Narcissism, 9

Is there any treatment that can help individuals deal with a diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

Although there is no cure for Narcissistic Personality Disorder per se, treatment and therapy can help people manage their moods, change their disruptive behaviors, and treat comorbid problems such as anxiety and depression. When an individual wants to improve and is willing to work at altering thought processes and exhibited behaviors, it can be done. The brain has plasticity, meaning that it can rewire itself to exhibit more functional behaviors. Unfortunately, the reality is that those with NPD think they are just fine and blame everyone else for everything perceived as undesirable. Treatment and therapies may include: 

·       Psychotherapy is often a first line of treatment to help individuals understand their condition and learn to manage emotions appropriately.

·       Medications may be prescribed to manage some of the symptoms, especially if anxiety and/or depression are present.

·       Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be helpful to manage thinking and behavior dysfunctions.

·       Individuals may need assistance in focusing on the treatment plan and being open minded about the benefits. They may need encouragement to discuss feelings and experiences with family members or trusted friends.

Learning the importance of and living a balanced lifestyle can be important as fatigue, loss of sleep, improper eating habits, and even dehydration can make it more difficult to manage emotions appropriately.