Fragile Selves: Working with Narcissistic and Borderline States of Mind

The Influence of Trauma on the Development of Personality Disorders During Infancy

With reference to various theorizts, Dr Clara Mucci argues that the most severe personality disorders develop when an infant is traumatized early in life. Trauma inhibits normal infant brain development, causing borderline symptoms of impulsivity and unstable mood. It also warps the infant’s sense of self, leading to narcissistic symptoms of aggression, grandiosity and shame.