Does treatment help a person with NPD (Narcissist Personality Disorder)? Typically, no. Check out the attached video from Dr. Todd Grande for a deeper explanation. Skip to 6:37 if you wish to get straight to the point where he answers this question.
I believe people with NPD do not seek treatment because they (like many of us intinctively believe) do not “fix something that isn’t broken.” Narcissists believe that their behaviors are normal. Why would you seek therapy for something that you deem correct?
If a person with NPD never seeks treatment, they can appear to improve. You may have witnessed this yourself and it may have led you to think, Do they love this person in their new relationship more (or is the new partner better at dealing with NPD)? Did the person with NPD improve because they are more mature (older) or sick? Did the person with NPD finally wake up?
These are all valid thoughts! The answer is, per Dr. Grande, a person with NPD can adapt and get better at avoiding classic narcissistic behavior, but, they will still believe their behavior, options, and values are normal and correct.
What has been your experience? Have you known someone with NPD that has (1) sought treatment and did/did not improve, (2) appeared to improve without therapy?
MARY HUMPHREY COACHING 