Pathological narcissism
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a persistent inability to establish
a realistic, stable self-image, therefore creating an overdependence on
others to regulate their self-esteem. This unrealistic self-image affects
how people with this disorder behave and interact with others.

Signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder may include:

Grandiose sense of one's own abilities or achievements
Fantasies about having exceptional power, attractiveness or success
Sense of belonging to an exclusive group of people who truly understand
each other
Need for constant praise
Expectations of special treatment
Exploitation of other people
Lack of empathy for other people
Envy of other people or a belief that you are the subject of other
people's envy
Haughty or arrogant behaviors
Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder may come across as
conceited or snobbish. They often monopolize conversation. They may
belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior. When they
don't receive the special treatment to which they feel entitled, they may
become very impatient or angry.

People with narcissistic personality disorder tend to seek out
individuals whom they perceive as equal to their own self-image or to
whom they attribute the same special talents and qualities they see in
themselves. They may insist on having "the best" of everything — car,
athletic club or social circles.

Their personal relationships and interactions are driven by the need for
admiration and praise. Consequently, people with narcissistic personality
disorder value others primarily according to how well those individuals
affirm their unrealistic self-image. This limited value of others usually
means that people with the disorder aren't interested in or aren't
capable of perceiving the feelings or needs of others. They may take
advantage of other people to make themselves look as good as they
imagine.

On the other hand, seeking admiration also makes people with narcissistic
personality disorder vulnerable to criticism. If someone criticizes an
individual's contribution to a project at work, for example, he or she
will perceive this comment as an assault on an image that needs to be
protected at all costs and may respond with feelings of shame,
humiliation or sadness or may express rage, disdain or defensive
behaviors.

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