Narcissisme og personlighedsforstyrrelse

Abstract

The literature on the relationship between the concept of narcissism and personality disorder is reviewed. In 1910 Freud introduced the concept of narcissism to psychoanalysis, and in 1925 Waelder reported in detail on an individual with «narcissistic» features. Since the appearance of these early papers, «narcissistic» personality traits have been described on several occasions. In 1967 Kernberg described the «narcissistic personality structure», and in 1968 Kohut introduced the term «narcissistic personality disorder» to the literature. The diagnosis «narcissistic personality disorder» is included in DSM-III, but not in ICD-8 or ICD-9. The review indicates that there is consensus on the phenomenological characteristics of the narcissistic personality disorder. To qualify for nosological status, it is not sufficient to be definable on the basis of specified criteria. The disorder should also have a predictable course or outcome. Such data do not exist. Etiology, family history and sociodemographic correl...