Definition
Narcissistic personality is characterized by behavior or a fantasy of grandiosity, a lack of empathy and a need to be admired by others. Narcissistic personality has a pathological unrealistic or inflated sense of self-importance, has an inability to see the viewpoints of others, and is hypersensitive to the opinions of others.
ONSET: Early adulthood and with a variety of contexts.
Diagnostic Criteria ( DSM-IV )
1. Behavior or a fantasy of grandiosity, a lack of empathy and a need to be admired by others. As indicated by at least five of the following:
A. Grandiose sense of self-importance.
B. Fantasies of and preoccupied with beauty, brilliance, ideal love, power, or unlimited success.
C. A belief of being special and unique and can only be understood or a need to associate with people of high status.
D. A need for excessive admiration.
E. An unreasonable expectation of being treated with favor or excepting an automatic compliance to her / his wishes.
F. Will use others to achieve her / his goals.
G. Lacks empathy.
H. Believes others are envious of her / him or is envious of others.
I. Contemptuous or haughty attitudes / behaviors.
