Can a Narcissist Be Cured?

Narcissistic personality disorder—a mental health condition characterized by an excessive need to feel important and impress others—often causes narcissists to have an inflated sense of self-worth, lack empathy, and fantasize about possessing success, power, intelligence, and beauty. Narcissism differs from self-confidence in that it causes narcissists to view others with disdain rather than recognizing that they also have value.

Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for narcissistic personality disorder, but certain treatments can help manage symptoms. These include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – This form of psychotherapy focuses on identifying and addressing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) – DBT is a derivative of CBT that focuses on experiencing, accepting, and coping with emotions.

• Metacognitive therapy (MCT) – This approach to psychotherapy focuses on controlling thinking processes (e.g., rumination) rather than on the content of thoughts.

While there’s currently no medication available to treat narcissistic personality disorder, certain medications can be used to treat related conditions, including anxiety and depression. When a narcissist seeks treatment, their provider will develop a customized care approach that’s specially designed to serve their individual needs.