Characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity in fantasy or behavior and an excessive need for admiration. Manifestations may include having an exaggerated sense of self-importance, having a feeling of being so special that one should associate only with other special people, exploiting others to advance one’s own ends, lacking empathy, and believing that others envy him or her.
A disorder in which the person has a grandiose sense of self- importance, while having mood vacillations swinging from overidealization of self to extreme self-devaluation, narcissistic personality.
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy that begins by early adulthood and is present in a variety of contexts. Individuals with NPD display an unusually obvious sense of entitlement and right to be served. It is estimated that less than 1% of the general population may have this personality disorder, and clinical populations are thought to range from 2% to 16% (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000). Approximately 50-75% of cases diagnosed with NPD are male. Like other personality disorders, NPD is usually not diagnosed until late adolescence or early adulthood.
A personality disorder marked by a grandiose sense of self-importance and preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, or beauty. The individual believes that his problems are unique and can only be understood by other “special” people. There is an exhibitionistic need for admiration and attention, a lack of empathy, and an inability to understand how others feel.