Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition marked by a persistent pattern of grandiosity, an excessive need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and a fragile self-worth that masks deep underlying insecurity. Core Symptoms and DSM-5 Criteria A diagnosis of NPD involves meeting at least five of nine specific traits, which can be remembered using the SPECIAL ME acronym: • Sense of self-importance • Preoccupation with fantasies of power, success, or brilliance • Entitled expectations of special treatment • Can only associate with high-status individuals • Interpersonally exploitative behavior • Arrogant attitudes • Lack of empathy • Must be excessively admired • Envy toward or from others