If a person with sociopathic or narcissistic tendencies were to self-diagnose and genuinely recognize these traits in themselves, their reaction could vary widely depending on their individual personality, level of self-awareness, and willingness to confront their own behavior.
Fear and Denial: Some individuals might experience fear and denial when faced with the reality of their traits. They might be afraid of the implications of their diagnosis and may try to dismiss or rationalize their behavior to avoid acknowledging the issue.
Lack of Empathy: Sociopaths and narcissists typically lack empathy, so they might not feel scared of their own behavior, as they often struggle to comprehend the emotional impact they have on others.
Ego Protection: Narcissists might react defensively to a self-diagnosis because acknowledging their personality disorder could challenge their self-image and self-importance.
Self-Justification: Both sociopaths and narcissists might rationalize their behavior as being necessary for self-preservation or success, avoiding any sense of fear or guilt.
Desire for Change: Some individuals may genuinely want to change and improve themselves after self-diagnosing, either due to personal growth goals or recognizing the negative impact of their behavior on their relationships and life.
It's important to note that self-diagnosis is not a substitute for professional assessment. A licensed mental health professional is best equipped to diagnose and provide support for individuals struggling with these personality traits. Additionally, people with these personality disorders might not be willing or capable of recognizing their own issues, making self-diagnosis less common in this context.