What best describes the behavior of individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) are characterized primarily by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity in self-image, which often manifests as an inflated sense of self-importance and a strong need for admiration. This grandiosity is coupled with a marked lack of empathy, meaning they have difficulty recognizing or caring about the feelings and needs of others.

The emphasis on both grandiosity and lack of empathy in the definition of NPD explains why the choice highlighting these traits is the most accurate. While individuals with NPD may exhibit sensitivity to criticism, this is typically a reaction to their otherwise grandiose self-perception and does not define the core of the disorder itself. Withdrawal from social interactions or over-generosity in relationships also does not align with the central symptoms of NPD, as these individuals often seek out social interactions to bolster their self-esteem and visibility, even if they struggle to connect on a deeper emotional level. Thus, the best descriptor of behavior in individuals with NPD focuses on their grandiosity and lack of empathy.