I was astonished to read an article last week in which a psychologist opined that Erin Patterson’s fabrications and lies were consistent with narcissistic personality disorder.

The article was written without direct examination of Ms Patterson, with the expressed diagnosis reliant on detailed media reports of the trial.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterised by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. 

Individuals with NPD often believe they are superior to others and may exploit those around them to achieve their goals. While they may appear confident, this often masks a fragile self-esteem.