Speculative diagnostic criteria for Compensatory Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A pervasive pattern of self-inflation, pseudo-confidence, exhibitionism, and strivings for prestige, that compensates for feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, as indicated by the following:

1. pseudo-confidence compensating for an underlying condition of insecurity and feelings of helplessness
2. pretentiousness; self-inflation
3. exhibitionism in the pursuit of attention, recognition, and glory
4. strivings for prestige to enhance self-esteem
5. deceitfulness and manipulativeness in the service of maintaining feelings of superiority
6. idealization in relationships
7. fragmentation of the self: feelings of emptiness and deadness
8. a proud, hubristic disposition
9. hypochondriasis
10. Substance abuse
11. self-destructiveness

Compensatory Narcissistic Personality Disorder corresponds to Annie Reich's "compensatory narcissism" and Theodore Millon's "Compensatory Narcissist".

Millon, Theodore, and Roger D. Davis. Disorders of Personality: DSM-IV and Beyond. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley, 1996. 411-12.

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