The Narcissistic Personality

Among the numerous personality disorders present in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (IV) TR published by the American Psychiatric Association, one that has consistently been broadened in its definition and has been subject to increasing research by mental health professionals and clinicians is the Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). This character or personality disorder often resembles symptoms similar to its sister disorders, falling under the Cluster B personality disorders, which all share a commonality of grandiose self-importance. Unique to the narcissistic personality disorder is the perpetual belief that one remains superior to those around it. Like most personality disorders, much of the problems are not experienced by the individual (directly), but rather by those around him or her.

The symptoms for a classification of narcissistic personality disorder typically revolve around a patient's self-importance, need for admiration, belief in their own entitlement, lack of empathy - especially for those seen as inferior, and lack of compassion for the needs/wants of others. Since the narcissistic personality sees life in terms of "better" or "worse," often themselves occupying the position of "better," they tend to show little concern or even outright scorn for those they perceive to be their inferiors. For instance, often times the narcissistic personality will look down upon the mentally/physically disabled, the homeless, the less fortunate, and others who are seen as socially vulnerable. Sometimes their perception of themselves can be severely delusional; sometimes based on their own social status, physical appearance, or abilities and capacities.