Narcissism is represented in the DSM system as a personality disorder consisting largely of overt characteristics including grandiosity, haughtiness, superiority, and entitlement. The DSM does not address underlying issues of lowered self-esteem and shame that are abundantly addressed in the research and which suggest that other forms of narcissism exist, notably a covert or shy type. This dissertation compares and contrasts theories developed by Kernberg, Kohut, Bursten, Lowen, Millon, Ronningstam, and others regarding narcissism which explicate the concept that narcissism takes many forms and that the DSM should expand its scope. Postmodern concepts of narcissism; positive aspects of narcissism; cultural narcissism, and subclinical narcissism are also discussed. Trauma-associated narcissism, gender in narcissism, suicidality in narcissism and transference in the treatment of narcissism are also discussed.