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Identifying and Responding to Highly Manipulative Patients

PETER TEICHMAN, MD, MPA

FPM. 2026;33(2):17-20.

Author disclosure: no relevant financial relationships.

This content conforms to AAFP criteria for CME.

Despite our best efforts, not all patients will interact with us in a healthy manner. Here's what to look out for and how to manage the most manipulative behaviors.

Dr. Teichman is a global health consultant based in Vietnam who focuses on practice efficiency and physician wellness.

Author disclosure: no relevant financial relationships.

  1. 1.Stinson FS, Dawson DA, Goldstein RB, et al. Prevalence, correlates, disability, and comorbidity of DSM-IV narcissistic personality disorder: results from the wave 2 national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions. J Clin Psychiatry. 2008;69(7):1033-1045.
  2. 2.Willis DR, Zerr A. Terminating a patient: is it time to part ways? Fam Pract Manag. 2005;12(8):34-38.
  3. 3.Zung R. SLAY the Bully: How to Negotiate with a Narcissist and Win. Savio Republic; 2023.
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