DSM‐5‐TR Criteria and Domains for Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Evidence From Network Analysis Based on the Mental Health Professionals' Perspective

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a complex disorder that, given the variety of its manifestations and the significant challenges related to its treatment, has attracted considerable attention from international scientific research. The present research aimed to investigate the centrality and the dynamics among the symptoms of NPD, based on the mental health professionals' perceptions. The research involved 376 mental health professionals, which evaluated the relative importance of diagnostic criteria for NPD outlined in Section II of the DSM‐5‐TR and the significance of maladaptive personality trait domains encompassed by Criterion B of Section III. Network analysis was then employed to analyse the collected data. Analysis of the NPD criteria network revealed two distinct symptom clusters related to the self and interpersonal dimensions of functioning. The need for admiration criterion emerged as a central node within this network. Furthermore, the network analysis concerning the domains confirmed the centrality of the antagonism domain in NPD. The findings of this study systematise the perspectives of mental health professionals using a network analysis approach to deepen our understanding of the core characteristics of NPD. These insights may offer valuable practical applications for both research and clinical practice, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and informing effective treatment strategies.