Posted on 06/14/2011 4:32:22 AM PDT by bronxville
First came the crotch photos. Then came the lying and denial. Now, Rep. Anthony Weiner is seeking treatment for his misdeeds, leaving Washingtonians asking: treatment for what?
Based on the New York Democrat’s behavior, which the congressman says includes sending lewd messages and images over the Internet to six women in the past three years, experts interviewed by POLITICO said he could suffer from an array of conditions that could merit treatment, including narcissism, obsessive-compulsive disorder or even some variety of sexual addiction.
None of the possibilities comes with a silver-bullet treatment that delivers quick results — meaning that if Weiner is found to suffer from any of these conditions, he isn’t going to duck into a rehab center and emerge a week later with a doctor’s assurance that he is “cured,” cleared to return to Congress.
Instead, treatment requires weeks, months or even years of one-on-one therapy or group meetings, a slog through a 12-step program or perhaps even medication. It might be easy for a celebrity or politician caught in a scandal to say, “I’m getting help,” but if he really needs it — and wants it — it won’t be a breeze.
“He risked his career, his reputation and his recent marriage to engage in certain behavior while ignoring what the consequence may be,” said Sandra Davis, an addiction expert with Shady Side Psychotherapy Associates in Pittsburgh. “When someone chooses to do that, we say they are progressing down a long continuum of developing an addiction.”
Even though there’s no evidence that Weiner met any of the women with whom he shared electronic correspondence, his habit could still fit the range of behavior associated with a sex addiction.
There are other reasons why someone might engage in risky behavior, including a personality disorder that masks underlying insecurity.
“With personality and narcissistic disorder, people in power often have a grandiose sense of entitlement and sense that they can get away with anything. In reality, most of them are rather insecure and feel smaller than they actually are,” said Brett Kennedy, a licensed clinical psychologist based in New York City.
Tackling any of these problems requires time.
For instance, a typical stay in a professional sex addiction facility can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The programs often include a mix of psychiatric evaluation, as well as group and individual therapies....
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/56866.html#ixzz1PFR9L0B2
“Sex addiction” my eye.
It’s a lack of character.
What is the matter that you have to be so picky and catty? Do you have a chip on your shoulder about something today? We Freepers need to stick together and not be so critical of each other and things that are not the important issue. Obviously no one else felt that I was not concise as no one else responded as you did. Being kind to one another is what makes this site great. It does not take a lot to be kind and courteous. It takes more to be difficult and snotty. I will truly hope that your day is pleasant for you.
Do you have a chip on your shoulder about something today?
Nope.
If the term I used bothers you so much that it incurs such anger from you perhaps you are emotionally challenged. No one else had ANY problem understanding the point and meaning of what I said and how I stated it. This is not a contest for a Pulitzer prize. We write quickly and we do not have to be edited.
You knew exactly what I meant and you are making a mountain out of a mole hill when, the real issue here, is that I was explaining the character and traits of a narcissist. You lost the value of that in your rush to pick on one word that you claim threw you off (and obviously over the cliff). Get over it.
You are like the Dems who won't believe the truth.
You are like Dems in that they twist the truth for convenience's sake.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.