The term "narcissism" in the context of mental health refers to Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), which is a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. The concept of narcissism and its association with a distinct personality disorder has been around for many years.
The term "narcissism" itself comes from Greek mythology, where Narcissus was a character who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. The psychological concept of narcissism was first introduced by Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, in the early 20th century. He used the term to describe a type of self-love that is considered excessive and self-centered.
The clinical recognition and formalization of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as a specific personality disorder, occurred in the 20th century as well. The American Psychiatric Association included NPD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in its third edition (DSM-III) in 1980.
Since then, Narcissistic Personality Disorder has been studied and recognized by mental health professionals. It's worth noting that there has been ongoing debate and research on the classification and diagnosis of personality disorders, including NPD, over the years. As with many mental health conditions, understanding and awareness of narcissism and NPD have continued to evolve in the medical community.