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Identifying criteria for narcissistic personality disorder
1Psychosocial Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02178.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Researchers identified key traits for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Findings highlight characteristics like superiority, grandiosity, and need for admiration, aiding in improved diagnostic criteria development for NPD.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) lacks universally agreed-upon diagnostic criteria.
- Previous research has identified various traits associated with pathological narcissism, but empirical validation is ongoing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and identify specific characteristics that can serve as useful criteria for diagnosing narcissistic personality disorder.
- To provide an empirical foundation for refining diagnostic standards for NPD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the semistructured Diagnostic Interview for Narcissism (DIN).
- Assessed 24 patients diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder and 58 individuals without NPD.
- Evaluated 33 distinct characteristics associated with pathological narcissism.
Main Results:
- A sense of superiority was significantly more prevalent in NPD patients.
- Grandiose fantasies, exaggeration of talents, and a need for admiration were distinguishing features.
- Arrogant behavior, boastfulness, and self-centeredness were also highly characteristic of the NPD group.
Conclusions:
- The identified characteristics offer a robust empirical basis for developing more precise diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder.
- This study contributes to a better understanding of the core features of NPD, facilitating improved clinical assessment and diagnosis.