IV. Grandiosity Gap Dysphoria

The narcissist's firmly, though counterfactually, perceives himself as omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, brilliant, accomplished, irresistible, immune, and invincible. Any data to contrary is usually filtered, altered, or discarded altogether. Still, sometimes reality intrudes and creates a Grandiosity Gap. The narcissist is forced to face his mortality, limitations, ignorance, and relative inferiority. He sulks and sinks into an incapacitating but short-lived dysphoria.

V. Self-Punishing Dysphoria

Deep inside, narcissist hates himself and doubts his own worth. He deplores his desperate addiction to Narcissistic Supply. He judges his actions and intentions harshly and sadistically. He may be unaware of these dynamics – but they are at heart of narcissistic disorder and reason narcissist had to resort to narcissism as a defence mechanism in first place.

This inexhaustible well of ill will, self-chastisement, self-doubt, and self-directed aggression yields numerous self-defeating and self-destructive behaviours – from reckless driving and substance abuse to suicidal ideation and constant depression.

It is narcissist's ability to confabulate that saves him from himself. His grandiose fantasies remove him from reality and prevent recurrent narcissistic injuries. Many narcissists end up delusional, schizoid, or paranoid. To avoid agonising and gnawing depression, they give up on life itself.

All mechanisms of pathological narcissism are at work during bubble phase. The narcissist idealizes situation, other "actors", and environment. He tries to control and manipulate his milieu into buttressing his false notions and perceptions. Faced with an inevitable Grandiosity Gap, he becomes disillusioned and bitter and devalues and discards people, places, and circumstances involved in bubble.

Still, Grandiosity Bubbles are not part of normal narcissistic mini-cycle (see resources in section titled "Also Read" below). They are rare events, much like trying on a new outfit for size and comfort. They fizzle out rapidly and narcissist reverts to his regular pattern: idealizing new Sources of Supply, devaluing and discarding them, pursuing next victims to be drained.

Actually, deflation of a grandiosity bubble is met with relief by narcissist. It does not involve a narcissistic injury. The narcissist views bubble as merely an experiment at being someone else for a while. It is a safety valve, allowing narcissist to effectively cope with negative emotions and frustration. Thus cleansed, narcissist can go back to doing what he does best – projecting a False Self and garnering attention from others.