Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition that affects people’s view of themselves and others around them. It is characterized by the need to feel important or impressive, sometimes paired with a lack of empathy for others. People with NPD tend to put their own wellbeing at risk to fulfill their desires, often harming themselves in the process. The condition gets its name from the myth of the Greek hunter Narcissus, who was so enamored by his own reflection that he stared at it until he died.
Narcissistic personality disorder is relatively common, with around 5% of the U.S. population having some form of NPD. It is also 50-70% more common in males than females. Often, NPD is developed at an early age due to trauma, abuse, or too much/too little attention and praise. NPD frequently occurs in tandem with other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Treatment for the condition includes talk therapy and medication.
Neurocognitive Disorders
Primary clinical deficit is in cognitive function, acquired rather than developmental, i.e., in which impaired cognition has not been present since birth or early life and represents a decline from a previously attained functioning. Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc. This definition is expanding to become encompassing, as development is not always clear and these disorders are not solely for older adults
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) impact brain development, learning, and cognitive function. Symptoms of NDDs tend to manifest in children or adolescents, but many people go undiagnosed until adulthood. Common neurodevelopmental disorders include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), motor disorders like Tourette Syndrome and cerebral palsy, and learning / communication disorders.
It is estimated that around 5-20% of the general population has some kind of NDD. The wide estimation range is due to the variety of severity and expression of symptoms; some people have mild symptoms of a neurodevelopmental disorder which may go unnoticed until adulthood. Some people may never even find out that they have an NDD at all, and will simply live with the disorder unbeknownst to them and their loved ones. Treatments for NDDs vary depending on the specific disorder but often include behavioral therapy and medication.
Nicotine
Nicotine is the primary component in tobacco that is responsible for the plant’s physiological effects of humans. When consumed, it releases dopamine which causes mild euphoria for a short period of time. Nicotine can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as cigarettes, cigars, vapes, and chewing tobacco, but all methods share the same risk of addiction. The brevity of the pleasure given by nicotine can cause people to go back for more repeatedly, which often descends quickly into full-on dependency.
Nicotine dependence is prevalent, dangerous, and difficult to escape from. Tobacco, the most common vessel for nicotine, is full of harmful chemicals that can lead to health complications like lung disease, diabetes, or cancer. What’s more, the legality and availability of tobacco in the U.S. makes it very accessible for anyone to start smoking and form a dependence. Attempting to cut off nicotine is difficult because it directly affects the reward centers of the brain to induce cravings for more of itself. Going cold turkey could even bring on symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, which include anxiety and insomnia. Products like nicotine gum are available to help kick the habit of smoking, but can often be less convenient to obtain than the tobacco itself.