20 Narcissistic Personality Disorder Statistics for 2025
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is more than occasional self-absorption—it’s a recognized mental health condition defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). Diagnosis of NPD requires at least five of nine personality traits that typically begin in early adulthood and affect many areas of life:
- Grandiosity: Exaggerated self-importance and expectations of superiority.
- Fantasies: Preoccupation with success, power, beauty, or ideal love.
- Uniqueness: Belief they can only associate with high-status people or institutions.
- Excessive admiration: Constant need for praise to maintain fragile self-esteem.
- Entitlement: Expectation of special treatment and exemption from rules.
- Exploitation: Using others to achieve personal goals.
- Lack of empathy: Inability to recognize or care about others’ needs.
- Envy: Feeling envious or assuming others envy them.
- Arrogance: Condescension, boasting, and demands for the best.
Because of its difficult treatment course and frequent comorbidities, NPD is a major focus in many continuing education courses, which help providers stay current on best practices. In this article, we’ll review 20 essential narcissistic personality disorder statistics, including prevalence, prognosis, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Statistics – Prevalence
1. About 0.5% to 6.2% of the U.S. population has narcissistic personality disorder (source)
The condition impacts a notable portion of the general population and creates significant challenges for those affected.
2. The percentage of Americans with NPD may reach 16% in clinical settings (source)
Between 2% and 16% of people in clinical populations meet the diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Statistics – Demographics
3. Up to 75% of people with narcissistic personality disorder are men (source)
Narcissistic personality disorder is more common among men, with males representing between 50% and 75% of Americans diagnosed with the disorder.
4. In the U.S., about 7.7% of men and 4.8% of women have NPD (source)
In a survey of 34,653 adults, about 7.7% of men and 4.8% of women had NPD. This gender gap appears consistent across populations. Cultural factors may also influence how narcissism is expressed, with men often showing more overt grandiosity while women may display more covert or vulnerable traits.
5. Men with NPD are more likely to show lack of empathy, entitlement, and exploitation — while women are more likely to show envy and arrogance (source)
Here’s a breakdown of how symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder present among men and women with the condition.
Lack of empathy:
- Men: 83.1%
- Women: 72.3%
Sense of entitlement:
- Men: 82.6%
- Women: 77.1%
Exploitation:
- Men: 65.5%
- Women: 55.7%
Envy:
- Men: 72.6%
- Women: 78.4%
Arrogance:
- Men: 35.7%
- Women: 42%
6. Young adults exhibit more fantasies of success and a tendency to exploit others — while older adults show a stronger sense of entitlement (source)
Fantasies of success, ideal love, and unlimited power:
- Young adults: 78.2%
- Older adults: 49.8%
Sense of entitlement:
- Younger adults: 76.2%
- Older adults: 83.8%
Exploitation:
- Younger adults: 67.7%
- Older adults: 55.5%
7. NPD is more common among unmarried, divorced, or separated individuals than it is among married people (source)
Studies suggest narcissistic personality disorder varies by marital status: 9.6% of singles, 7.3% of divorced or separated individuals, and 4.9% of married people meet diagnostic criteria.
This doesn’t mean most narcissists are single, but it does indicate higher rates among singles, likely tied to age and related factors. This suggests maintaining long-term relationships may be more difficult for those with pronounced narcissistic traits.
8. In some populations, NPD may be the most prevalent personality disorder among prison inmates (source)
A Spanish study that involved interviews with prisoners revealed:
- 21.08% had narcissistic personality disorder
- 18.63% had antisocial personality disorder
- 14.22% had paranoid personality disorder
However, while this study showed NPD was slightly more common than ASPD, other research, such as this Greek study, showed ASPD as more common.
In a sample of Greek prisoners:
- 42.5% had antisocial personality disorder
- 7.8% had narcissistic personality disorder
- 0.6% had histrionic personality disorder
In the Greek study, up to 80% of prisoners had a personality disorder.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Statistics – Comorbidities
9. Around 15% of individuals with NPD also experience depression (source)
People with NPD often have a constant need for validation. Rejection, failure, or threats to their unstable self-image or fragile self-worth can trigger depressive episodes. These symptoms can be severe and may include suicidal thoughts. This comorbidity highlights the emotional vulnerability that lies beneath the disorder’s characteristic grandiose sense of self-worth.
