Dsm 5 narcissistic personality disorder diagnostic criteria

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for adulation, and lack of empathy. Diagnosis is by clinical criteria. Treatment is with psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Because patients with narcissistic personality disorder have difficulty regulating self-esteem, they need praise and affiliations with special people or institutions; they also tend to devalue other people so that they can maintain a sense of superiority.

Estimated lifetime prevalence of narcissistic personality disorder varies widely but may be up to 6.2% of the general US population; it is more common among men than among women.

Comorbidities are common. Patients often also have a depressive disorder Depressive Disorders Depressive disorders are characterized by sadness severe enough or persistent enough to interfere with function and often by decreased interest or pleasure in activities. Exact cause is unknown... read more (eg, major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder), anorexia nervosa Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a relentless pursuit of thinness, a morbid fear of obesity, a distorted body image, and restriction of intake relative to requirements, leading to a significantly... read more , a substance use disorder Substance Use Disorders Substance use disorders are a type of substance-related disorder that involve a pathologic pattern of behaviors in which patients continue to use a substance despite experiencing significant... read more (especially cocaine Cocaine Cocaine is a sympathomimetic drug with central nervous system stimulant and euphoriant properties. High doses can cause panic, schizophrenic-like symptoms, seizures, hyperthermia, hypertension... read more ), or another personality disorder (histrionic Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking. Diagnosis is by clinical criteria. Treatment is with psychodynamic psychotherapy... read more , borderline Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability and hypersensitivity in interpersonal relationships, instability in self-image, extreme mood fluctuations... read more , paranoid Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD) Paranoid personality disorders is characterized by a pervasive pattern of unwarranted distrust and suspicion of others that involves interpreting their motives as malicious. Diagnosis is by... read more ).

Little research about biologic factors that contribute to narcissistic personality disorder has been done, although there appears to be a significant heritable component. Some theories posit that caregivers may not have treated the child appropriately—for example, by being overly critical or by excessively praising, admiring, or indulging the child.

Some patients with this disorder have special gifts or talents and become used to associating their self-image and sense of self with the admiration and esteem of others.

• Clinical criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition [DSM-5])

For a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder, patients must have

• A persistent pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy

This pattern is shown by the presence of ≥ 5 of the following:

• An exaggerated, unfounded sense of their own importance and talents (grandiosity)

• Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited achievements, influence, power, intelligence, beauty, or perfect love

• Belief that they are special and unique and should associate only with people of the highest caliber

• A need to be unconditionally admired

• A sense of entitlement

• Exploitation of others to achieve their own goals

• A lack of empathy

• Envy of others and a belief that others envy them

• Arrogance and haughtiness

Also, symptoms must have begun by early adulthood.

• Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Psychodynamic psychotherapy, which focuses on underlying conflicts, can be effective. Some approaches developed for borderline personality disorder may be effectively adapted for use in patients with narcissistic personality disorder. They include

These approaches focus on disturbances in the ways patients emotionally experience themselves and others.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy may appeal to patients with narcissistic personality disorder because they may find the opportunity to increase mastery appealing; their need for praise may enable a therapist to shape their behavior. Some patients with narcissistic personality disorder find manualized cognitive-behavioral approaches too simplistic or generic for their special needs.

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