Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

 

Identifying the warning signs of narcissism in your partner or spouse may be possible. But only a trained mental health professional can diagnose NPD.  A thorough physical and psychological evaluation is necessary to diagnose NPD properly. 

Besides examining how the symptoms impact the narcissist’s life, mental health professionals must identify and rule out other health conditions. They also use the DSM-5, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, to determine a mental disorder.

The DSM-5 describes mental health conditions, including NPD. It has a set of criteria or a list of symptoms and guidelines used to make a diagnosis. 

A person that exhibits a pervading pattern of five or more of the following criteria may have NPD. According to the DSM-5, they may display these traits and behaviours in various contexts, starting in early adulthood.

• Exaggerated or grandiose sense of self-importance
• Fixated with fantasies of unlimited power, success, intelligence, or perfect love
• Self-perception of being unique and superior, and should only associate with high-status and special people or institutions
• Requires continual admiration and validation from others
• A sense of entitlement to exceptional treatment and compliance from others
• Willingness to exploit others to achieve their ends
• Inability or unwillingness to empathize with the feelings, wishes and needs of others
• Envy others and believe that others are equally envious of them
• Arrogant behaviour.

Learn more about Narcissism & Narcissistic Behavior at Nussbaum Family Law!