that if you do not catch the manic phase, no medicine or power on earth can prevent the subsequent depressive state.

B-p is a Mood Disorder. Unlike all other mood disorders, it is not really temporary, although it is officially. Most people who develop it first manifest in a stressful situation & it stays on. Many people go through mild forms & have no problems coping.

^"I'm just a special angel of mercy, made out of rainbow cupcakes and optimism."

See, if you were red velvet, you'd fit right in with LTFR.

"Bi-polar or manic-depressive, as it used to be called, is another over-diagnosed condition. On the other hand, it can be missed with a diagnosis of depression. This happened to my first wife & it was three years before they realized their mistake."

That's what happened with my friend. She had been diagnosed as depressed for a number of years, so it took a lot of work and re-evaluation to figure out why treatments weren't working. They just kept saying "you're depressed, you're depressed" but it turned out that it needed something different.

Once the diagnosis came through, the patterns started making more sense. We were used to hearing people toss around "bi-polar" as in "one minute I'm happy, then I'm sad," when that's really not it at all. As for my friend, in her low points, she basically can't get out of bed for months. She's never been able to hold a "normal" job because of this, and it's been a huge, drawn out struggle to get through school.

In her high points (which can also last a few months) she's on top of the world. She's spontaneous, creative. Sometimes dangerously impulsive. She will sleep for 2 hours a night for weeks on end and wander around cities alone at three in the morning. She FEELS good, but she knows its the disorder. I can't imagine how that feels.

Like I said above, it's been about three years, and they still haven't figured out the right dosage and combination of drugs. One method with lithium had stabilized things for her for a while, but then medical requirements changed, and the legal maximum dose of that was drastically lowered. Every time something changes, you basically have to start out from scratch. I imagine it's exhausting.

My friend is currently on a trip around the world for school. She'll be back in December. I know she's in a high phase now. I worry so much for when she gets back, though, because I can't imagine there won't be a crash. I think the inevitability of the cycle is what eventually wears you down - to constantly wonder if you're actually getting better, or if it's just the disease.

What happens is the body uses up its capacity to create dopamine. There is no drug available or on the horizon that can generate synthetic dopamine.

The same thing happened to my ex with her lithium (although she was glad to get off it after gaining 100+ pounds). She is currently stable, but a large part of her stability is that she is also 15 years sober.

"That's what happened with my friend. She had been diagnosed as depressed for a number of years, so it took a lot of work and re-evaluation to figure out why treatments weren't working. They just kept saying "you're depressed, you're depressed" but it turned out that it needed something different." (Sibs)

Bipolar disorder constitutes 1 pole of a spectrum of mood disorders that includes bipolar I ("raging manic" with at least 1 week long episode of full blown "mania"), bipolar II ( "swinging bipolar" or episodes of hypomania alternating with depression), cyclothymia (oscillating high and low moods - soon to be classified as bipolar type III), and major depression (unipolar) - are all classified under AFFECTIVE disorders (as against psychoses or personality disorders) because they share "depressive" symptoms. DSM IV classifies bipolar disorder in 4 types, but that is just academic. It is unfortunately a lifelong disorder, not short term as Larry pointed out.

Here are DSM IV criteria for these various diorders, summarized on a NIH link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64063/

Bipolar diagnosis takes time, and is not often evident until the person breaks lose (i.e. has an episode of manic rage or hypomanic swings), which may take years from onset.
Those in a state of hypomania (Bipolar II) are typically the "life of the party", the "movers and shakers" in a company, talented poets and writers, which is why so many refuse to seek treatment, often believing in themselves, and ignoring advice. They can also fool psychiatrists, until they manifest the other "pole= hypomania". Perhaps, the reason why your friend's diagnosis was so delayed.
Antidepressants alone will work in some during the depressed stage, but there is a risk of throwing them in hypo- or manic state with them alone because of surges of DA, NE, or 5-HT. Hence, most times they are combined with "mood stabilizers" (atypical antipsychotics/neuroleptics, or anti-epileptics, as they stabilize eccentric firing in the limbic system (functional mood cortex) just like they do in epilepsy. Lithium is still used for refractory cases, but is fast falling out of favor, because of its horrible side effects. Here is a nice summary article on the current status of bipolar disorder from the NIMH (National Institutes of Mental Health) public education database:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml

I am sorry, a bit overwhelming I believe, but hope it helps understanding your friend better. I am sure she will appreciate your friendship in her harder times.

----------------------------------------
Darren: I don't know enough about your personal issues, and am sorry to learn that you too have this issue, but there is always a Professional (a psych MD, not a GP alone) to help you with this distinction.

