Is Narcissism a Sign of a Mental Health Disorder?

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by excessive admiration, fascination, or interest in oneself.

A person often described as a narcissist or having narcissistic tendencies may display the following personality traits:

Arrogance
A strong desire to be the center of attention
Selfishness
Being self-absorbed
Being vain
Being insensitive

Narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum, where they can be mild and situational or pathological and severe, interfering with daily life.

Pathological or problematic narcissism can indicate a mental health disorder called narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). It is estimated that 1% to 2% of the U.S. population has NPD. Individuals with this disorder often display a consistent pattern of certain behaviors, including:

A pervasive sense of superiority
A sense of entitlement
A grandiose sense of self-importance
A lack of empathy
Manipulating or exploiting others
Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of them
Fantasizing about power and unrealistic success
A constant need for praise or admiration
Difficulty accepting criticism

Unlike individuals with narcissistic tendencies, those with NPD often lack accountability and may avoid taking responsibility for their behaviors.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s life. It can lead to difficulties in their relationships, careers, and education. NPD may result in complications such as:

Depression and anxiety
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Drug or alcohol misuse
Other personality disorders

The exact cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown; however, it is believed to be linked to genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. An NPD diagnosis is based on:

Guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
A Psychological Examination
A physical examination

Treatment for NPD typically involves talk therapy; medications may also be prescribed if needed.

If someone you know is experiencing mental health problems, please encourage them to seek the assistance of a mental health professional. To schedule an appointment with a Mental Health Professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call 718-670-5562.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What Is the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Sometimes, people mistakenly use the terms AIDS and HIV interchangeably. The two conditions are related but different.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV can be transmitted through:

Unprotected sex
Contact with bodily fluids such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids
Sharing needles with an infected person
Transfusion of contaminated blood products

HIV can also be transmitted from an HIV-infected mother to a child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.

When a person is infected with HIV, the virus weakens and gradually destroys the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infections and diseases. The symptoms of HIV include:

Swollen lymph nodes
Fevers
Mouth ulcers
Weight loss
Night sweats
Fatigue
Rash
Muscle aches
Diarrhea
Sore throat

HIV can be treated through antiretroviral therapy (ART), which includes a combination of HIV medications. ART prevents the virus from multiplying and reduces the amount of HIV in the blood. If HIV is left untreated, it can progress to the chronic stage of infection or clinical latency and eventually the onset of AIDS.

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV. The immune system is severely damaged at this stage. Opportunistic infections, which are infections that are uncommon in people with healthy immune systems and certain cancers, are more likely to develop. These illnesses may include:

Recurrent pneumonia
Candidiasis
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Kaposi sarcoma
Lymphoma
Cryptococcal meningitis
Cytomegalovirus
Wasting syndrome

If you are at risk of contracting HIV and are experiencing symptoms of infection, you should see a doctor. Your physician will ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle, conduct a physical examination, and order a series of tests to determine a diagnosis.

There is no cure for HIV; however, it can be managed through ART, medication monitoring, and applying lifestyle changes that help support the immune system.

Complications of Ulcerative Colitis

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Ulcerative colitis is a form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation and sores to develop on the inner lining of the colon and rectum.

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis may vary from person to person, they include:

Diarrhea (which may or may not be bloody)
Pus in the stools
Nausea
Abdominal cramping
Abdominal pain
Feeling the need to poop (even though your bowels are already empty)
An urgent need to have a bowel movement
Fever
Weight loss

People living with ulcerative colitis are at risk of developing complications or further health problems, such as:

Osteoporosis
Growth and development delay in young children
Bowel cancer
Colon cancer
Perforated colon
Toxic megacolon
Anemia
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Blood clots
Dehydration
Severe bleeding from the rectum
Sexual dysfunction

Perforated colon, toxic megacolon, severe dehydration, and severe bleeding from the rectum are complications that require immediate medical attention.

There is no known way to prevent ulcerative colitis; however, symptoms or flare-ups can be managed to reduce the risk of complications. You can manage symptoms by taking medications as prescribed, watching what you eat and drink, managing stress, and exercising.

Low-Sodium Foods for Hypertension

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Hypertension or high blood pressure can be caused by several factors including a diet that is rich in high-sodium foods.

Consuming too much sodium may increase blood pressure; therefore, a low-sodium diet is often recommended for people with hypertension.

