What are the key features of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized primarily by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, which includes an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a profound need for admiration from others. Individuals with this disorder often view themselves as unique or superior to others and require excessive admiration to maintain their self-esteem. This grandiosity sets the stage for other behaviors displayed by individuals with NPD, such as entitlement and the absence of empathy for others.

In contrast, the other options describe traits or behaviors not typically aligned with NPD. A significant lack of self-esteem and continuous feelings of inferiority actually contrast with the inflated self-views typical of narcissistic individuals. Additionally, a tendency toward withdrawal from social interactions is more characteristic of disorders like Avoidant Personality Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder, as individuals with NPD generally seek out social situations for the purpose of gaining admiration and validation. Therefore, the defining feature of NPD is indeed the persistent pattern of grandiosity and the urgent need for admiration from others.