I will quote this from Randi Kreger's thread, who has authored several books on these topics and will send you the reference to read by pm:

"BPD and bipolar are often misdiagnosed as each other. Some people diagnosed with BPD actually have bipolar; the reverse is also true."
The diagnosis of unipolar depresssion is never confused with BPD, but bipolar disorder can be hard to distinguish sometimes.

You can try the quiz for bipolar which I just added to the depression quizzes, but the reliability of many of these internet quizzes is limited, and not a substitute for seeking the guidance from a Professional. All the best buddy. You don't sound like a BPD to me, you have a good heart and family, so chin up. :)

Thank you for explaining my friend to me, David. I don't know how I would have learned about it otherwise. A few more links and I'll be an expert for sure.

PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFHAHAHAHAHAHA^

Yes. David, I know you mean well, but there are a lot of alarm bells around this thread. The very fact that you are entering all these quizzes with so many warnings and disclaimers makes me think that perhaps they shouldn't be here in the first place. What is the point here? I am all for quizzes that inform you about "what your boyfriend's icecream flavour tells you about his commitment levels" (though these tests can be amost as damaging), but these are different.

The truth is, it is a very difficult and delicate thing for even professionals to diagnose and treat. It is fine to raise awareness, but I don't think this is the right context for it.

Also, your style of awareness for mental health issues is rather appalling. You have made crude, ignorant comments like this: "I pray for you" and "You don't sound like a BPD to me, you have a good heart and family, so chin up." What.

One of my best friends is bipolar and she has the best heart, cleverest brain, most loving soul and highest spirit out of anyone I know. She is on lithium and she loves it.

Please have a little think about the issues you raise and how you express them to others here. Much of it seems condescending and unnecessary.

Dear Abby: You have quite a sense of judgement on what is condescending and unacceptable. And this comment comes out on the heels of another attack (personal) on another thread, without me attacking anyone.

This thread was made purely for fun, and as things evolved more tests were added. So if you read only the tail end, and make your own observations on what is right and wrong, you are entitled to your views, which are certainly not what I project here. You conveniently joined 2 different remarks to make them sound like one. The first "I pray for you" was in earnest, as I have had people that I know personally affected by this unfortunate condition (Bordeline PD), and I know how difficult it was to take care of them...so in no way that remark is sarcastic.
Second, my comment to Darren is also in the same line, one voiced with extreme concern, and reassuring not ridiculing (as you interpret it) and simply that he seek a Professional opinion. So to call such remarks as "condescending, ignorant, appalling" would be a far call...would it not be. Why not let Darren make his comment on that. If he finds it the same way as you seem to conjure up, I will apologize to him personally and ask the thread be closed/deleted. I have no intention of hurting or ridiculing anyone.

Re: Your best friend being bipolar, I hope you found some info from the NIMH site helpful, just like Sybs to recognize her needs from your friendship.

Unfortunately, I do know what is behind these comment, but will not disclose it...but I do find your remarks untimely and unfortunate.

Abby, I think what ALS means is that he thinks that you are wrong in saying that what he is saying is wrong, that he made this post for entertainment, and that he was only trying to help. He also seems to want you to try nickel-metal hydride as a way to cure symptoms for bipolar disorder.

Jordan: Guess you are having too much fun with this as well. Have you tried any of the tests yet? You have to definitely read my posts, to know that this whole thing is informational only, and for self, do it at your risk! (If you have doubts about why you feel differently than others perhaps)...educational and self empowerment exercise, not diagnostic or therapeutic. So if any one of you feel so confident about needing Lithium, of course see your doc, don't ask me. I guess, both of you are perceiving this thread and my comments in a different way, than many others who have enjoyed the exercise, and trying to make a big deal out of nothing. Sure, anyone can twist words to their liking to create an easy misunderstanding, but only some will make an effort to understand them. So keep going.

Edit: Just realized you have tried the personality test, IFSP-Perceptive, warm, genuinely caring, selfless
^ I can see the "warmth" emanating.

ALS wants you all to know that he enjoys each and every one of your comments that show up on this page and that he loves to know that you're smiling along with him behind the computer screen.

Lulz!

I think David was just trying to be helpful, he has shown genuine concern in this thread, shame that he is being jumped on.

At least someone understands. Thank you Darren. :)

What ALS means by the above post is that this thread is making him feel like a lonely soul when all that he is trying to be is a pal.

HAHAHAHA. Omg omg, you're going to hell, Jordan.