Which personality disorder features an extreme sense of self-importance and lack of empathy?

• A. Histrionic personality disorder
• B. Narcissistic personality disorder
• C. Paranoid personality disorder
• D. Schizotypal personality disorder

Answer: (B)

Grandiosity and a pattern of lacking empathy define Narcissistic Personality Disorder. People with this pattern typically have an inflated sense of their own importance, crave excessive admiration, and expect special treatment. They often believe they deserve recognition and may exploit others to meet their own goals, showing little regard for how others feel. They may dwell on fantasies of unlimited success or power and can be envious of others or believe others are envious of them. This combination of self-importance, need for admiration, and diminished empathy is the hallmark of this disorder.

In contrast, the other disorders involve different patterns: histrionic personality disorder centers on dramatic, attention-seeking behavior and emotional fluency; paranoid personality disorder features pervasive distrust and suspicion; schizotypal personality disorder includes social awkwardness, discomfort in close relationships, and odd beliefs or behaviors.