As a college junior studying both English Literature and Psychology I clearly have an all-encompassing knowledge of the human condition. NOT. But, my trusty DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is definitely a huge help when studying various mental illnesses. I studied Abnormal Psychology this past fall, and it was one of my favorite classes I've been lucky enough to take at MSUM.
Jeffrey Kluger described narcissism best:
"Narcissism falls along the axis of what psychologists call personality disorders, one of a group that includes antisocial, dependent, histrionic, avoidant and borderline personalities. But by most measures, narcissism is one of the worst, if only because the narcissists themselves are so clueless."
In 2009, Twenge and Campbell conducted studies suggesting that the incidence of Narcissistic Personality Disorder had more than doubled in the US in the past 10 years, and that 1 in 16 of the population have experienced NPD. Here are the symptoms and clues you need to spot a narcissist. Anecdotal evidence suggests that narcissists may be common within the financial sector as they are “able to make quick, bold decisions without any thought for the consequences these might have on other people.” Narcissistic personality disorder can be co-morbid with DSM Axis 1 major depressive disorders. Here's what to look for when trying to spot a narcissist.
Narcissism is a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
1. A grandiose sense of self-importance (exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
2. Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty or ideal love
3. Belief that he or she is special and unique and can only be understood by, or should only associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
4. Need for excessive admiration
5. A sense of entitlement (unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations)
6. Is inter-personally exploitative (takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends)
7. A lack of empathy; unwillingness to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
8. Envy of others or belief that others are envious of him or her
9. Arrogant, haughty behaviors and attitudes
Famous narcissists include: Simon Cowell, Saddam Hussein, Joan Crawford, Elvis Presley, Pablo Picasso, Alec Baldwin, Kanye West and Donald Trump.
In a day and age where chronic narcissism seems to run rampant, what with constant selfies and unnecessary posts about nothing in particular being uploaded in multitudes, it's difficult to sort out those conceded individuals from those who have a personality disorder. With any luck, these criteria can help you sort those people out.
