Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatable?
If social media is to be believed, then it would be reasonable to conclude that almost everyone has dated a narcissist in the past. But with just 1% of the population thought to have Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), it’s unlikely that this is true.
NPD is often confused with narcissism, which is a trait that is not unique to the disorder. It’s normal for people to brag or behave arrogantly on occasion – and having an ex who was selfish or manipulative at times is not unusual.
NPD is very different. It exists on a spectrum, so can vary in severity, but the narcissistic traits are typically pervasive across many areas of a person’s life, particularly in relationships, work, and self-image. For some people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, the negative impacts can make maintaining healthy relationships with family and at work very challenging.
The subsequent confusion and misinformation surrounding NPD perpetuates the stigma, making it difficult for people to get the help they need.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a long-term mental health condition characterised by pervasive patterns of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and difficulties with empathy and self-esteem regulation. It is diagnosed more frequently in men than in women, although this may partly reflect diagnostic and referral patterns. People with the disorder may exhibit behaviours including:
- an inflated sense of self
- arrogance and entitlement
- a strong need for admiration and attention
- difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
- interpersonal difficulties, including patterns of manipulation or exploitation in relationships
- excessive fantasies about having success, power, beauty, wealth, intelligence, or love.
People with NPD may also experience:
- jealousy at another’s success
- low self-esteem or sensitivity to criticism
- perfectionism
- depression.
What treatments are available for NPD?
Diagnosis is typically made by a psychiatrist or a psychologist with appropriate training in personality assessment. While there is no single cure for NPD, evidence-based psychotherapy can support meaningful and lasting improvements, and talk therapy may be effective in helping a person challenge unhelpful thinking, understand their own strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and improve their relationships with others.
Clinicians will tailor treatments to the individual, and these may include long-term psychotherapies, such as Schema Therapy and other structured, relational approaches. CBT may be helpful for specific symptoms or co-occurring conditions.
Medication is not used to treat Narcissistic Personality Disorder itself. However, psychiatric treatments may be used to manage co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, where clinically indicated.
Personalised Support
Living with NPD can be distressing not only for the individual with the disorder but for their loved ones, too. A multidisciplinary clinic with a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals provides an integrated approach to complex mental health care, tailoring support to the unique challenges of the individual and the people close to them.
Long-term therapy may help people with NPD to strengthen and maintain relationships, build their self-esteem, and improve their overall quality of life. Treatment is most effective when individuals are willing to engage in ongoing therapy and when care is coordinated across treating professionals.
This article provides general information only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are concerned about your mental health, please seek advice from a qualified health professional.
If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, call 000.
For 24/7 support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.