Am J Psychiatry 1982; 139:12-20
Copyright © 1982 by American Psychiatric Association
Overview: narcissistic personality disorder
S Akhtar and JA Thomson Jr
The authors trace the evolution of narcissistic personality disorder as a
nosological entity in a critical survey of the literature, considering and
comparing differing theoretical viewpoints regarding the genesis of this
disorder. They review its various descriptions, including the one in
DSM-III, and develop a composite picture of the syndrome. The disorder
consists of characteristic deficits in six broad areas of functioning: 1)
self-concept, 2) interpersonal relationships, 3) social adaptation, 4)
ethics, standards, and ideals, 5) love and sexuality, and 6) cognitive
style. The authors identify guidelines for distinguishing the narcissistic
personality from other personality disorders as well as areas needing
continued research.
