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Narcisistic Personality Disorder
DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy. The disorder begins by early adulthood and is indicated by at least five of the following:
An exaggerated sense of self-importance
Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
Believes he is "special" and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).
Requires excessive admiration
Has a sense of entitlement.
Takes advantage of others to achieve
Lacks empathy
The patient is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him.
Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or narcisistic
Clinical Features
Patients with Narcisistic Personality Disorder exaggerate their achievements and talents, and are surprised when they do not receive the recognition they expect.
Their inflated self-evaluation implies a thinly veiled devaluation of others and their accomplishments.
Narcisistic patients only pursue relationships that they perceive will benefit them in some way.
Interpersonally, they are very entitled, expecting others to meet their needs immediately and can become quite indignant if this does not happen.
These patients are self-absorbed and unable to respond to the needs of others.
Any perception of criticism is poorly tolerated
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