Which characteristic best describes narcissistic personality disorder?

Which characteristic best describes narcissistic personality disorder?

• A. A grandiose sense of self-importance, fantasies of power, and a need for admiration
• B. A pervasive distrust and suspiciousness
• C. Excessive adherence to rules and perfectionism
• D. A chronic fear of separation leading to clingy behavior

Answer: (A)

Narcissistic Personality Disorder centers on a grandiose sense of self-importance, fantasies of power or brilliance, and a pervasive need for excessive admiration. This combination shapes how someone with the disorder thinks about themselves and relates to others: they may overestimate their abilities, expect special treatment, and seek constant praise to bolster an inflated self-view. Because of this self-centered pattern, empathy for others is limited, and relationships often become instrumental or one-sided. The other descriptions point to different personality patterns. Pervasive distrust and suspiciousness aligns with paranoid traits, not narcissism. Extreme adherence to rules and perfectionism fits obsessive-compulsive personality traits rather than narcissistic ones. A chronic fear of separation and clingy behavior aligns with dependent personality patterns. None of these capture the core narcissistic emphasis on grandiosity and need for admiration.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder centers on a grandiose sense of self-importance, fantasies of power or brilliance, and a pervasive need for excessive admiration. This combination shapes how someone with the disorder thinks about themselves and relates to others: they may overestimate their abilities, expect special treatment, and seek constant praise to bolster an inflated self-view. Because of this self-centered pattern, empathy for others is limited, and relationships often become instrumental or one-sided.

The other descriptions point to different personality patterns. Pervasive distrust and suspiciousness aligns with paranoid traits, not narcissism. Extreme adherence to rules and perfectionism fits obsessive-compulsive personality traits rather than narcissistic ones. A chronic fear of separation and clingy behavior aligns with dependent personality patterns. None of these capture the core narcissistic emphasis on grandiosity and need for admiration.