DSM-5 Criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder is “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,” according to the DSM-5.
Five or more of the following DSM-5 criteria need to be present for an official diagnosis.1
- A grandiose sense of self-importance (i.e., exaggerates their achievements and abilities)
- A preoccupation with the idea of gaining success, power, love, and physical attractiveness
- A belief that they are special or high status and can only be understood by similar people or should only associate with those people (or institutions)
- A need for excessive admiration
- A sense of entitlement and expectation that others will comply or give them favorable treatment
- Exploits other people for personal gain
- Lacks empathy for others
- Envies others or believes that other people envy them
- Arrogant behaviors and attitudes
Conclusion
People with this disorder may monopolize conversations and look down on people whom they feel are inferior to them. They will take advantage of others to get what they want, no matter who gets hurt along the way.2
While sociopaths don’t think about other people unless they can benefit them in some way, narcissists only thinks of others in terms of how they reflect back on the narcissist.