Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder defined by the diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , the diagnostic classification system used in the us, as "a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy." The narcissist is described as turning inward for gratification rather than depending on others and as being excessively preoccupied with issues of personal adequacy, power and prestige .Narcissistic personality disorder is closely linked to self-centeredness, has a grandiose sense of self-importance is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love believes that he or she is "special" and unique requires excessive admiration has a sense of entitlement. Interpersonally exploitative lacks empathy often envious of others or believes others are envious of him or her where as a Histrionic personality disorder (HPD)is defined by the American psychiatric association as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval and inappropriate seductiveness, usually beginning in early adulthood.The essential feature of histrionic personality. disorder is an excessive pattern of emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. These individuals are lively, dramatic, enthusiastic, and flirtatious. They may be inappropriately sexually provocative, express strong emotions with an impressionistic style, and be easily influenced by others. A mnemonic that can be used to remember the criteria for histrionic personality disorder is PRAISE ME:P - provocative (or seductive) behavior R - relationships, considered more intimate. than they are A - attention, must be at center of: I - influenced easily S - speech (style) - wants to impress, lacks detail E - emotional liability, shallowness M -make-up - physical appearance used to draw attention to self E - exaggerated emotions.
