DSM-IV Criteria
Narcissistic Personality Disorder According to DSM-IV
Section titled “Narcissistic Personality Disorder According to DSM-IV”A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behaviour), lack of empathy, and hypersensitivity to evaluation by others.
The Criteria in Detail
Section titled “The Criteria in Detail”Reaction to Criticism
Section titled “Reaction to Criticism”The affected person reacts to criticism with anger, shame, or humiliation (even if this is not outwardly shown).
This reaction may remain hidden externally, yet internally trigger intense emotional turmoil.
Exploitation of Relationships
Section titled “Exploitation of Relationships”The affected person exploits interpersonal relationships to achieve their own goals with the help of others.
Relationships serve primarily their own advantage, not mutual exchange.
Inflated Self-Worth
Section titled “Inflated Self-Worth”The affected person displays an inflated sense of self-worth, exaggerating their own abilities and talents, for example, and therefore expecting to be regarded as “someone special” even without outstanding achievements.
Uniqueness of Problems
Section titled “Uniqueness of Problems”The affected person frequently believes that their problems are unique and that they can only be understood by other special people.
Fantasies of Success
Section titled “Fantasies of Success”The affected person is constantly preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
Sense of Entitlement
Section titled “Sense of Entitlement”The affected person displays a strong sense of entitlement.
They expect preferential treatment without regard for the needs of others.
Need for Attention
Section titled “Need for Attention”The affected person demands constant attention and admiration, for example constantly fishing for compliments.
Lack of Empathy
Section titled “Lack of Empathy”The affected person shows a marked lack of empathy.
They cannot or will not put themselves in the position of others.
Feelings of Envy
Section titled “Feelings of Envy”The affected person is internally preoccupied with strong feelings of envy toward others.
Overview of DSM-IV Criteria
Section titled “Overview of DSM-IV Criteria”| No. | Criterion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Reacts to criticism with anger, shame, or humiliation |
| 2 | Exploits interpersonal relationships |
| 3 | Displays inflated self-worth |
| 4 | Considers own problems to be unique |
| 5 | Fantasies of success, power, beauty, ideal love |
| 6 | Strong sense of entitlement |
| 7 | Demands constant attention and admiration |
| 8 | Marked lack of empathy |
| 9 | Strong feelings of envy toward others |
Differences from ICD-10
Section titled “Differences from ICD-10”While ICD-10 and DSM-IV use similar criteria, there are some differences in emphasis and wording:
- DSM-IV places greater emphasis on the reaction to criticism
- DSM-IV highlights the sense of entitlement as a distinct criterion
- The formulations in DSM-IV are often more behaviour-oriented
See Also
Section titled “See Also”- ICD-10 Criteria – Alternative classification
- Narcissism Overview – Back to the main page