Anonymous asked this question on 3/20/2000:
My husband's sister is constantly competing with everyone around her.Is this a mental disorder? She also suffers from depression, anxiety, bad nerves,anti-social behaviour. You hate to be around her because she is so phony, and selfish. When we got married, she got married. When her sister got pregnant for the first time she decide she would have another baby after ten years since her first one. Her sister and her baby were born a month apart. It's constant competition with her. She gets into debit trying to keep up with everyone. She has no friends because of it. Is there a name for this? And what should we do about it. We tried talking to her and her husband years ago but got nowhere. She said she didn't realized she was doing this. And she is still doing it today. She doesn't see what she doing and therefore counseling is out of the question. Her doctor just gives her drugs when she gets depressed and her nerves are bad. Her father suffered anxiety attacks and had alot of mental problems also. We are so sick of this situation we have chosen not see her unless we have to. She has just bought a house with the same main floor plan as ours and the top floor is the same as her sister's house. When she comes over now I feel she is taking notes on how our house is decorated so she can copy it. What do we do?
toys999 gave this response on 3/22/2000:
Yes,there is a name for this;Personality Disorder.Those suffering from personality disorder are extremely self-absorbed..it is"ME,ME,ME!" They show poor judgement and limited insight and will go to extremes to garner attention. Negative attention will be sought if they cannot earn positive attention.Their self-esteem is usually low,although they project a selfish self-centered attitude. Spending sprees are not uncommon.No detrimental behaviour is exempt.It takes strength and patience to cope with these individuals. Do not allow yourself to be manipulated no matter how tenacious this person is in getting her way.Do not support their actions even when it appears easier to just agree and go on. Remember,this disorder is characterlogical and doesnot respond to just medications. It requires indepth lengthy therapy.
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