Cluster B

NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER  

(NPD) is characterized by significant problems with a sense of self-worth stemming from a powerful sense of entitlement. This leads them to believe they deserve special treatment, and to assume they have special powers, are uniquely talented, or are especially brilliant or attractive. People with this disorder believe they are superior to others, which leads them to act in ways that fundamentally disregard the rights of others and disrespect the worth of people around them. They tend to show a lack of empathy for others and may exploit personal relationships to elevate their self-image. They often feel devastated when they discover that they have normal, average human limitations, are not as special as they think, and are not admired as much as they thought or would like. These realizations often come with intense feelings of anger and shame which they often take out on other people, especially those close to them. The main signs and symptoms can include:

·        Extremely negative reactions to criticism or teasing

·        Excessive need for attention, admiration, power and status

·        Strong sense of entitlement, self-importance and a lack of empathy for others

·        Preoccupation with fantasies of great beauty, success, power, intelligence

·        Displays an attitude that is arrogant and haughty

·        An inner belief that they are special and deserve special treatment

·        Puts very little effort into daily life or actually accomplishing goals

·        Can quickly shift from over-idealizing others to devaluing them

·        Conflicted relationships that are often superficial and devoid of real intimacy and caring

·        Very manipulative in gaining necessary attention from people around them