An enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectation of the individual's culture, is pervasive and inflexible, has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, is stable over time, and leads to distress or impairment.
A personality disorder is a pattern of deviant or abnormal behavior that the person doesn't change even though it causes emotional upsets and trouble with other people at work and in personal relationships. It is not limited to episodes of mental illness, and it is not caused by drug or alcohol use, head injury, or illness.
While grandiosity is the diagnostic hallmark of pathological narcissism, there is research evidence that pathological narcissism occurs in two forms, (a) a grandiose state of mind in young adults that can be corrected by life experiences, and (b) the stable disorder described in DSM-IV, which is defined less by grandiosity than by severely disturbed interpersonal relations. The preferred theory seems to be that narcissism is caused by very early affective deprivation, yet the clinical material tends to describe narcissists as unwilling rather than unable, thus treating narcissistic behaviors as volitional -- that is, narcissism is termed a personality disorder, but it tends to be discussed as a character disorder.
Narcissists are very reluctant to open up and trust, so it's possible that their NPD is not even recognized by therapists in short-term treatment. Most clinical writers seem unaware that narcissists' self-reports are unreliable. This is troubling, considering that lying is the most common complaint about narcissists and that, in many instances, defects of empathy lead narcissists to wildly inaccurate misinterpretations of other people's speech and actions, so that they may believe that they are liked and respected despite a history of callous and exploitative personal interactions.
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Grandiosity is a special case, but lack of empathy and exploitative interpersonal relations are not unique to NPD, nor is the need to be seen as special or unique. The need for constant attention is also found in Histrionic Personality Disorder, but HPD and BPD are both strongly oriented towards relationships, whereas NPD is characterized by aloofness and avoidance of intimacy. Grandiosity is unique to NPD among personality disorders, but it is found in other psychiatric illnesses.
Psychopaths display pathological narcissism, including grandiosity, but psychopathy is differentiated from NPD by psychopaths' willingness to use physical violence to get what they want, whereas narcissists rarely commit crimes.
So this is a tough call for Jacen, he commits crimes, but is legally sanctioned by the government and society (at the moment at least).
The disorder begins by early adulthood and is indicated by at least five of the following:
1. An exaggerated sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
...in public, saving their conceit and autocratic opinions for their nearest and dearest. Common conspicuous grandiose behaviors include expecting special treatment or admiration on the basis of claiming to be extraordinarily intelligent or talented. For Jacen this would be leading Rogue Squadron and ordering Jaina to do something ethically questionable.
2. Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
Well this one is easy...unlimited power. Making peace in the galaxy.
3. Believes he is "special" and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
Translation: Narcissists think that everyone who is not special and superior is worthless. By definition, normal, ordinary, and average aren't special and superior, and so, to narcissists, they are worthless. For Jacen: this is the analogy of the Gardener
4. Requires excessive admiration He's a media darling and handsome to boot!
5. Has a sense of entitlement
Translation: I am the Chosen One
6. Selfishly takes advantage of others to achieve his own ends Where to begin...Tenel Ka and the Hapan Fleet, way back to Ganner's sacrifice? Lately he uses the World Brain and the Ferals...I'm sure I could think of more.
7. Lacks empathy He used to be empathic with animals which empowered his Vongsense, but he doesn't genuinely feel. I think Jacen has to act out feelings and emotions, but I don't think they come to him naturally.
8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him We haven't seen this blatently yet, but it has potential.
9. Shows arrogant, haughty, patronizing, or contemptuous behaviors or attitudes " I'm a Jedi, my ideas are right, that's all you need to know."
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