According to the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, 5th ed. (2013), personality disorders, in general, involve an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from cultural expectations.

Specifically, narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy and/or behavior), a need for admiration and a lack of sympathy. If individuals have at least five of the following, they can be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder: have a grandiose sense of self-importance; are preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, brilliance, beauty and/or love; believe that they are special and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special people; require excessive admiration; have a sense of entitlement; are interpersonally exploitative; lack empathy; are often envious of others and/or believe that they are envious of them; and show arrogant, haughty behavior and/or attitudes.

Who immediately comes to mind as fitting this description? Donald Trump, of course! As recently summarized by USA Today, “Do not vote for Donald Trump.” We do not need an individual with narcissistic personality disorder as president.

Vote your conscience, but keep in mind that your vote can really matter.

Peter McDonald, Ph.D
Gainesville

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