Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Question 1

Which of the following is a fundamental diagnostic criterion for Narcissistic Personality Disorder according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Inflated sense of self-importance

Answer

Empathetic concern for others

Answer

Chronic shyness

Answer

Excessive anxiety

Question 2

Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder frequently display a pattern characterized by:

Accepted Answer

An intense need for attention and admiration

Answer

A lack of confidence in their abilities

Answer

Excessive feelings of guilt

Answer

A desire for social isolation

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a potential negative consequence of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced creative abilities

Answer

Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships

Answer

Increased risk of substance abuse

Answer

Academic underachievement

Question 4

Narcissistic Personality Disorder frequently co-occurs with:

Accepted Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 5

An example of a narcissistic defense mechanism is:

Accepted Answer

Idealization

Answer

Sublimation

Answer

Projection

Answer

Denial

Question 6

The development of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is thought to be influenced by:

Accepted Answer

An interaction between genetic and environmental factors

Answer

Genetic predisposition alone

Answer

Environmental factors alone

Answer

Unknown causes

Question 7

When working with clients who have Narcissistic Personality Disorder, an important ethical consideration for therapists is:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining clear professional boundaries

Answer

Directly confronting the client's grandiose beliefs

Answer

Engaging in power struggles with the client

Answer

Ignoring the client's need for validation

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as defined by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Lack of empathy

Answer

Exaggerated self-importance

Answer

Excessive need for admiration

Answer

Belief in superiority

Question 9

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

Accepted Answer

They require constant admiration and attention from others.

Answer

They often exhibit low self-esteem and a lack of confidence.

Answer

They consistently demonstrate genuine empathy and compassion for others.

Question 10

What is the most commonly used treatment approach for NPD?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

Hospitalization

Answer

Support groups

Question 11

Which defense mechanism is commonly employed by individuals with NPD?

Accepted Answer

Projection

Answer

Sublimation

Answer

Regression

Answer

Compensation

Question 12

Which of the following terms describes the grandiose and inflated sense of self characteristic of NPD?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic grandiosity

Answer

Narcissistic entitlement

Answer

Superiority complex

Answer

Egotism

Question 13

According to the DSM-5, which of the following is essential for a diagnosis of NPD?

Accepted Answer

Excessive preoccupation with power

Answer

A history of hallucinations

Answer

A pattern of unstable and intense relationships

Answer

Compulsive hoarding

Question 14

Which of the following is a common evidence-based treatment approach for NPD?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Question 15

True or False: NPD is considered a highly treatable disorder.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 16

In romantic relationships, individuals with NPD tend to exhibit which characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Exploitativeness and manipulation

Answer

Empathy and understanding

Answer

High levels of intimacy

Answer

Stable and long-lasting bonds

Question 17

Which of the following is the primary defense mechanism used by individuals with NPD?

Accepted Answer

Projection

Answer

Idealization

Answer

Denial

Answer

Splitting

Question 18

How does NPD differ from Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

NPD is characterized by a grandiose sense of self, while HPD is characterized by attention-seeking behavior.

Answer

HPD is characterized by a grandiose sense of self, while NPD is characterized by attention-seeking behavior.

Answer

There is no difference between NPD and HPD.

Answer

NPD and HPD are both characterized by a grandiose sense of self and attention-seeking behavior.

Question 19

Which of the following is not a core symptom of narcissistic personality disorder, according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Healthy and stable relationships

Answer

Inflated sense of self-worth

Answer

Constant need for admiration

Answer

Lack of empathy

Question 20

The primary diagnostic criterion for narcissistic personality disorder, as outlined in the DSM-5, is:

Accepted Answer

A pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy

Answer

A history of trauma in childhood

Answer

Impaired social and occupational functioning

Answer

Inability to form close relationships

Question 21

The prognosis for individuals with narcissistic personality disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Variable, depending on factors such as symptom severity and treatment.

Answer

Generally good, with most individuals recovering fully.

Answer

Generally poor, with most individuals remaining symptomatic throughout their lives.

Answer

Unknown, due to limited long-term research on outcomes.

Question 22

The distinction between narcissistic personality disorder and narcissistic traits is that:

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic traits are more common and do not always indicate a disorder.

Answer

NPD is a more severe condition that requires a diagnosis.

Answer

NPD and narcissistic traits are essentially the same thing.

Answer

Narcissistic traits can never develop into NPD.

Question 23

When treating individuals with narcissistic personality disorder, an important ethical consideration is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain clear boundaries and avoid enabling behaviors.

Answer

Directly confront the person's grandiosity.

Answer

Ignore the person's need for admiration.

Answer

Focus solely on the person's negative traits.

Question 24

Which defense mechanism is commonly employed by individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder to cope with feelings of inadequacy?

Accepted Answer

Projection

Answer

Rationalization

Answer

Sublimation

Answer

Displacement

Question 25

What is the primary treatment approach for individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

Self-help strategies

Answer

There is no effective treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Question 26

What is the prognosis for individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Varies depending on individual circumstances

Answer

Generally favorable with treatment

Answer

Generally poor with treatment

Answer

Cannot be reliably predicted

Question 27

Which of the following is not typically associated with individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Healthy self-esteem

Answer

Exaggerated sense of entitlement

Answer

Lack of empathy

Answer

Excessive need for admiration

Question 28

Which defense mechanism is commonly employed by individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Idealization and devaluation

Answer

Projection

Answer

Rationalization

Answer

Sublimation

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Secure attachment relationships

Answer

Childhood trauma or neglect

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Neurobiological abnormalities

Question 30

True or False: Narcissistic Personality Disorder can be cured completely with treatment.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 31

According to the DSM-5, which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for NPD?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent suicidal thoughts

Answer

A pattern of grandiosity

Answer

A need for excessive admiration

Answer

A lack of empathy

Question 32

Which neurobiological theory proposes that NPD may be linked to imbalances in certain brain regions involved in self-esteem and empathy?

