Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Narcissistic personality disorder is a lasting pattern of grandiosity, a strong need for admiration and difficulty recognising other people's feelings, which causes problems in relationships and work. Behind it there is often a fragile self-esteem. Therapy can help, but it takes time and willingness.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Grandiose sense of self-importance
- Preoccupation with success and power
- Sense of entitlement
- Lack of empathy
How it is usually treated
- Long-term psychodynamic therapy
- Schema Therapy
- CBT
- Couples therapy when relationships are affected
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I find it hard to take criticism”
- “People say I lack empathy or need constant admiration”
- “My relationships keep breaking down”
- “I feel empty underneath a confident image”
People who live with narcissistic personality disorder may also notice depression, substance use or relationship difficulties. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if anger, depression or thoughts of harming yourself are present. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist or psychologist builds the picture over several sessions, looking at long-standing patterns in relationships and work. Many people seek help for something else, such as depression or relationship trouble.
Treatment and support
- Long-term psychotherapy, such as schema or psychodynamic therapy
- CBT for specific problems
- Couples therapy when relationships are affected
- Treating related depression or anxiety
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess long-standing patterns and agree realistic goals for therapy. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist takes time to understand long-standing patterns in relationships, emotions and stress, and how they affect your life now.
Who is involved
Longer-term therapy with a clinical psychologist is often central, with a psychiatrist overseeing the overall plan.
Between sessions
Progress is gradual, and reviews are steady and non-judgemental.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Can narcissism be treated?
Yes, though change is gradual and depends on the person wanting to look at their patterns.
Is everyone with a big ego narcissistic?
No. NPD is a pervasive pattern that causes significant problems, not just confidence.
How can I cope with a partner who may have NPD?
Seek support for yourself, set clear boundaries, and consider couples or individual therapy.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Muskan Jain DesaiClinical Psychologist
Dr. Divya GurunathanPsychiatrist - Women's Mental Health & Child Psychiatry
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.