Dr. John- Paul James, Franconia, VA (2025)

07/08/2025

Real Talk with Dr. James

Why do narcissists attract people with BPD?

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and an intense need for validation or admiration from others. People with NPD can be highly charismatic and confident, traits that appeal to people struggling with self-doubt or identity issues—as is often the case with BPD.

For those with BPD, the allure of a narcissist’s charm and assertiveness can feel like a solution to their internal struggles. However, the dynamic that often unfolds is fraught with dysfunction and can result in significant emotional harm.

Two key factors explain why this attraction occurs:

1. Emotional opposites create a toxic cycle

While people with BPD experience emotional dysregulation and insecurity, narcissists often project an air of emotional control and superiority. This dichotomy can create a powerful initial attraction, as people with BPD may subconsciously believe the narcissist can provide the stability they lack. Yet, the exact traits that make narcissists appealing, such as their confidence or charm, often mask controlling or manipulative behaviors that worsen the emotional vulnerability of those with BPD.

2. Fear of abandonment meets a need for control

One of the core challenges for people with BPD is an intense fear of abandonment. Narcissists, on the other hand, may use that fear as leverage to maintain control in a relationship. As the person with BPD becomes more dependent on the narcissist for reassurance and validation, the narcissist secures the ego boost they crave. This dynamic creates a cycle of codependency that can be challenging to escape.

07/08/2025

Real Talk with Dr. James

The Complexity of Love and Borderline Personality Disorder

The short answer is yes; individuals with BPD can feel and express love. However, their love experiences may be more intense, volatile, or influenced by fear and insecurity, primarily due to their heightened emotional sensitivity and fear of abandonment.

Intense Emotions and Relationships
Those with BPD often feel emotions more deeply, including love. They might fall in love quickly and intensely, idealizing their partners. However, this intense affection can sometimes switch quickly to intense dislike or anger in response to perceived slights or rejection, a phenomenon is known as splitting.

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07/08/2025

Real Talk with Dr. James

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder¹ is similar to PTSD but has different potential causes and additional symptoms.

Can complex PTSD be misdiagnosed as autism?

Yes, the two conditions have many overlapping symptoms and may occasionally confuse each other. A clinician could misinterpret why the child isn’t communicating well and connecting with others.

It’s certainly possible that a child with autism could also develop PTSD. Making this second diagnosis, however, can be very challenging given the overlap in symptoms.

How do CPTSD and autism compare?

CPTSD and autism have similar symptoms, but the root cause of these behaviors is different. ASD starts during the process of development of the nervous system and begins very early in life.

By contrast, CPTSD develops in response to a traumatic situation.

Individuals with CPTSD or ASD can both exhibit a reduced interest in social interactions. For those with CPTSD, this stems from social withdrawal, as the affected person feels afraid of others and finds it hard to trust them.

Those with ASD simply don’t get as much benefit from social interaction as others do, making it less appealing to them.

Both disorders can also cause difficulties in sharing emotions. Those suffering from CPTSD may avoid sharing their emotions because they don’t trust others or feel intense shame and guilt.

By contrast, those with ASD have a reduced social communication ability and can’t quite figure out how to tell others about their emotions.

If a child develops CPTSD due to trauma early in life, they could also be misdiagnosed with autism. However, a mental health professional should be able to distinguish these two conditions because they are different.

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07/08/2025

Real Talk with Dr. James

The Personality Disorder that is famous for blaming others

These high conflict individuals often display a persistent pattern of blaming others, escalations, and hostile behavior. This is known as High Conflict Personality Disorder (HCP), a term used to describe personality traits that result in frequent conflicts, strained relationships, and emotional turbulence.

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07/08/2025

Ladies, here is a Technique to Respond to a Blame-Shifter

Offer context; focus on the event, not the person's character.

Call my office for more techniques 240 383-4800

07/08/2025

Let me help my women out because Bipolar Disorder is linked to Narcissism

Although Bipolar Personality Disorder BPD and Narcissistic Personality Disorder NPD have distinct symptoms, research shows that there's a strong correlation between BPD and clinical narcissistic personality disorder. One study found that approximately 13% of those with BPD also met the diagnostic criteria for NPD.

