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Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms
By PSYCH CENTRAL STAFF
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterized by a long-standing pattern of grandiosity (either in fantasy or actual behavior), an
overwhelming need for admiration, and usually a complete lack of empathy toward others. People with this disorder often believe
they are of primary importance in everybody’s life or to anyone they meet. While this pattern of behavior may be appropriate for a
king in 16th Century England, it is generally considered inappropriate for most ordinary people today.
People with narcissistic personality disorder often display snobbish, disdainful, or patronizing attitudes. For example, an individual
with this disorder may complain about a clumsy waiter’s “rudeness” or “stupidity” or conclude a medical evaluation with a
condescending evaluation of the physician.
In laypeople terms, someone with this disorder may be described simply as a “narcissist” or as someone with “narcissism.” Both of
these terms generally refer to someone with narcissistic personality disorder.
A personality disorder is an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates from the norm of the individual’s
culture. The pattern is seen in two or more of the following areas: cognition; affect; interpersonal functioning; or impulse control.
The enduring pattern is inflexible and pervasive across a broad range of personal and social situations. It typically leads to significant
distress or impairment in social, work or other areas of functioning. The pattern is stable and of long duration, and its onset can be
traced back to early adulthood or adolescence.
Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
In order for a person to be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) they must meet five or more of the
following symptoms:
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Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior
without commensurate achievements)
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Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
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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)
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Requires excessive admiration
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Has a very strong sense of entitlement, e.g., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic
compliance with his or her expectations
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Is exploitative of others, e.g., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
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Lacks empathy, e.g., is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
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Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
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Regularly shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Because personality disorders describe long-standing and enduring patterns of behavior, they are most often diagnosed in
adulthood. It is uncommon for them to be diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, because a child or teen is under constant
development, personality changes and maturation. However, if it is diagnosed in a child or teen, the features must have been
present for at least 1 year.
Narcissistic personality disorder is more prevalent in males than females, and is thought to occur in up to 6.2 percent of the general
population.
Like most personality disorders, narcissistic personality disorder typically will decrease in intensity with age, with many people
experiencing few of the most extreme symptoms by the time they are in the 40s or 50s.
Psych Central. (2014). Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms.Psych Central. Retrieved on January 22, 2015, from
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/narcissistic-personality-disorder-symptoms/
Antisocial Personality Disorder Symptoms
By PSYCH CENTRAL STAFF
Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a long-standing pattern of a disregard for other people’s rights, often crossing the
line and violating those rights. It usually begins in childhood or as a teen and continues into their adult lives.
Antisocial personality disorder is often referred to as psychopathy or sociopathy in popular culture. However, neither psychopathy
nor sociopathy are recognized professional labels used for diagnosis.
Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder frequently lack empathy and tend to be callous, cynical, and contemptuous of the
feelings, rights, and sufferings of others. They may have an inflated and arrogant self-appraisal (e.g., feel that ordinary work is
beneath them or lack a realistic concern about their current problems or their future) and may be excessively opinionated, selfassured, or cocky. They may display a glib, superficial charm and can be quite voluble and verbally facile (e.g., using technical terms
or jargon that might impress someone who is unfamiliar with the topic).
Lack of empathy, inflated self-appraisal, and superficial charm are features that have been commonly included in traditional
conceptions of psychopathy and may be particularly distinguishing of Antisocial Personality Disorder in prison or forensic settings
where criminal, delinquent, or aggressive acts are likely to be nonspecific. These individuals may also be irresponsible and
exploitative in their sexual relationships.
A personality disorder is an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates from the norm of the individual’s
culture. The pattern is seen in two or more of the following areas: cognition; affect; interpersonal functioning; or impulse control.
The enduring pattern is inflexible and pervasive across a broad range of personal and social situations. It typically leads to significant
distress or impairment in social, work or other areas of functioning. The pattern is stable and of long duration, and its onset can be
traced back to early adulthood or adolescence.
Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed when a person’s pattern of antisocial behavior has occurred since age 15 (although only
adults 18 years or older can be diagnosed with this disorder) and consists of the majority of these symptoms:
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Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are
grounds for arrest
Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults
Reckless disregard for safety of self or others
Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial
obligations
Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another
There should also be evidence of Conduct Disorder in the individual as a child, whether or not it was ever formally diagnosed by a
professional.
Because personality disorders describe long-standing and enduring patterns of behavior, they are most often diagnosed in
adulthood. It is uncommon for them to be diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, because a child or teen is under constant
development, personality changes and maturation. According to the DSM-5, antisocial personality disorder cannot be diagnosed in
people younger than 18 years old.
Antisocial personality disorder is 70 percent more prevalent in males than females. The 12-month prevalence rate of this disorder is
between 0.2 and 3.3 percent.
Like most personality disorders, antisocial personality disorder typically will decrease in intensity with age, with many people
experiencing few of the most extreme symptoms by the time they are in the 40s or 50s.
Psych Central. (2014). Antisocial Personality Disorder Symptoms. Psych Central. Retrieved on January 22, 2015, from
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/antisocial-personality-disorder-symptoms/