A low-sodium diet aims to limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams(mg) per day. This can be achieved by eating salt-free foods or those that contain less than 140 mg per serving.

Foods you can include in a low-sodium diet include:

Eggs
Fresh legumes
Unsalted nuts and seeds
Dried beans
Canned vegetables with no added salt or low sodium
Fresh poultry, fish, or beef
Whole grains
Herbs and spices
Avocado and olive oils

Some high-sodium foods to avoid are:

Smoked or cured foods
Pizza
Processed foods
Pickled vegetables
Salted nuts
Canned meat
Canned beans with salt added
High sodium canned soups
Soy sauce
Tomato sauce
Instant pudding

Another popular diet to follow when managing hypertension is the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. The DASH diet promotes foods that are rich in potassium, fiber, magnesium and protein, and are low in saturated fat and sodium.

Working with a registered dietitian can help you manage hypertension. Your dietitian can create personalized meals that focus on lowering sodium consumption, maintaining healthy blood pressure and improving overall health.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term or chronic pattern of irresponsible, impulsive, or criminal behaviors.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is estimated to affect 1 to 4% of adults in the United States, and it is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women. The exact cause of ASPD is not fully understood; however, it is believed that factors such as traumatic experiences, genetics, and childhood abuse or neglect may contribute to its development.

People with ASPD often display the following behaviors or signs:

A lack of guilt or remorse
Inability to control anger
Repeatedly breaking the law
Manipulative behavior
Aggressive behavior
Reckless behavior
Feeling superior to others or more powerful than others
Not taking responsibility for harmful actions
Lying
Stealing
Fighting or assaulting people
Difficulty sustaining long-term relationships
Having problems with substance misuse
Blaming others for the problems in their lives

ASPD may look different for each person and is on a spectrum, meaning that these behaviors range in severity.

The consequences or complications associated with ASPD can include financial problems, imprisonment, domestic violence, attempting to kill others or suicide, and alcohol and drug misuse.

Diagnosing ASPD is based on medical history, symptoms, and a mental health evaluation. A diagnosis is usually made after the age of 18 by a mental health provider. Treatment may involve medications or cognitive behavioral therapy.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5316.

Gallstones

Posted on December 23, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluids that form in the gallbladder. They are very common, affecting 10 to 15% of people living in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

The exact cause of gallstones is unknown; however, it is believed that they develop in the gallbladder when:

The gallbladder is not emptying correctly
There is an excess of bilirubin
There is too much cholesterol
There aren’t enough bile acids or salts

Gallstones range in size, ranging from the size of a grain of sand to that of a golf ball. Smaller gallstones typically pass through the bile duct, without causing symptoms. Larger stones, however, may cause blockages, inflammation, or infections. They can become dangerous if they travel through the bile ducts to other parts of the body.

It is not uncommon for people with gallstones to not experience any symptoms. If they do, symptoms can include:

Abdominal pain or tenderness
Abdominal swelling
Nausea
Vomiting
Back pain, between the shoulder blades
Fever
Indigestion
Gas
Pain in the right shoulder

Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing gallstones, particularly those with the following risk factors.

Obesity
Being born female
Pregnant people
Using birth control or hormone replacement medications
Adults aged 60 and older
Living with diabetes
Having a family history of gallstones
Rapid weight loss

Diagnosing gallstones involves completing a medical examination and taking your medical history. Further diagnostic testing may include blood tests, or requesting imaging tests such as an X-ray, endoscopic ultrasound, or CT scan.

Treatment for gallstones depends on the severity of the condition and medical history. Options may include medications to dissolve the stones or gallbladder removal surgery.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers multiple options for gallbladder removal surgery, this includes robotic surgery. To schedule an appointment with a specialist, please call (718) 670-5000.

Tips for Helping Children with Autism During the Holidays

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

The holiday season can be overwhelming for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Bright lights, loud noises, various scents, large crowds, busy schedules, festive dishes, and social gatherings are all common this time of year. These experiences can result in hypersensitivity to stimuli or sensory overload, making what is exciting for most children a stressful environment for those with ASD.