Accepted Answer

Neurobiological theory

Answer

Psychodynamic theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Behavioral theory

Question 33

Which therapeutic approach is primarily used to treat NPD?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Medication

Question 34

True or False: Individuals with NPD typically have a realistic understanding of their own flaws and limitations.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 35

How do cultural values like individualism and collectivism impact the diagnosis and expression of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

Accepted Answer

Collectivist cultures tend to discourage and suppress NPD traits.

Answer

Individualistic cultures inherently foster the development of NPD traits.

Answer

NPD diagnosis is consistent across all cultures.

Answer

NPD symptoms are universally identical across different cultures.

Question 36

According to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Lack of insight into one's own limitations

Answer

Exaggerated sense of self-importance

Answer

Fantasies of unlimited power or brilliance

Answer

Need for constant admiration

Question 37

Which of the following is a potential contributing factor to the development of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Parental overvaluation and excessive praise

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Neurological abnormalities

Answer

Substance use disorder

Question 38

What is the primary aim of therapy for individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

To foster empathy and self-awareness

Answer

To eliminate entitlement

Answer

To enhance self-esteem

Answer

To reduce grandiose fantasies

Question 39

Which of the following disorders commonly co-occurs with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Social Phobia

Answer

Major Depressive Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Question 40

Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder tend to perceive themselves as:

Accepted Answer

Superior and deserving of special treatment

Answer

Average and ordinary

Answer

Inferior and worthless

Question 41

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty forming and maintaining meaningful relationships

Answer

Enhanced career success

Answer

Improved social skills

Answer

Increased creativity

Question 42

The core features of Narcissistic Personality Disorder include:

Accepted Answer

Grandiosity and entitlement

Answer

Obsessiveness and perfectionism

Answer

Anxiety and avoidance

Answer

Depression and self-harm

Question 43

Which defense mechanism is commonly employed by individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Idealization and devaluation

Answer

Sublimation

Answer

Projection

Answer

Rationalization

Question 44

A key difficulty faced by individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Lack of empathy and difficulty understanding others' perspectives

Answer

Difficulty expressing emotions

Answer

Inability to control impulses

Answer

Difficulty trusting others

Question 45

Which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)?

Accepted Answer

A grandiose sense of self-importance and a need for excessive admiration

Answer

Frequent feelings of worthlessness and self-blame

Answer

Excessive worry and fear of criticism

Answer

Difficulty controlling impulses and aggressive outbursts

Question 46

Which of the following diagnostic tools is primarily used to diagnose Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

Accepted Answer

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Answer

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)

Answer

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)

Answer

The Rorschach Inkblot Test

Question 47

The prognosis for individuals with NPD is generally:

Accepted Answer

Variable and depends on factors such as the severity of symptoms, motivation, and treatment

Answer

Excellent, with most individuals experiencing a full recovery

Answer

Predictable and typically involves a complete cure

Answer

Poor, with limited improvement and a high risk of relapse

Question 48

Which of the following is a common characteristic or behavior exhibited by individuals with NPD?

Accepted Answer

Arrogance and a sense of entitlement

Answer

Compulsive rituals and perfectionism

Answer

Excessive humility and self-deprecation

Answer

Difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions

Question 49

A patient exhibits a consistent pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. They are easily offended by criticism and often manipulate others. Which personality disorder best aligns with these traits?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Question 50

What is the central focus of psychodynamic therapy for Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Exploring the underlying causes of the patient's grandiose self-image and lack of empathy.

Answer

Teaching coping skills to manage stress and anxiety.

Answer

Challenging the patient's irrational beliefs through cognitive restructuring.

Question 51

Which of the following is NOT a common comorbid disorder often found alongside Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Major Depressive Disorder

Answer

Substance Use Disorder

Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Question 52

A person with NPD frequently engages in fantasies of unlimited success, power, and brilliance. Which defense mechanism is primarily at play in this behavior?

Accepted Answer

Grandiosity

Answer

Rationalization

Answer

Projection

Answer

Denial

Question 53

What is a potential negative consequence of a narcissistic personality?

Accepted Answer

Strained relationships due to the inability to empathize with others.

Answer

Increased self-confidence and assertiveness.

Answer

Enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Question 54

A therapist using a cognitive-behavioral approach to treat a patient with NPD aims to do what?

Accepted Answer

Identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that contribute to the narcissistic traits.

Answer

Help the patient understand the underlying causes of their NPD through past experiences.

Question 55

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of a person with Narcissistic Personality Disorder in their relationships?

Accepted Answer

They prioritize the needs and feelings of others over their own.

Answer

They often exploit others to achieve their own goals.

Answer

They have difficulty maintaining meaningful relationships due to their lack of empathy.

Question 56

What is TRUE about the prevalence of Narcissistic Personality Disorder in the general population?

Accepted Answer

The exact prevalence is unknown, but it is estimated to be relatively low.

Answer

It affects roughly 10% of the population.

Answer

It is the most common personality disorder.