The Myth of 'Dead Eyes': Why Appearance Isn't a Reliable Indicator of Narcissism

The internet is rife with misconceptions about mental health, and one of the most pervasive is that narcissists have "dead eyes." This idea, often fueled by pop culture portrayals, suggests that a blank stare or lack of emotional expression is a reliable indicator of narcissism, psychopathy, or sociopathy. However, as Dr. Sermed Mezher explains in a recent video, this is a dangerous oversimplification. "Psychological conditions like narcissistic personality disorder require careful, evidence-based evaluation involving behavior patterns, history, and emotional responses—not superficial traits like eye contact or facial expression," he states. The video effectively illustrates this point by contrasting Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles. A Duchenne smile, a genuine expression of happiness, involves the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle around the eyes, creating a crinkle. A non-Duchenne smile, often a more forced or polite expression, lacks this eye involvement. Dr. Mezher's video serves as a valuable reminder that accurate diagnosis requires professional expertise and a comprehensive assessment, rather than relying on simplistic visual cues.