According to StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, March 2024, no medications are FDA-approved for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), and psychotherapy is considered the most preferable treatment, even though the evidence for it is still limited. That can sound discouraging. But “limited evidence” is not the same as “no hope,” and many people find real relief when they work with the right clinician.
Maybe you typed “treatment narcissism” into a search bar because you recognize some of these patterns in yourself. Or maybe someone you love is struggling, and you are worn out from trying to help. Treatment for narcissism, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), is mainly long-term psychotherapy that helps a person tolerate vulnerability, build empathy, and relate to others more flexibly. For example, a therapist may help someone notice how quickly criticism triggers shame, and practice responding without defensiveness. This guide covers what is available, what to expect, and how to begin.
Is There Treatment for Narcissism?
Yes. Treatment for narcissism exists, and its main form is talk therapy, though progress is usually gradual and depends on the person’s willingness to engage. No pill cures NPD, and there is no quick fix. Still, clinicians can help people reduce painful patterns, strengthen relationships, and manage co-occurring problems such as depression or anxiety.
The same StatPearls review notes that NPD is an egosyntonic disorder, meaning the traits generally feel consistent with how the person sees themselves, so insight into the condition is often poor and people with NPD may not often present for psychiatric evaluation on their own. That is a normal starting point, not a failure. A good clinician meets the person where they are, with curiosity rather than judgment. To see how care is offered in practice, explore our page on narcissistic personality disorder treatment.
Here is a statement you can quote on its own: psychotherapy is the main treatment for narcissistic personality disorder, and no medication is FDA-approved for it (StatPearls, 2024).
What Types of Narcissism Treatment Are Used?
Most narcissism treatment relies on long-term psychotherapy, often drawn from approaches developed for personality disorders. Because treatment for narcissistic personality disorder has no single proven method, clinicians choose based on the person’s history, symptoms, and goals. The table below gives a simple overview.
| Approach | Main Focus | What It Can Feel Like |
|---|---|---|
| Transference-focused psychotherapy | Patterns that show up in the relationship with the therapist | Exploring reactions to the therapist as a window into relationships |
| Schema therapy | Deep-rooted beliefs and coping “modes” formed early in life | Identifying protective modes and strengthening a healthy adult mode |
| Mentalization-based therapy | Understanding your own and others’ thoughts and feelings | Slowing down to ask what is really going on inside you and them |
| Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) | Thinking patterns and behaviors | Practical exercises for handling criticism and setbacks |
| Group or family therapy | Relationship patterns in real time | Hearing feedback and practicing new ways of connecting |
How Does Psychodynamic Therapy Help?
Psychodynamic approaches, including transference-focused psychotherapy, explore how early experiences shape current relationships. StatPearls notes that transference-focused therapy may have more success than other types, though this rests on limited research. Over time, the goal is a steadier sense of self that does not depend on constant admiration.
Can CBT and Skills-Based Therapy Help?
Yes, as part of a broader plan. CBT and skills-based work can help with specific problems, such as anger, perfectionism, or difficulty hearing feedback. These tools often work best alongside deeper therapy that addresses where the patterns began. You can learn more about psychotherapy at Good Health Psych.
Can Medication Help With the Treatment of Narcissism?
Medication does not treat narcissism itself, but it can help with conditions that often come with it. StatPearls reports minimal evidence that medication helps NPD unless another psychiatric illness is also present. Co-occurring concerns may include depression, anxiety, or substance use.
When these conditions ease, many people find it easier to take part in therapy. A psychiatrist or nurse practitioner can review whether medication management makes sense for you. The decision should always be individual.
What Does the Treatment of Narcissism Look Like Over Time?
Expect a long road measured in months or years, with gradual changes in how you handle shame, conflict, and closeness. Early sessions often focus on building trust and a safe space. Later work tends to address patterns in relationships, work, and self-image.
Progress rarely looks like a dramatic transformation. It looks like small shifts: pausing before reacting, apologizing sooner, or noticing someone else’s feelings. The StatPearls review is candid that NPD is unlikely to resolve on its own or even with treatment, but it notes that interventions aimed at quality of life, such as reducing co-occurring psychiatric conditions and stabilizing social support, are likely to improve a person’s overall prognosis. That is exactly why consistent support matters.
How Can I Start Narcissism Treatment?
You can start with one small step: a conversation with a mental health professional. These steps can help:
- Name what you are noticing. Write down specific situations, such as strained relationships or intense reactions to criticism.
- Book an evaluation. Only a trained clinician can tell whether traits meet the threshold for a personality disorder or point to something else.
- Ask about experience. Look for a provider familiar with personality disorders and long-term therapy.
- Discuss co-occurring concerns. Share any symptoms of depression, anxiety, or substance use so they can be treated as well.
- Commit to a trial period. Give therapy several sessions before deciding whether it fits, and tell your therapist honestly how it feels.
If you are helping a loved one, you can express concern calmly, focus on how their behavior affects you, and avoid labeling them. You can also seek your own support, whether or not they join.
What Risks and Limitations Should I Keep in Mind?
Treatment can be hard to start and hard to sustain, and the evidence base is still small. A few honest considerations:
- Motivation matters. Therapy works best when a person chooses it. Pressure from others can bring someone to the door but rarely keeps them in the room.
- Shame can cause dropout. Looking closely at yourself can feel threatening. Tell your therapist if you want to quit, because that moment is often when the work matters most.
- Co-occurring conditions complicate things. Depression, anxiety, or substance use can mask or intensify narcissistic patterns, so a thorough evaluation matters before any plan is set.
- Do not diagnose a loved one. Online quizzes cannot tell traits from a disorder, and a label can inflame a conflict.
Conclusion
Narcissism treatment is possible, but it is a long-term process built on psychotherapy, honest self-reflection, and patience. No medication replaces that work, and results vary from person to person. Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder will not look the same for everyone, so a personalized plan matters. Even so, many people reduce painful patterns, repair relationships, and feel less alone. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or for someone you care about, an evaluation is a clear and manageable first step.
Schedule an appointment with Good Health Psych and talk with a compassionate provider about therapy options, in person or by telehealth.
Schedule a ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Is there treatment for narcissism?
Yes. The main treatment for narcissism is long-term psychotherapy, sometimes combined with care for co-occurring conditions. No medication is approved specifically for NPD, and progress is usually gradual.
Will therapy help me if I have narcissistic traits?
It can. Therapy can help you handle shame, strengthen empathy, and improve relationships. Results depend on consistency and openness, and they vary from person to person.
Can I treat narcissism without medication?
Yes. Psychotherapy is the central treatment, and medication is considered only for co-occurring problems such as depression or anxiety. A clinician can help you decide what fits.
How long does the treatment of narcissism take?
It usually takes months to years rather than weeks. The pace depends on your goals, your history, and how regularly you attend sessions. Small changes often come before larger ones.
How can I help a loved one get narcissism treatment?
Speak calmly about specific behaviors and their impact, not about labels. Encourage an evaluation, but accept that you cannot force someone to change. Seek your own support too.
Can narcissistic personality disorder go away on its own?
According to StatPearls, NPD is unlikely to resolve fully on its own or even with treatment. Treatment can still help people lessen its impact, manage co-occurring conditions, and build healthier relationships.