What is Post-Narcissist Stress Disorder & Is Narcissistic Abuse Syndrome a Real Diagnosis? | Understanding These Commonly Misunderstood Terms, Causes & Treatment

If you've ever typed “what is narcissistic abuse syndrome” or “therapy for post-narcissist stress disorder” into Google, you may have struggled to find some solid resources or therapists treating these conditions. Many people, especially folks healing from toxic, emotionally abusive relationships, use these phrases to make sense of their reality and experiences. Some individuals find labels to be validating and helpful.

The reason you may struggle to find licensed therapists using these terms is because they are not officially recognized mental health disorders. While these terms aren’t official mental health diagnoses, they are often used to describe sets of symptoms that are seemingly unique to narcissistic abuse survivors. I hope the community gets its own, official term one day!

What Is Narcissistic Abuse Syndrome—and Why Isn’t It in the DSM? Is Post-Narcissist Stress Disorder Real?

“Narcissistic Abuse Syndrome” and “Post-Narcissist Stress Disorder” are not formal diagnoses in the DSM-5 or ICD-11 (manuals used by mental health professionals). You won’t find them in clinical textbooks, and your insurance certainly won’t recognize or reimburse your treatment if you attempt to use these terms as evidence (BOooooOOOOoooo!). That said, you will see these terms mentioned all over survivor communities and social media. Some larger mental health tech platforms (you know who...they love sending cease & desists) also inappropriately use them for marketing purposes, treating them as diagnoses.

Again, these terms were created to describe the unique and devastating psychological effects of antagonistic relational stressors like prolonged manipulation, gaslighting, and coercive control by someone with narcissistic traits or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

People who resonate with these labels often experience:

• Cognitive Dissonance

  
  

• Self-Doubt, Confusion, & Brain Fog

  
  

• Hypervigilance

  
  

• Challenges with Identity

  
  

• Significant Levels of Shame

  
  

• Trauma-Bonding Challenges 

  
  

• Perceived Personality Changes

  
  

While these labels don’t fit neatly into one diagnosis, they often overlap with things like PTSD, anxiety, depression, or dissociative disorders. Some research has suggested that the effects of narcissistic abuse are actually quite different when compared to something like an anxiety disorder or depression (my experiences as a therapist would support this hypothesis). Because of this, it makes sense that people would be itching for a new term or label.

Therapy for Post-Narcissist Stress Disorder: What You Actually Need

Whether you call it narcissistic abuse syndrome or something else entirely, what you’re experiencing is real, and it requires a trauma-informed therapy approach. If it’s easiest for you to describe your experience using these terms, that is totally fine (as long as you understand the unfortunate lack of clinical support so you don’t try to use them in court or with your insurance company). 

Relational trauma deeply affects your limbic system and your sense of self/identity. Feeling safe and vulnerable around others can feel impossible after narcissistic abuse. Therapy that focuses on relational safety, attachment trauma, and trauma-focused modalities like EMDR can be incredibly healing. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to justify getting help. The right therapy honors your experience, even if it doesn’t fit a label.

Another Reminder—"Narcissistic Abuse Syndrome" isn't a diagnosis because your reaction to emotional abuse isn't pathological. It's understandable, reasonable, realistic, and adaptive.

So, part of why you don't see terms like these more often is because being hurt, upset, and shaken by abuse isn't a mental illness—it's a healthy response to horrifying treatment. These understandable reactions are often misunderstood or seen as excessive or "hysterical" (ugh, hate that word). It should be noted that labelling survivors CAN lead to further stigmatization. Just something to think about!

Why These Terms Matter—Even If They Aren’t “Real Diagnoses”

So, I'll say it one more time for the people in the back: Are narcissistic abuse syndrome and post-narcissist stress disorder real? Clinically—no. Emotionally and psychologically—ABSOLUTELY.

These labels emerged because people needed (and valued) language for an experience that felt invisible, watered-down, and misunderstood. They offer validation, community, and a way to name the pain. And sometimes, we need that. If you’re struggling with symptoms of narcissistic abuse, therapy can help you rebuild trust and help you stop blaming yourself for what someone else did. Support is available, and you deserve it.

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Looking for Therapy For Post-Narcissist Stress Disorder in Chicago or Illinois?

I specialize in helping clients recover from narcissistic abuse at Two Lights Therapy Center (virtually): https://www.twolightstherapy.com/

Virtual Sessions can be scheduled by emailing: hello@twolightstherapy.com or by visiting: https://www.twolightstherapy.com/contact 

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Two Lights Therapy Center PLLC | Chicago, Illinois Therapists

Narcissism Specialists & EMDR Therapy for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery

Please Note: The information provided in these blog posts is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional therapy or therapeutic services. While these blogs are written by licensed psychotherapists, readers should not use this content as a replacement for individualized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a crisis or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or contact other emergency services in your area.