Which personality disorder is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a need for excessive admiration?

• A. Borderline personality disorder
• B. Dependent personality disorder
• C. Histrionic personality disorder
• D. Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer: (D)

Narcissistic personality disorder features an inflated sense of self-importance and a strong need for admiration. People with this pattern often overestimate their abilities, expect special treatment, and seek constant praise to maintain their self-view. They may also lack empathy and exploit others to meet their own needs, reacting poorly to criticism.

This helps distinguish it from others: borderline personality disorder centers on unstable mood and relationships and fear of abandonment; dependent personality disorder involves clingy, submissive behavior and a need for others to take responsibility; histrionic personality disorder is about dramatic, attention-seeking behavior and emotionality, but not the persistent grandiosity and craving for admiration that define narcissistic personality disorder.