Identifying and Understanding the Narcissistic Personality [Hardcover]

Narcissists have been much maligned, but according to clinicians who study personality, there are many productive narcissists who succeed spectacularly well in life because they can articulate a vision and make others follow. Elsa Ronningstam, who has been studying and treating narcissists for 20 years, presents a balanced, comprehensive, and up-to-date review of our understanding of narcissistic personality disorder, explaining the range from personality trait, which can be productive, to full-blown disorder, which can be highly destructive. Through fascinating case histories, Ronningstam shows us the inner life of narcissists, the tug of war that exists within them between self-confidence and arrogance on the one hand and painful shame and insecurity on the other. It is the first integrated clinical and empirical guide to assist clinicians in their work with narcissistic patients.

Chapter 1. From myth to personality disorder
Chapter 2. A normal asset with cultural differences
Chapter 3. The origins and scope
Chapter 4. Identifying pathological narcissism
Chapter 5. Differentiating pathological narcissism
Chapter 6. Asset or disruption -- Narcissism in the workplace
Chapter 7. My way or no way -- Narcissism and suicide
Chapter 8. Correction or corrosion -- Changes in pathological narcissism
Epilogue

This book provides a needed exploration into a personality disorder where there has been a paucity of research as well as misinterpretations...fascinating and highly informative. --Doody's Book review