Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a disorder affecting anywhere between 0-1% of the general population (Kring, 2010). Personality Disorders are described as “a heterogeneous group of disorders defined by problems with forming a stably positive sense of self and with sustaining close and constructive relationships.” (Kring, 2010). Personality disorders describe long-term, organised ways of characterological functioning (Ronningstam, 2005). We all display symptoms of personality disorders. However, those who display enough symptoms to be diagnosed with personality disorders can experience trouble with personal identity, relationships and impulse control. There are three clusters of personality disorders: the odd cluster (A), the erratic …show more content…
He called this trait the “God-complex.” Such describes those who are inaccessible, self-admiring, and overconfident, with a preoccupation with success. Early psychologists such as Sigmund Freud associated narcissistic behaviour with schizophrenia, paranoia and other disorders (Ronningstam, 2005). In 1911, Freud formulated the theory of narcissistic and autoerotic regression in which he described schizophrenic symptoms as a regression to a narcissistic stage (Ronningstam, 2005). In 1914, Freud published a paper titled “On Narcissism: An Introduction” in which he described the phenomenon as a normal part of human development. An interesting aspect of Freud's theory is the idea that love of one's self could be transferred onto other people or objects. Freud describes that it is by giving away love that people diminish primary narcissism, lowering their own feelings of self-importance (Freud, …show more content…
The APA’s current “diagnostic bible”, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (or DSM-V) describes that narcissistic personality disorder is indicated by the presence of over five of a list of symptoms. Such symptoms include an envy of others, an exaggerated sense of self-importance and self-entitlement, a preoccupation with one’s own success and brilliance, an extreme need for excessive admiration, a tendency to exploit others, and arrogant behaviours (Skodol, Bender, & Morey, 2014). Narcissists tend to be extremely sensitive to criticism, becoming enraged when others do not admire them (Skodol, Bender, & Morey, 2014). They also typically seek out high-status partners whom they reject when the partner falls short of their expectations (Skodol, Bender, & Morey, 2014). They are known to manipulate and exploit others for their own gain. Those who suffer from the disorder are self-centred and require excessive attention and admiration (Skodol, Bender, & Morey,