The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association lists the following criteria for narcissistic personality disorder:
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning in early childhood 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 exploitive (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.
DSM-5 goes on to describe these people as “sensitive to injury or defeat” and “may react with disdain, rage or defiant counterattack”.
If these criteria describe anyone you know or of whom you are aware, especially if he or she is in a position to have or potentially have a significant influence over you, your community or your society, beware of their potential to do significant harm. For more information, consult DSM-5 and please be sure to vote in this vitally important upcoming election.
Dominick Lacovara
Los Osos.