Narcissistic Personality Disorder:

Discover Whether or Not This Personality Disorder is a Problem For You!

The main feature of narcissistic personality disorder is a "pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy." This disorder typically begins in early adulthood.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), narcissistic personality symptoms are as follows…

Five or more of these symptoms need to be present:

• Has a huge need for self-importance. In other words, he or she will exaggerate achievements, strengths, and talents for recognition. Expects others to see him or her as superior in their abilities.
• Preoccupied with success, intelligence, power, or anything that will make him or her stand out above others.
• Believes that he or she is "one of a kind," meaning that he or she will only associate with others who are of the "same kind."
• Needs/requires admiration from others.
• Expects special treatment from others due to "entitlement."
• Will take advantage of others for his or her own gains and becomes irritable if his or her needs aren't met.
• Limited empathy for others.
• Believes that others are often envious of him or her. Is often envious of others as well.
• Arrogant.

If you feel that you may have a narcissistic personality, talk to a local therapist or doctor about your concerns. Keep in mind, in order to be diagnosed with this condition, this disorder has to take up a significant part of your daily living. In other words, if your symptoms haven't caused several problems in your relationships or with your career/job, then it's unlikely that this disorder is an issue.

However, it's not uncommon to have a few of these symptoms at one point in your life! Just remember, it has to be severe enough that it has affected your ability to function in a logical, respectful manner.

Resource:

American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2000. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. Washington, D.C., American Psychiatric Association.

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