Final answer:
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental health condition featured by exaggerated self-importance, a high need for admiration, and lack of empathy. About 9 percent of people in the US annually are affected by personality disorders, including NPD. This condition significantly impacts social and occupational functioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is classified as a mental health condition wherein individuals exhibit a long-term pattern of abnormal behavior characterized by exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration, and a lack of empathy toward others. People with this disorder typically maintain grandiose views of their own importance and are often preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, or beauty.
According to research, like that found in Political Psychology and Biological Psychiatry, the prevalence of personality disorders, including NPD, affects approximately 9 percent of people in the United States yearly. It's important to note that personality disorders are persistent and pervasive; they are not caused by substance abuse, medication, or other medical conditions. This particular disorder can result in significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Furthermore, studies such as those by Lezenweger et al. (2007) and the works featured in Political Psychology, examine the impact of NPD within societal constructs, including the influence of narcissism in leadership and its political implications.