Preparation is essential for avoiding triggers that may cause stress and anxiety in children. Here are a few tips to make the holidays less stressful and more enjoyable for children with ASD:

Maintain routines or minimize disruptions to an established routine
Prepare your child for the holiday by communicating what they should expect. You can do this with the help of visual aids.
Decorate your home gradually
Consider avoiding holiday decorations with bright or blinking lights
Plan meals ahead of time
Prepare your child for conversations they may have with relatives or guests ahead of time
Practice unwrapping gifts or inform your child about the gifts they are unwrapping to avoid surprises or minimize anxiety
Practice giving gifts
Bring comfort or safety items such as earphones, ear plugs, or fidgets to gatherings or events
Create a quiet area where they can go and relax if needed

Understanding your child’s limits can help you select appropriate activities and anticipate challenges they may encounter. By using effective strategies, you can minimize stress and anxiety for children with ASD, allowing the holiday season to be a joyful time for everyone.

Dangers of Combining OTC and Prescription Drugs

Posted on November 21, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Taking over- the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription medications together can be dangerous, because combining certain medications can increase the risk of serious or life-threatening side effects.

Taking two or more medications can lead to drug interactions. For instance, anticoagulants, which are prescriptions used to prevent blood clotting should not be taken with other blood thinners such as ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and common OTC pain killer. Taking both may increase the risk of bleeding.

Other potentially harmful OTC and prescription combinations include:
• Antidepressants and OTC NSAIDs – may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Certain antihypertensive prescriptions and NSAIDs – may increase blood pressure or increase the risk for renal failure
• Certain antidepressants and OTC drugs that contain ephedrine (used to treat congestion) – may increase blood pressure and cause heart rhythm problems

Although OTC medications are generally considered safe, they can be hazardous to our health when combined with certain prescriptions. Therefore, it is important to consult a physician or pharmacist before taking a combination of any medications.

What Is An Endoscopy?

Posted on September 17, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Your doctor may recommend getting an endoscopy to help investigate a potential health problem or treat certain medical conditions.

An endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure that uses an endoscope – a tube with a light and camera attached to the end – to examine or view internal parts of the body. Some endoscopes have spaces where doctors can insert surgical instruments that can remove tissue samples (biopsies) for lab testing or help them perform surgery during endoscopy.

There are different types of endoscopy, each used for specific parts of the body, including:

Colonoscopy -the scope is inserted through the anus to examine the colon
Anoscopy – the scope is inserted through the anus to examine the anus and the rectum
Upper endoscopy-the scope is passed through the mouth and into the esophagus, allowing your healthcare provider to examine your upper digestive system, including the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine
Bronchoscopy- the scope is put through the nose or mouth and into the airways to look inside the lungs
Laparoscopy- the scope is inserted through small incisions of the abdominal wall to look inside the abdomen and pelvis
Laryngoscopy- the scope is inserted through the nose or mouth to examine the larynx, or structures such as the back of the throat.

Doctors may perform an endoscopy to screen for and diagnose the following health conditions:

Colon cancer
Urinary tract infections
Endometriosis
Lung disease
Ulcers
Laryngitis
Kidney stones
GERD

An endoscopy is generally safe, but depending on the procedure, you may experience side effects. These side effects typically go away after two days and may include:

Hoarseness if a scope was inserted down the throat
Bloating, cramping, or nausea if the intestines were examined
Minor bleeding after a colonoscopy

You are advised to seek medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, black, bloody, or tarry stools, throat or chest pain after an endoscopy.

The Importance of Staying Up To Date With COVID Vaccines

Posted on September 10, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals aged six months and older should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines effectively protect you from severe illness; however, their efficiency decreases over time. This is why it is important to stay up to date with vaccinations.

Currently, three vaccines are available for use in the United States. They include the:

2024–2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those six months and older
2024–2025 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those six months and older
2024–2025 Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those 12 years and older

Everyone eligible for a vaccine should receive one, but it is especially important for the following people to get vaccinated:

Those who never received the COVID vaccine
Those at risk for severe COVID-19
Those 65 years and older
Those living in long-term care facilities
Those who are trying to get pregnant or might want to become pregnant in the future, are pregnant or are breastfeeding
Those who want to lower their risk of developing Long COVID

The CDC states that COVID vaccines are generally safe. They are effective in helping our bodies build immunity against the virus. Sometimes, in the process of building immunity, we may experience side effects or symptoms such as fever or body aches, which are normal signs the body is building immunity.

Although the COVID vaccines are safe, it is highly advised that people who have a severe allergic reaction after vaccination or are allergic to ingredients in the vaccine should not get vaccinated.

For more information on the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine, please visit the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. To schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor or receive vaccination, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5486.