Young Adult and Teen Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment

Young adult and teen narcissistic personality disorder treatment at Paradigm is designed to offer support for our clients and their families as they learn to manage this complex condition.

Narcissism can be hard to diagnose since it’s normal for individuals in these age groups (teens: 12-17; young adults: 18-26) to be consumed with their own wants and needs. However, clear signs of narcissism include not only prioritizing personal desires but also viewing them as inherently superior to those of others. Unfortunately, the sense of superiority and self-obsession inherent to narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can cause extreme difficulty in relationships and other social interactions. Left untreated, it can also prevent someone from being able to form the types of trusting, loving relationships that are key to a healthy adulthood.

Learn more about narcissism in young adults and teens below, and contact us today for additional information on our narcissistic personality disorder treatment program.

Table of Contents

WHAT IS NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER?

Narcissistic personality disorder is somewhat of a nuanced mental health condition marked by an inflated self-image—whether in fantasy or behavior—an excessive need for admiration and a lack of empathy.

“I had to look long and hard to find the right place to help my daughter during a difficult time. The staff at Paradigm are amazing.” – Keith Geissler (Google review)

WHAT DOES NARCISSISM IN YOUNG ADULTS AND TEENS LOOK LIKE?

Young adults and/or teens will exhibit a sense of grandeur and the feeling that their needs far outweigh those of others.
Those with NPD are or can be incapable of empathy. In other words, they may struggle to understand others or have anything other than a one-sided conversation.
They might overstate their achievements.
Exhibit strong envy toward others or believe others envy them.
Manipulate people without feeling guilty.
React harshly to criticism.
Disregard personal boundaries.
Their narcissism may lead to loneliness and is often fueled by deep insecurities and fears rather than any extreme confidence.
Many other signs may hide beneath the surface, such as suicidal thoughts and feelings of intense fear or paranoia.

TYPES OF NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER

Unprincipled Narcissist – Characterized by unsocial behaviors and unscrupulous acts (lying, cheating, stealing) without fear of consequences and without remorse

Amorous Narcissist – Characterized by a lack of respect regarding personal boundaries, including inappropriate behaviors and unwanted sexual advances toward others

Compensatory Narcissist – Characterized by passive-aggressive tendencies and underlying feelings of inadequacy while dealing with others

Elitist Narcissist – Characterized by exaggerated bragging, the desire to obtain success as a means of gaining superiority over others, and an extremely high opinion of the self

Fanatic Narcissist – Characterized by fantasies about lofty plots and goals of revenge or justice triggered by a traumatic event earlier in life

CAUSES OF NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER IN TEENS

At its heart, narcissistic personality disorder is caused by deep insecurities and a need to service the ego in order to protect the mind from pain. However, the development of NPD can arise from a combination of environmental and genetic factors, including:

Family history of narcissism: Teens or young adults who have direct family members with personality disorders like narcissism tend to be at a higher risk of developing a personality disorder themselves.
Inattentive parents: Ineffective or poor parenting, such as excessive criticism or constant adoration, can lead to faulty thinking and harmful preconceptions, building up insecurities and fostering narcissistic traits.
A physical illness affecting the brain: The personality changes and erratic moods linked to narcissism can be caused by an illness that affects the brain, such as an infection, tumor, or hormone imbalance.
Emotional abuse: Bullying both at home and at school can lead to the development of narcissistic tendencies as a means to cope with insecurities and emotional wounds.

How To Help A Narcissistic Teenager or Young Adult

Differentiate between narcissism and other “dark” personalities

Narcissism in young adults and teens can often be misinterpreted as antisocial personality disorder or psychopathic personality disorder. While there is some overlap in symptoms, there are also distinct differences that are important to be aware of. A professional diagnosis can help you figure out exactly what is going on and what the next steps should be.

Speak frankly about their thoughts and feelings

It’s easy to feed into a loved one’s narcissistic tendencies with sycophantic praise or harsh and excessive criticism, so the best way to approach narcissism is non-judgmentally. If your loved one’s behavior is highly problematic and possibly destructive, it’s important to speak to them about looking into a professional narcissistic personality disorder treatment program.

