THE NARCISSIST IN CHIEF?

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is actually a real mental health diagnosis. It is defined as "a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy."

The following criteria comes from The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition, DSM IV-TR.

A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

1.has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)

2.is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love

3.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)

4.requires excessive admiration

5.has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations

6.is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends

7.lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others

8.is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him or her

9.shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

Hey, I'm just sayin'. If the shoe fits....