There are several forms of treatment that can treat narcissistic personality disorder, although much depends on a person’s ability to commit to treatment. However, change is possible.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) under the category of “Personality Disorders.”

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by:

• A lack of empathy
• A strong need for admiration
• A pervasive pattern of grandiosity

Living with narcissistic personality disorder can be difficult. The condition can negatively impact your relationships and career. You may also appear selfish and self-absorbed when in reality, you may feel extremely insecure.

However, a 2018 research review found that true narcissistic personality disorder is not common. It requires a diagnosis by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Let’s take a look at common treatments, as well as tips on where you can find help.

Types of Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Your mental health provider will begin by assessing your psychological functioning. He or she will also consider differential diagnoses and co-occurring conditions before recommending a treatment plan.

Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder will likely include:

Helping you overcome resistance to treatment
Identifying narcissistic behaviors that are causing problems in your life
Examining past experiences and assumptions that led to narcissistic behaviors
Acknowledging how these behaviors affect others
Replacing grandiose thoughts with more realistic ones
Exploring and practicing new behavior patterns
Seeing the benefits of newly learned behaviors

Psychotherapy

Psychoanalysis is a form of talk therapy. Through individual sessions, you explore the reasons behind your feelings and behaviors.

As you begin to understand your past, your current feelings and behaviors become clearer. This can help you better manage your thoughts and feelings. Then, you can begin to change the way you react to them.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The focus of CBT is to identify unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior and replace them with healthier ones.

You will practice new skills with your therapist. You will also have homework to put these skills into practice between sessions.

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Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy is an integrative approach to therapy. It combines elements of psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

The goal is to help you identify and understand unhelpful patterns and coping mechanisms that have formed from early childhood experiences. Once you have identified these maladaptive schemas, you can learn to modify them.

Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy. You will focus on the present rather than the past or future. Past life experiences are considered in the context of how they are affecting you today.

You will be encouraged to reflect on what is happening in your life now. You will work to improve self-awareness and self-responsibility.

Meditation-Based Therapy (MBT)

Meditation-Based Therapy improves your ability to reflect on yourself, as well as the thoughts and feelings of others. You will then learn how to link feelings to behavior patterns.

You will explore the intention behind others’ behavior and work to think things through carefully before responding.

Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)

In transference-focused psychotherapy, you take your feelings about another person and direct them toward your therapist. This can make it easier to talk about things. Your therapist can help you gain insight into your thoughts and feelings.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on:

• Mindfulness
• Emotion regulation
• Distress tolerance
• Interpersonal efficacy (relationship skills)

Psychoeducation

By applying a modified version of dialectical behavior therapy, psychoeducation can help you better understand your emotional and internal experiences.

This can give you a sense of greater control and authority over your feelings and mental state. It can also help reduce the fear associated with losing control over unfamiliar feelings.

Finally, it can also help increase your motivation for therapy by giving you a better understanding of its purpose and what in your mind might be getting in the way of your success.
Interpersonal Cognitive Therapy (MIT)

MIT is a step-by-step treatment designed to:

Deconstruct narcissistic processes by looking at problems as they relate to your own life

Recognize maladaptive patterns and personal functioning

Promote change by moving away from old behaviors and building new adaptive patterns

The therapist will also look for barriers to effective treatment and work to help improve them.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

In EMDR, it is assumed that narcissism is based on difficult early life experiences or trauma.

EMDR is a step-by-step process divided into eight distinct stages. As you progress, you will be encouraged to address:

Negative memories

Traumatic events

Emotional triggers

As you do this, the therapist will direct eye movements to shift your attention. The goal is to reduce the impact of the traumatic memories.

Group Therapy

A combination of group therapy and individual therapy can help you challenge and confront feelings of shame, dependence, difficulty relating to others, and narcissistic fantasies.

This happens by interacting with others in your group.

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Other Treatment
Medications

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medications to specifically treat narcissistic personality disorder.

However, your doctor may choose to treat specific symptoms, especially if you have also been diagnosed with another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.

For example, your doctor may prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Lifestyle Changes

Different things may work for different people. It’s a good idea to try to live a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising, and avoiding alcohol or other substances that can exacerbate problematic behaviors.

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Practicing relaxation through mindfulness and meditation can also help. While you’re at it, do your best to attend all of your therapy sessions. Focus on making progress one step at a time.

When to See a Medical Professional

If you’re concerned that you’re exhibiting narcissistic behaviors, consider seeing a medical professional or mental health professional for an evaluation.

Even if you have only a few tendencies toward narcissistic behavior, therapy can help you see things differently.

According to a small 2017 review of case studies by Trusted Source, people with narcissistic personality disorder often have significant social problems and multiple medical conditions, so it’s worth seeking help.

Also, what appears to be narcissistic behavior may be the result of another condition.

Narcissistic personality disorder doesn’t always present itself in the same way. There can be a wide spectrum, including covert narcissism and malignant narcissism. A qualified doctor or therapist can help determine the best approach.

Where to Find a Provider

You can start with your primary care physician. They can refer you to a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in treating narcissistic personality disorder.

Learn more about finding a provider at these sites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Trusted Source
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Institute of Mental Health Trusted Source

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for narcissism?

There is no single treatment approach that is best for treating narcissistic personality disorder. What works for one person may not work for another. Only a qualified mental health professional can help you find the right approach for you.

Is narcissistic personality disorder curable or curable?

It is not easy to stop having narcissistic personality disorder. However, with proper treatment, you can learn to recognize your triggers and learn coping mechanisms or behavioral changes that can have a lasting positive impact on your life.

How do you know if someone has narcissistic personality disorder?

Certain traits are commonly associated with narcissistic personality disorder, such as a lack of empathy, a large ego, low self-esteem, or a need for attention. However, people can exhibit these traits without having a narcissistic personality disorder. Only a mental health professional can give you a diagnosis.

Takeaway

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition characterized by grandiose ideas, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration.

Despite the frequent use of the word “narcissism,” the actual disorder is not common. It takes a mental health professional to diagnose the condition.

Narcissistic behaviors can impact your relationships and quality of life. But a variety of treatments can help you learn how to change these behaviors for the better. These are long-term treatments that are based on a willingness to continue over the long term.