NARCISSISTIC VS ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER

NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER is characterised by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and lack of empathy. The behaviour usually begins in early adulthood and presents in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

• Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognised as superior)

• Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty or ideal love

• Believes he or she is unique, and can be understood only by (or should associate with) other special or high-status people or institutions

• Requires excessive admiration

• Has a sense of entitlement: unreasonable expectations of favourable treatment or automatic compliance with their expectations

• Is exploitative: takes advantage of others to achieve their own ends

• Lacks empathy

• Is envious of others or believes others are envious of them ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER is characterised by a pervasive disregard for and violation of the rights of others, and generally occurs from the age of 15, as indicated by three (or more) of the following:

• Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviours, as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest

• Deceitfulness: repeated lying, use of aliases or conning others for personal profit or pleasure

• Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead

• Irritability and aggressiveness – repeated physical fights or assaults

• Reckless disregard for safety of self or others

• Irresponsibility: repeated failure to sustain consistent work behaviour or honour financial obligations

• Lack of remorse: being indifferent to or rationalising having hurt, mistreated or stolen from another