DEAR ABBY: In response to your recent column about women involved with men who have narcissistic personalities, I thought it might be helpful if your readers could read a description of those personality characteristics. They are listed in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" published by the American Psychiatric Association. -- BARBARA NESTINGEN, M.S., M.S.W., MILWAUKEE
DEAR BARBARA: I agree that a description of those traits might be helpful. I found them interesting. Read on:
CRITERIA FOR NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER:
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) A grandiose sense of self-importance -- exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements.
2) 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) A sense of entitlement -- unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations.
6) Interpersonally exploitative -- 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) Often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.
9) Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.