In short: Narcissistic traits are not automatically a mental illness. Many people may show certain traits such as wanting recognition or feeling proud of their achievements. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), however, is a recognized mental health condition involving a persistent and inflexible pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, entitlement and difficulties with empathy and relationships. Diagnosis requires professional assessment.

The word “narcissist” is used extremely casually online.

Someone who does not apologize may be labelled a narcissist.

Someone who enjoys attention may be labelled a narcissist.

A selfish partner may be labelled a narcissist.

But casual descriptions are very different from a mental health diagnosis.

This Mental Care guide explains the difference between narcissistic traits and narcissistic personality disorder, how NPD is assessed, what is currently known about its causes and how treatment works.

Is narcissism a mental illness?

The answer depends on what we mean by “narcissism.”

Narcissistic traits are not a mental disorder by themselves.

Narcissistic personality disorder is a recognized mental health condition and personality disorder.

The distinction involves whether the pattern is:

• Persistent over time.
• Present across different situations and relationships.
• Rigid or inflexible.
• Causing meaningful problems in relationships, work or other areas of life.
• Consistent with professional diagnostic criteria.

What are narcissistic traits?

Personality traits exist on a spectrum.

People naturally want appreciation, recognition and a sense of achievement.

Having confidence or enjoying praise does not mean that someone has a personality disorder.

Certain narcissistic-looking behaviors can also appear temporarily or in particular situations without forming a persistent disorder.

What is narcissistic personality disorder?

Narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD, is a personality disorder involving a long-term pattern of difficulties related to self-image, self-esteem and relationships with other people.

Features may include:

• An exaggerated sense of self-importance.
• An excessive need for admiration.
• A sense of entitlement.
• Exaggerating achievements or talents.
• Preoccupation with exceptional success, status or idealized outcomes.
• Taking advantage of others in some situations.
• Difficulty recognizing other people's feelings and needs.
• Envy or believing that others are envious.
• Arrogant attitudes or behavior.

People with NPD may also be highly sensitive to criticism or failure.

This list should not be used as a self-diagnostic test.

What is the difference between narcissistic traits and NPD?

Is confidence the same as narcissism?

No.

Healthy self-confidence allows a person to recognize strengths while also accepting limitations, learning from mistakes and respecting other people's abilities and achievements.

Healthy self-esteem is not a personality disorder.

Is every selfish person a narcissist?

No.

Selfish behavior may appear for many different reasons. One selfish action does not establish narcissistic personality disorder.

How is narcissistic personality disorder diagnosed?

NPD is not diagnosed through social media posts or online personality quizzes.

Professional assessment may consider:

• Thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns.
• How long the patterns have been present.
• Their effect on relationships and everyday functioning.
• Mental health and medical history.
• A detailed psychological assessment.
• Recognized professional diagnostic criteria.

Some NPD features can overlap with other personality disorders and mental health conditions, which is another reason accurate assessment matters.

Can you diagnose your partner as a narcissist?

You can describe behaviors and explain how they affect you, but you cannot professionally diagnose another person from a distance.

Importantly, you do not need your partner to have a diagnosis before taking harmful or exhausting relationship patterns seriously.

Can children have narcissistic traits?

Children and teenagers are still developing their personalities.

Some self-centered or attention-seeking behaviors can occur during normal development and do not mean that a child will develop NPD in adulthood.

Diagnostic labels should therefore not be casually applied to children because of isolated behaviors.

What causes narcissistic personality disorder?

The exact cause is not known.

Current understanding suggests that development is likely complex and may involve interactions between:

• Genetic factors.
• Environmental and developmental experiences.
• Neurobiological factors.

It is therefore inaccurate to claim that one parenting style or one childhood experience always “creates a narcissist.”

Can narcissistic personality disorder be treated?

Yes. Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for narcissistic personality disorder.

Therapy may focus on:

• Understanding patterns of thinking and behavior.
• Improving relationships.
• Developing more realistic and stable self-esteem.
• Improving emotional regulation.
• Handling criticism and failure more effectively.
• Taking greater responsibility for behavior and its effects.

Personality change often requires time and meaningful engagement in therapy.

Is there medication for narcissistic personality disorder?

There is no medication specifically designed to treat NPD itself.

Medication may sometimes be prescribed for other mental health conditions occurring alongside NPD, such as depression or anxiety.

Can someone with NPD change?

Improvement is possible, but another person cannot force that change.

Treatment requires the person's own participation and willingness to examine and work on their patterns.

Progress may be gradual.

Does a person with NPD know they have a problem?

This varies from person to person.

Some individuals may not recognize their personality patterns as the main source of difficulty and may initially seek treatment for another issue, such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems or a stressful life event.

When should you consider professional support?

Professional support may be worth considering when recurring personality patterns:

• Repeatedly damage relationships.
• Make criticism or disagreement extremely difficult.
• Interfere with work or daily life.
• Cause significant distress or dissatisfaction.
• Lead to similar conflicts across different relationships.
• Occur alongside depression, anxiety or other mental health difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is narcissism a mental illness?

Narcissistic traits are not a mental illness by themselves. Narcissistic personality disorder is a recognized mental health condition requiring professional assessment.

Is every selfish person a narcissist?

No. Selfish behavior alone does not establish narcissistic personality disorder.

What is the difference between narcissism and NPD?

Narcissistic traits can occur without a disorder. NPD involves a persistent, inflexible pattern that causes significant difficulties and meets professional diagnostic criteria.

Is confidence narcissistic?

No. Healthy self-confidence and self-esteem are not the same as narcissistic personality disorder.

Is narcissism caused by parenting?

No single cause has been established. NPD is believed to involve a complex combination of environmental, genetic and neurobiological factors.

Can NPD be treated?

Psychotherapy is the primary treatment and may help improve relationships, emotional regulation, self-esteem and recurring behavior patterns.

Is there medication for NPD?

There is no medication specifically for NPD itself, although medication may be used for other conditions such as depression or anxiety when appropriate.

Content last updated: August 23, 2026