Ask Dr. Van Pelt

Today we will begin our discussion on Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is identified by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

DSM-IV divides this disorder into clusters based on symptom similarities. This clustering categorizes the Narcissistic personality disorder as a cluster B disorder, those personality disorders having in common an excessive sense of self importance. Also in that cluster are the Histrionic personaltiy disorder and the Antisocial personality disorder.

DSM Criteria:

A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by three or more of the following:

1) has a grandiose sense of self-importance (like being an 'editor of a review' or the head of a 'personal foundation';

2) is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love (like sitting in a 'hot tube' with a cigar or wearing $250 boots);

3) believes that he or she is "special" and unique (like being a 'renowned political consultant');

4) requires excessive admiration and will often refer to himself or herself in the plural or third person;

5) has a sense of entitlement;

6) has difficulty in interpersonal communication (like being divorced multiple times);

7) lacks empathy (like referring to dead children as 'smelly little girls, or a dying ponitff as 'drooling');

8) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes (JESUS!!!! we could go into this one all day!!!!!)

In future segements, we will discuss in detail, the causes, symptoms and treatment of this disorder.

Dr. Lucy Van Pelt