The essential feature of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a pervasive pattern of
grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy that begins by early adulthood and is
present in a variety of contexts.  These individuals routinely overestimate their abilities and
inflate their accomplishments, often appearing boastful and pretentious.  The may blithely
assume that others attribute the same value to their efforts and may be surprised when the
praise they expect and feel they deserve is not forthcoming.  These individuals may feel
that they can only be understood by, and should only associate with, other people who are
special or of high status and may attribute "unique", "perfect", or "gifted" qualities to those
with whom they associate.  They believe that their needs are special and beyond the
understanding of ordinary people.  Their own self-esteem is enhanced by the idealized
value that they assign to those with whom they associate.  They are likely to insist on
having only the "top" person (doctor, lawyer hairdresser, instructor) or being affiliated with
the "best" institutions, but may devalue the credentials of those who disappoint them.
     The self-esteem of these individuals is almost invariably very fragile.  They may be
preoccupied with how well they are doing and how favorably they are regarded by others.
This often takes the form of a need for constant attention and admiration.  They may
expect their arrival to be greeted with great fanfare and are astonished if others do not
covet their possessions.  They may constantly fish for compliments, often with great
charm.  They also expect to be catered to and are puzzled or furious when this does not
happen.  For example, they may assume that they do not have to wait in line and that their
priorities are so important that others should defer to them, and then get irritated when
others fail to assist "in their very important work".  They expect to be given whatever they
want or feel they need, no matter what it might mean to others.  They tend to form
friendships or romantic relationships only if the other person seems likely to advance their
purposes or otherwise enhance their self-esteem.
     Vulnerability in self-esteem makes individuals with this disorder very sensitive to
"injury" from criticism or defeat.  Although they may not show it outwardly, criticism may
haunt these individuals and may leave them feeling humiliated, degraded, hollow and
empty.  They may react with disdain, rage, or defiant counterattack. Interpersonal relations
are typically impaired due to problems derived from entitlement, the need for admiration,
and the relative disregard for the sensitivities of others.  Though overweening ambition and
confidence may lead to high achievement, performance may be disrupted due to
intolerance of criticism or defeat. 

Criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder: 

1..  has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and 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 is interpersonally
exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own needs 
6..  lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of
others 
7..  is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her 
8..  shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes