What is the DSM-IV?

[CZBZ]

What is The DSM-IV?

The DSM-IV is an abbreviation for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association. Numerous theorists continue to research a definitive description of pathological narcissism. At this point however, the most useful method for understanding narcissism is to listen and speak about our experiences in words of our own.

Our collective voices give meaning and significance to the nine criteria listed in the DSM IV. These criteria have been established as a suggested guideline for professionals in order to categorize their client's psychological struggles and offer the best therapy possible. They are not written for the layperson to use as lenses of judgment, nor as a method for diagnosing anyone...not even yourself. 


Narcissistic Personality Disorder: DSM-IV Criteria

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:

• Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements
• Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
• 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)
  
• Requires excessive admiration
• 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 ends
• Lacks empathy:  is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
• Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
• Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

Other Resources of Interest

The DSM-IV-TR
http://dsmivtr.org/

The DSM-V
http://www.psych.org/dsmv.asp

NPD at a glance by Sam Vaknin
http://samvak.tripod.com/npdglance.html