Which personality disorder might a patient expect to be treated superior to others?

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Individuals with this disorder often have an inflated sense of their own importance and believe they are superior to others. This leads them to expect preferential treatment and to view themselves as being deserving of special recognition, regardless of their actual achievements. Their self-centeredness and entitlement can create challenges in relationships and social interactions, as they may dismiss or undervalue the contributions of others.

In contrast, dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, resulting in submissive and clinging behaviors. Those with borderline personality disorder experience instability in emotions and relationships, often feeling abandoned or fearing rejection. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder involves a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control, which typically does not include the sense of superiority associated with narcissism. Thus, while the other disorders have distinctive qualities, the defining feature of narcissistic personality disorder is the attitude of superiority that patients might expect in treatment settings.