What is a key sign of narcissistic personality disorder?

A key sign of narcissistic personality disorder is the craving for attention and recognition. Individuals with this disorder often have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others. They require excessive admiration and are often preoccupied with fantasies of power, success, or beauty. This need for constant attention and validation drives many of their behaviors and interpersonal relationships. They might go to great lengths to ensure they are noticed, whether through boasting about their achievements or behaving in ways that draw the spotlight to themselves. This craving is deeply intertwined with their self-esteem, which is often fragile and reliant on external validation. Understanding this aspect helps to identify narcissistic traits and differentiate them from other personality types.