When you’re living with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), it can be hard to know where to begin. You might feel misunderstood, criticized, or frustrated that others don’t see things the way you do. You may have been told that your emotions are “too much” or that you lack empathy, but those judgments don’t tell the full story.
NPD is often deeply rooted in early emotional experiences. What may look like confidence on the outside can sometimes mask pain or insecurity on the inside. If you’re feeling stuck in patterns that hurt you or those around you, help is available.
At Peace Valley Recovery, we provide respectful, nonjudgmental care designed to support lasting change. Call us at (267) 263-7378 or contact us online to learn more.
What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition that affects how someone relates to themselves and others. It is marked by patterns of grandiosity, a strong need for admiration, and difficulty recognizing the needs or feelings of others. People with NPD may also struggle with criticism and experience intense emotions they don’t always show.
Despite the name, narcissistic personality disorder is not about selfishness or vanity. It often stems from early emotional wounds, experiences that made someone feel unworthy, unseen, or emotionally unsafe. In some cases, a strong outer shell becomes a way to protect against vulnerability. Over time, these patterns can lead to difficulties in relationships, work, and daily life.
According to the National Library of Medicine, approximately one to two percent of the U.S. population is diagnosed with NPD, though many people may live with undiagnosed symptoms. It is more commonly diagnosed in men than women.
Signs and Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Not everyone with narcissistic traits has NPD. For those who do, symptoms can range from moderate to severe and include the following:
- A sense of superiority or uniqueness
- Preoccupation with success, power, or beauty
- Difficulty managing criticism or rejection
- Expecting special treatment without earning it
- Struggles with empathy or emotional connection
- Taking advantage of others to achieve goals
- Fluctuating self-esteem, feeling inflated one moment and deeply insecure the next
These symptoms can impact careers, family life, and friendships. Over time, the emotional toll may lead to co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, or substance misuse.
One study found that people with NPD also met the criteria for a mood disorder. Another study found that individuals with NPD may also experience substance use disorders. The condition can be serious, but fortunately, with the right treatment, it’s manageable in the long-term for those struggling.
What Causes Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
There is no single cause of narcissistic personality disorder. Research suggests it develops through a mix of early childhood experiences, personality traits, and environmental influences.
People with NPD may have grown up in environments where emotional needs were inconsistently met. Some may have received excessive praise or criticism, or learned to suppress vulnerability in order to be accepted. Others may have experienced neglect or emotional harm in childhood that shaped how they see themselves and others.
Genetics and brain structure may also contribute. Certain temperamental traits, such as heightened sensitivity or low stress tolerance, may increase the risk of developing NPD. However, having risk factors doesn’t guarantee someone will develop the disorder.
NPD is not a personal failing. It’s a response to life experiences that once served as protection but now cause more harm than good.
How Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treated?
As was mentioned above, this condition is treatable. With the right support, people can learn to manage emotions more effectively, improve communication, and develop more fulfilling relationships.
Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for NPD. It offers a safe space to explore emotional patterns, examine the roots of self-image, and build more balanced ways of relating to others. Treatment often focuses on:
- Developing self-awareness and emotional insight
- Learning to tolerate difficult feelings like shame or vulnerability
- Building empathy and improving interpersonal relationships
- Addressing co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), schema therapy, and psychodynamic therapy can all be effective approaches, depending on the person’s needs. Therapy does not aim to change a person’s personality, but to help them live in a way that feels more stable, authentic, and connected.
Treatment takes time and commitment, but change is possible. Many people begin therapy unsure of what to expect, but come to find it transformative and grounding. It’s critical to stay in treatment for the long-term for the best possible outcomes.
Peace Valley Recovery’s Treatment Approach
At Peace Valley Recovery, we understand that living with narcissistic personality disorder can impact your ability to maintain healthy relationships, feel connected, or manage stress. Our primary objective is to meet you with compassion, not judgment.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a structured treatment option that provides six hours of therapy each weekday. This level of care offers intensive support without requiring an overnight stay. It is ideal for those who need more focused help but want to return home in the evenings.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers three to five treatment days per week, with each session lasting around three hours. Evening scheduling options are available to help balance treatment with work or personal responsibilities.
Each program begins with a comprehensive evaluation to better understand your goals and needs. From there, we work with you to build an individualized treatment plan. Our trauma-informed clinicians use evidence-based therapies that support emotional regulation, relational healing, and long-term growth.
What to Expect in Treatment
Starting treatment for NPD can feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. Many people worry they’ll be judged or misunderstood. At Peace Valley Recovery, we take a supportive, patient-centered approach.
In therapy, you’ll work one-on-one with a licensed professional who understands the unique challenges of personality disorders. Group therapy and psychoeducation sessions provide opportunities to practice communication skills, gain perspective, and connect with others.
The process isn’t about blaming or labeling. It’s about building insight, gaining emotional tools, and creating more fulfilling relationships. Treatment is a space to safely explore your experiences and reshape patterns that are no longer serving you.
Recovery looks different for everyone. Some people begin to notice shifts in their relationships and emotional regulation within weeks. Others may engage in treatment longer to continue deepening their awareness and growth. No matter the pace, the goal is lasting, meaningful change.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 9.1% of adults in the United States live with a personality disorder. Of these, only a small percentage receive the consistent care they need. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for people with NPD and related conditions.
Other Addiction Treatments and Therapies
You Are Not Alone with Peace Valley Recovery
Living with narcissistic personality disorder can feel isolating, especially when others don’t understand what you’re experiencing beneath the surface. But you don’t have to carry that weight alone.
At Peace Valley Recovery, we provide compassionate care that honors your humanity. We’re here to help you uncover new ways of thinking, feeling, and connecting, not by changing who you are, but by helping you access your truest self.
Call us at (267) 263-7378 or contact us online to learn more about how we can support you. Healing is possible, and we’re here when you’re ready.
