Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is named for Narcissus from Greek mythology, the same guy who gave us the words narcissism and narcissist. A person with this personality disorder has extreme feelings of self-love and superiority, and believes that they are deserving of special attention and consideration from others. A narcissistic person often also has serious difficulties with self-esteem, jealousy, and depression. This is a Cluster B personality disorder.


  • Requires excessive admiration.
  • Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.
  • --From the DSM-IV-TR.

To count as a personality disorder, the narcissism must not only meet at least five of the criteria listed above, but must also interfere with a person's ability to function in everyday life.

The DSM is used in America, but if you live in Europe, or much of the rest of the world, your psychologist is more likely to refer to the ICD-10 (ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders, put out by the World Health Organization). The ICD doesn't recognize NPD as a full-fledged personality disorder. Instead it lists it as a possible diagnoses for a personality disorder that does not match the 'rubric' (list of symptoms) for any of the seven personality disorders that it does have full listings for.

NPD occurs in about 1% of the population, although it is hard to get good information on this, as those with NPD are unlikely to seek out help. Also keep in mind that somewhat narcissistic attitudes are not unusual in teenagers -- this is probably why the DSM states that NPD begins in early adulthood. NPD is not just the possession of the traits listed above, it is the lack of getting past these traits while you are still young, and developing your personality.

There is much debate over just what is the best method to treat NPD; check with your therapist for recommendations.