Pathological narcissism is identified by the self-centered pursuit of dominance, personal gratification, and ambition.

This is carried out with little thought of others and can even result in abusive behaviors when things don’t seem to be going the narcissist’s way. Narcissists are infatuated with themselves and can become obsessed with promoting their image (most often an imagined image) to others.

Here are just some of the symptoms associated with narcissistic personality disorder:

• Feelings of over-exaggerated self importance. This often results in false statements about accomplishments, talents, contacts and skills.
• Obsessive thoughts about fame and/or beauty.
• Feeling of superiority over other people. Refusal to befriend people who are not seen as being on the same superior level as the narcissist.
• Demanding admiration and adulation.
• Expectation that wishes will be carried out to his or her exact specifications. Anger when this is not done.
• Lack of empathy.
• Envious.
• Arrogant, haughty or superior behavior. Can become abusive with people that are felt to be inferior.

Narcissistic personality disorder affects up to three times as many men as it does women, but that does not mean that women are immune. The root cause of this disorder is normally attributed childhood abuse and trauma. In this manifestation, the narcissistic personality is believed to be developed to protect the victim from abuse. You see, the narcissist self becomes superior and immune to abuse. Narcissism can also be brought about by early childhood fame.