Narcissistic Personality Disorder

This volume presents significant recent advances in research and clinical practice in the area of pathological narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Originally published as a Special Supplement to the Journal of Personality Disorders, the book brings together leading clinical experts. Chapters examine the neuroscientific and psychological underpinnings of NPD, describe cutting-edge diagnostic approaches, and explore the complexities of the therapeutic relationship. Addressing the "dos and don'ts" of clinical work with this population, the book reviews the status of specialized treatment strategies--such as transference-focused psychotherapy and mentalization-based treatment--and identifies important directions for future research.

Elsa Ronningstam, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in the Gunderson Outpatient Program and the Adult Outpatient Services at McLean Hospital, and Associate Professor of Psychology (part-time) in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She is also a psychoanalyst, a member of the American Psychoanalytic Association, and a faculty member of the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. As a longstanding member of the Boston Suicide Study Group, Dr. Ronningstam is actively working on identifying, understanding, and treating suicidality. Dr. Ronningstam’s primary specialty is diagnosis and treatment of narcissistic personality. She has authored over 100 publications and given over 150 presentations, lectures, and courses, both nationally and internationally. She was the recipient of a 2014 prize for outstanding service in McLean’s borderline personality disorder programs.