Narcissistic Personality Disorder Assessment
“Do I have narcissistic personality disorder?” “Am I a narcissist, or is something else going on?” “Why do I feel so insecure underneath it all?”
People often come to me with questions like these, searching for answers about relationship struggles, sensitivity to criticism, or a persistent gap between how they appear on the outside and how they feel on the inside. Because narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is frequently misdiagnosed for other conditions, and other conditions are frequently misdiagnosed as NPD, a thorough, evidence-based evaluation is often the clearest path to understanding what you’re experiencing.
I conduct formal diagnostic assessments for NPD using standardized, empirically validated instruments such as the SCID-5-PD (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Personality Disorders). This structured approach helps ensure an accurate diagnosis, which can meaningfully improve treatment planning and outcomes whether you continue working with me or with another provider
About Dr. Sharpless
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and author with over 20 years of experience assessing and treating personality disorders (including narcissistic personality disorder). I received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Pennsylvania State University and completed post-doctoral clinical and research fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania. I also completed a clinical fellowship at the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia. I have a great deal of experience conducting diagnostic assessments and was a reviewer for the most recent version of the Structured Interview for DSM-5, Research Version (SCID-5-RV).
Along with my clinical practice, I publish books and articles on psychodynamic therapy (e.g., Psychodynamic Therapy Techniques, Oxford University Press, 2019) and psychopathology (i.e., the study of mental disorders) and provide ongoing supervision and consultation to other therapists treating complex cases.
Who This Assessment is for
Individuals who:
- Are experiencing symptoms consistent with NPD and want diagnostic clarity
- Have been previously diagnosed with NPD and want a second opinion or formal confirmation
- Are working with another therapist or psychiatrist who requested a specialized diagnostic evaluation
- Suspect their current diagnosis may not fully capture their experience
- Want to better understand patterns of insecurity, self-esteem, or relationship difficulties through a formal clinical lens
What to Expect
A comprehensive NPD assessment typically involves a detailed clinical interview using standardized, reliable instruments such as the SCID-5-PD, along with a review of relevant history and current symptoms. Because NPD shares features with several other conditions, careful differential diagnosis is central to this process.
Following the assessment, you will receive clear feedback about the diagnostic findings, along with recommendations for next steps. This may involve beginning treatment with me, continuing care with another provider, or simply gaining a clearer understanding of your symptoms. Assessment sessions are available via secure telehealth across many states (check the status of your home state here), with limited in-person availability in Frederick, MD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is NPD diagnosed? NPD is diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical interview, often supplemented by standardized, empirically validated instruments such as the SCID-5-PD, to ensure an accurate and reliable diagnosis.
Why get a formal assessment instead of just starting therapy? Because NPD is commonly misdiagnosed (or mistaken for other conditions), a formal evaluation helps ensure that treatment — whether with me or another provider — is targeted to your actual diagnosis.
Do I need to already have a diagnosis to request an assessment? No. Many people seek an assessment precisely because they don’t yet have a clear diagnosis, or because they want to understand their patterns of insecurity, relationships, or self-esteem more fully.
Will you provide treatment after the assessment? If appropriate and if I have availability, yes. Many people transition directly into treatment with me following an assessment. However, the assessment can also standalone if you are working with another provider or simply seeking diagnostic clarity.
How long does the assessment process take? This varies, but a formal NPD assessment is typically completed within three hours depending on the complexity of the patient’s mental health history.
Contact Dr. Sharpless
If you are interested in an evaluation and/or treatment, please contact me here or click the Contact button at the top or bottom of this page.