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07/08/2025

Real Talk with Dr. James for my women

Ladies, Living or working with a high conflict person can be emotionally draining, especially in the context of high conflict couples. Here’s one tip for managing relationships with someone who exhibits high conflict personality traits:

Set clear boundaries: Establish firm boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. Let the person know what behavior is unacceptable and what the consequences will be if those boundaries are crossed.

Call my office at 240 383-4800 for more

07/06/2025

Biochemical assessment also confirms clinical diagnosis of nutritional status and/ or risk for a disease. There are several biochemical tests that can be done on bones, hair, nails, subcutaneous fat, liver etc., however, in community settings most commonly, these tests are conducted on blood, urine and stool samples.

07/06/2025

I highly recommend Genetic/Gene Testing, and Biochemical Testing.

My scope of practice includes the use of Genetic/Gene Testing, Biochemical Testing and other test for my patients optimal health.

Chapter 27.1. Dietitians and Nutritionists.
§ 54,1-2730. Scope of chapter.
Nothing in this chapter shall preclude or affect in any fashion the ability of any person to provide any assessment evaluation, advice, counseling, information or services of any nature that are otherwise allowed by law, whether or not such services are provided in connection with the marketing and sale of products.

1995, c. 391.
§ 54.1-2731. Prohibited terms; penalty.
A. As used in this section, "nutritional genomics" means the consideration of biochemical or genetic information to evaluate how genetics affect gene function and how genetic variation alters nutrient response, including the study of how dietary and other lifestyle choices influence the function of humans at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and populational levels.

GENETIC TESTING
DISCOVER WHY YOU DON’T FEEL THE WAY YOU WANT.

DISCOVER YOUR BODY’S DEFICIENCIES
It’s time to decode your genes, or, simply put, find out what genes are functioning and what genes are not.

ARE YOU READY TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR BODY?
This could be your chance to uncover what’s really going on inside. But first, let’s talk about something you might not know.

Did you know that a staggering 44% of the world’s population has a genetic mutation that makes it tough for them to create enough of the 5-MTHFR gene? In layman’s terms, this means that your body may not be functioning as it should. The methylation cycle is a crucial process that your body goes through to convert raw nutrients into usable forms that your body needs.

This process is essential for everything from detoxification to energy production, hormone balance, and maintaining proper immune and nervous system function. But here’s the kicker—it’s not just one gene that can cause issues. There are actually five main genes that could be mutated, preventing your body from functioning optimally and depriving it of essential nutrients.

WHY YOU NEED THIS GENE TEST.
THERE IS NOT A SINGLE COMPOUND KNOWN TO MANKIND THAT IS USED IN ITS ORIGINAL FORMAT

We can’t change your genes, but we can improve how they function. Did you realize that EVERYTHING you put into your body must be transformed into its usable format?

Everything from proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats to minerals, nutrients, and vitamins, your body can convert some of these compounds, but not all of them. If your body can’t convert something, you’re left with a nutrient deficiency, which can cause issues.

And if you don’t tackle these issues effectively and promptly, they’ll accumulate until they’re beyond your control.

If you’re seeking to improve your wellbeing or elevate your wellness, then you MUST take this test. The good news is that you only need to take it once in your entire life.

Are you willing to do what it takes to reclaim your power and take control of your wellness? The choice is yours.

07/03/2025

Knee pain???

Many ask for my help. There are a few natural vitamins and minerals therapy that has proven effective in cartilage regeneration. Call 240 383-4800 for an appointment

What mineral rebuilds cartilage?

Glucosamine is one of the substances in your body that is used to build cartilage. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis.

Vitamin D has been associated with cartilage regeneration in OA, but the exact mechanism is not well defined.

07/03/2025

Do cartilage supplements really work?

Reviews of studies have yielded mixed results about these supplements. Some found the supplements offered pain relief and function compared to placebo, while others didn't. The difference in outcomes may be due to the variety of supplement types and doses researchers used.

Let’s talk about what has been proven in minimizing knee and joint pain and cartilage regeneration.

Call 240 483-4800

Dr. John- Paul James

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