Narcissistic personality disorder
Signs and symptoms
People with narcissistic personality disorder are characterized by their persistent
grandiosity, excessive need for admiration, and a disdain and lack of
empathy for others.
[7][8] These individuals often display arrogance, a sense of superiority, and
power-seeking behaviors.
[9] Narcissistic personality disorder is different from having a strong sense of self-confidence; people with NPD typically value themselves over others to the extent that they disregard the feelings and wishes of others and expect to be treated as superior regardless of their actual status or achievements.
[7][10] In addition, people with NPD may exhibit fragile
egos, an inability to tolerate criticism, and a tendency to belittle others in an attempt to validate their own superiority.
[10]
According to the
DSM-5, individuals with NPD have most or all of the following symptoms, typically without commensurate qualities or accomplishments:
[7][10]
- Grandiosity with expectations of superior treatment from others
- Fixated on fantasies of power, success, intelligence, attractiveness, etc.
- Self-perception of being unique, superior and associated with high-status people and institutions
- Needing constant admiration from others
- Sense of entitlement to special treatment and to obedience from others
- Exploitative of others to achieve personal gain
- Unwilling to empathize with others' feelings, wishes, or needs
- Intensely envious of others and the belief that others are equally envious of them
- Pompous and arrogant demeanor
NPD usually develops by
adolescence or early adulthood.
[7] It is not uncommon for children and teens to display
some traits similar to NPD, but these are typically transient without meeting full criteria for the diagnosis.
[10] True NPD symptoms are pervasive, apparent in various situations, and rigid, remaining consistent over time. The symptoms must be severe enough that they significantly impair the individual's ability to develop meaningful relationships with others. Symptoms also generally impair an individual's ability to function at work, school, or in other important settings. According to the DSM-5, these traits must differ substantially from cultural norms in order to qualify as symptoms of NPD.
[7]