Diagnostic criteria of narcissistic personality disorder

A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and with lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood, as indicated by at least five of the following:

1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements, expects to be recognized as superior without actually completing the achievements)

2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, brilliance, beauty, or perfect love.

3. Believes that they are "special" and can only be understood by or should associate with, other special people (or institutions).

4. Requires excessive admiration.

5. Has a sense of entitlement, such as an unreasonable expectation of favorable treatment or compliance with his or her expectations).

6. Is exploitative and takes advantage of others to achieve their own ends.

7. Lacks empathy and is unwilling to identify with the needs of others.

8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of them.

9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors and attitudes

The diagnosis of NPD as other personality disorder requires evaluation of long-term patterns of functioning. One needs to be cautious not to jump into hasty conclusions because NPD can trigger countertransference. A careful evaluation of the different aspects of a person's life, in addition to an understanding of the person's childhood development, can assist in the evaluation and diagnosis of NPD

 

*Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth edition.