Astronaut’s attack is ‘narcissistic disorder’

No one has publicly ascribed a psychological malady to Nowak. But her behavior suggests a syndrome seen among high achievers, called “narcissistic personality disorder,’’ said Maryland psychiatrist Dr Jack Vaeth. Thwarted in their ambitions or conquests, people accustomed to success, adulation and entitlement may slide into a rage or a disastrous series of decisions that can bring down their careers. When a narcissist’s achievement or conquest is thwarted, he (or she) can fall into a rage, Vaeth said.

Nowak, who is married with three kids, is the epitome of a high achiever. She is a US Naval Academy graduate with a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering; a decorated Navy veteran and test pilot who has logged more than 1,500 hours in 30 different types of aircraft, according to NASA. Liza M Nowak, 43

• Mission specialist on space shuttle Discovery flight from July 4-17

On Monday, Howak allegedly drove from Houston to Orlando to confront Colleen Shipman about her relationship with Willian A Oefelein. Authorities found a pepper spray, an unused BB gun cartridge, latex gloves and emails from Shipman to Oefelein in Nowak’s car.

William A Oefelein, 41

• Piloted the Discovery flight from Dec 9-22. He and Nowak trained together. Nowak reportedly characterised her relationship with Oefelein as “more than a working relationship but less than a romantic relationship.”

Collen Shipman, 30

• Air Force captain stationed at a base near Kennedy Space Center.

–Frank D Roylance