Suggest how their behavior makes life more challenging and how narcissistic personality disorder treatment can help

Professional treatment is the best course of action for those exhibiting narcissistic behavior. Treatment can help them identify narcissistic tendencies and learn to better relate to others – both of which are necessary for thriving in the outside world.

YOUNG ADULTS AND TEEN NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER TREATMENT OPTIONS

Young adult and teen treatment for narcissistic personality disorder differs by individual, but in most cases, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is most beneficial.

Medication

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication can help people cope with their worst symptoms while they tackle their narcissism in therapy. These drugs can even save their life if their codependent conditions or symptoms include a risk of suicide. Despite lay knowledge, narcissism does not save someone from thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and there is no evidence to suggest they will not go through with threats of suicide. Helping a teen or young adult with NPD find a better, happier place mentally while going through therapy is the first and foremost goal.

Talk Therapy

Psychotherapy or talk therapy is the primary form of treatment for cases of NPD. A narcissistic personality disorder can develop for many reasons, and identifying and addressing these reasons is the first step towards improving one’s mental health, giving them a chance at healthier interactions with other people.

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NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER TREATMENT AT PARADIGM

NPD treatment at Paradigm begins with therapists helping clients address any underlying insecurities, shame, or depression behind their condition. The core of any narcissistic disorder is a lack of true confidence, as well as deep-seated fear and anxiety. These behaviors serve to compensate for this internal pain and must be addressed to see sustainable personal growth.

Our therapists then address the narcissistic traits that stem from these thoughts and habits and help clients begin to implement new behaviors. The goal is to develop behaviors that support better interactions with others and the development of healthy and appropriate relationships.

Therapists at Paradigm also help clients develop a sense of awareness and empathy for others as they learn to extend their thoughts toward others’ desires, needs, and ambitions rather than simply their own.

At times, medication may be used during treatment to help provide relief from symptoms of anxiety or depression, especially in instances where the disorders are co-occurring. In these cases, medication is not provided as a cure for narcissistic personality disorder but rather to help keep feelings of low self-worth, guilt, and shame at bay while undergoing treatment.

Our 16 year old son was transformed at Paradigm Treatment. Everything was perfect – from the house to the staff to the food. Providing care and therapy for teens is a massive responsibility and we were not about to take a chance with our son without completely vetting the business. Paradigm stood up to our scrutiny and ticked every box for us. The treatment our son received was exemplary and the results have been life changing for him and for our family as a whole. Thank you Paradigm – Thank you Cole and Jeff. Thank you GOD for this place!

– Mark L.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Narcissistic Personality Disorder

How does talk therapy, which requires teens to talk about themselves, help teens who are already obsessed with themselves?

One of the somewhat surprising and ironic truths about narcissism in young adults and teens is that the lofty perception they have of themselves often stems from underlying insecurities and a lack of self-confidence. Therefore, talking with a therapist about their beliefs and thought patterns helps to illuminate the falsity of their thinking, which is the first step toward change.

Can narcissists really care about others?

Yes, a narcissist can learn to care for others. But where the jury is still out – and where researchers consider it on a case-by-case basis – is whether narcissists can learn to develop emotional empathy on top of cognitive empathy.

Cognitive empathy is the realization and understanding that other people’s feelings are equally important to your own. Emotional empathy is feeling for others without consciously deciding to do so.

Some individuals may develop narcissistic tendencies in response to emotional trauma, but they can learn to leave these tendencies behind and develop a normal personality. Others are born narcissists because of an inability to feel empathy – perhaps due to psychopathy – and they cannot be taught to feel for others subconsciously. They can only do so on a cognitive level.

In any case, treatment can help the individual learn to have a more fulfilling life by developing relational skills and self-awareness.

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Lucy Nguyen, LMFT( Clinical Reviewer )

Lucy Nguyen is the Executive Director at Paradigm Treatment, overseeing all clinical treatment programs across the organization’s southwestern region. Her extensive experience includes working with young adults in private practice, serving as a therapist for children and teens with emotional and behavioral needs, and acting as a behavior interventionist for teens with developmental disorders. Lucy integrates cognitive-behavioral approaches with mindfulness and compassion in her work, and she is also EMDR-trained. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine.