NPD sufferers have inflated sense of self-importance

SUFFERERS of Narcissistic Personality Disorder display a grandiose sense of self-importance and can fly into a rage if their inflated self-worth is challenged.

They can also be exploitative, confrontational, show a lack of empathy and a belief that their problems are unique.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, they are preoccupied with success, power, brilliance, ideal love and beauty.

The organisation’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual lists a total of nine official “symptoms”, which are the official class system used by psychiatrists:

* A pervasive pattern of grandiosity.

* A need for admiration.

* A lack of empathy.

* A sense of entitlement, arrogance.

* Reacts to criticism with a feeling of rage.

* Confrontational.

A number of high profile crimes have been committed by people with NPD.

John Hinckley shot US President Ronald Reagan in 1981 to impress Jodie Foster after becoming obsessed with the film Taxi Driver.