Definitions
Narcissism, as in excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one's
physical appearance. noun (See egotism) definition:
Psychology; extreme selfishness, with a grandiose view of one's
own talents and a craving for admiration, as characterizing a
personality type.
Psychoanalysis; self-centeredness arising from failure to
distinguish the self from external objects, either in very young babies
or as a feature of mental disorder.
Someone with Narcissistic Personality disorder (NPD) has at least 5 of
these symptoms:
* has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates
achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without
commensurate achievements)
* is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power,
brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
* 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)
* requires excessive admiration
* has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of
especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her
expectations
* is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others
to achieve his or her own ends
* lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the
feelings and needs of others
* is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of
him or her
* shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Associated Features: Depressed Mood, Dramatic or Erratic or Antisocial
Personality
Differential Diagnosis. Not everyone who acts like a narcissist is one.
Some disorders have similar or even the same symptoms such as:
<http://www.narcissism101.com/Beginning/personalitydisor.html>
⨠<http://www.narcissism101.com/Beginning/personalitydisor.html>
Histrionic Personality Disorder;⨠Antisocial Personality
Disorder; â¨Borderline Personality Disorder;â¨
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder;â¨S chizotypal
Personality Disorder;⨠Paranoid Personality Disorder;â¨
Manic Episodes;⨠Hypomanic Episodes;⨠Personality Change Due
to a General Medical Condition;⨠Symptoms that may develop in
association with chronic substance use.
Psychology Today: A Field Guide To Narcissism Link
<http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20051209-000005.html>
Here are some more signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder to look
out for:
* Jealousy and possessiveness
* Excessive need to feel special, adored, loved, appreciated, or
admired
* Rage attacks when you do not sufficiently meet his/her needs
* Controlling behaviors (trying to control how you spend your time,
who you talk to, how you dress, etc.)
* Inflated self-esteem, or grandiosity (bragging, "fishing" for
compliments)
* Dramatic, insecure behaviors
* Expecting you to take responsibility for making him/her feel better
about him/herself
* Blaming you for behaviors or feelings (i.e., "YOU made me do this,"
or "YOU made me feel this way.")
* Not taking responsibility for angry behavior and justifying angry
outbursts
* An attitude that demonstrates "the world revolves around me" and
"you need to cater to my ideas, opinions, thoughts, and feelings."
* An unwillingness to reflect on his/her own behaviorsâ¨
Half the harm that is done in this world
Is due to people who want to feel important
They don't mean to do harm
But the harm does not interest them.
Or they do not see it, or they justify it
Because they are absorbed in the endless struggle
To think well of themselves.
T. S. Eliot
