Having laid out the signs for paranoid personality disorder, I found myself wandering into the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association) -IV and V definition of narcissistic personality disorder. I can’t imagine why.
Here it is:
© 2012 American Psychiatric Association.
DSM-IV and DSM-5 Criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder -Revised June 2011
A.A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
1.Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements).
2.Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
3.Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).
4.Requires excessive admiration.
5.Has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations.
6.Is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends.
7.Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
8.Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.
9.Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Now, children, if you’re really good and have spotted someone, a/k/a SOMEONE, who fits this description, I’ll next give you the signs of sociopathic personality disorder.