10. Anxiety disorders occur among 13.5% of people with NPD (source)
Vulnerable narcissists, in particular, may fear criticism and rejection, even while seeking admiration. This creates an exhausting cycle of craving attention but dreading negative evaluation, which further undermines emotional stability and interpersonal relationships.
11. 34.9% of people with NPD develop a substance use disorder (source)
Substance use disorders are common in narcissistic personality disorder, affecting more than one-third of individuals affected by the disorder. Alcohol and drugs are often used as a form of self-medication, helping temporarily numb feelings of inadequacy or cope with distress from strained relationships and fragile self-esteem.
12. Over 43% of people with NPD also have schizotypal personality disorder (source)
Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by odd beliefs, eccentric behavior, and social anxiety. The high comorbidity rate suggests that individuals with NPD may also exhibit these unusual cognitive or perceptual experiences, complicating the clinical picture.
13. Nearly 39% of people with NPD also meet diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder (BPD) (source)
While both conditions involve grandiosity, in bipolar disorder it fluctuates with mood episodes. The overlap complicates diagnosis and requires careful evaluation to distinguish between narcissistic traits and symptoms tied to mania or hypomania.
14. Up to 37% of people with NPD also meet diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD) (source)
Borderline personality disorder statistics reveal a comorbidity with NPD of about 34% among men and 32% among women. Meanwhile, 39% of people with BPD have NPD, affecting nearly half of men (47%) and more than one-third of women (34%).
15. Approximately 32% of individuals with NPD also meet criteria for histrionic personality disorder (source)
Histrionic personality disorder involves a pattern of seeking attention and being excessively emotional. The overlap indicates that individuals with NPD may also display these behaviors, making it challenging to differentiate between the two disorders.
16. About 25% of people with either NPD or antisocial personality disorder meet criteria for both diagnoses (source)
Both disorders share traits such as grandiosity, lack of empathy, and manipulativeness, which may contribute to their co-occurrence.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Statistics – Contributing Factors, Treatment, and Prognosis
17. People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are 2.1 to 2.5 times more likely to have NPD and other personality disorders (source)
According to personality disorder statistics, there is a strong link between NPD and PTSD. It more than doubles the rates of NPD, borderline personality disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder (SPD). Also, individuals with partial PTSD are 1.6 times more likely to meet criteria for NPD. This highlights how trauma can intersect with NPD and other personality disorders.
18. Maternal verbal abuse triples the risk of NPD, as well as other personality disorders (source)
Childhood verbal abuse from the mother greatly increases the risk of developing NPD along with borderline, paranoid, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. In a study of nearly 800 mother-child pairs, children who experienced maternal verbal abuse were over three times more likely to develop these disorders in adolescence or early adulthood.
The study also found higher rates of schizotypal and schizoid personality disorder symptoms. Researchers accounted for other factors, including the child’s temperament, physical or sexual abuse, neglect, physical punishment, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
19. Up to 64% of NPD patients drop out of therapy (source)
Treatment dropout rates for NPD are alarmingly high. Individuals may idealize or devalue their therapist, resist feedback, or abandon therapy when their fragile self-image is challenged. This makes consistent engagement one of the greatest barriers to effective treatment.
20. NPD peaks among people in their 20s, while prevalence decreases with age (source)
A study in New Zealand found that narcissistic personality disorder declines with age, with 9.4% of young adults ages 20-29 showing symptoms while just 3.2% of adults age 65 and older meeting the criteria for the disorder. This is encouraging, as it indicates that fewer people meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder as they age.
What These Narcissistic Personality Disorder Statistics Reveal
These narcissistic personality disorder statistics shed light on the prevalence of NPD, its comorbidities, and the clinical challenges it presents. Key takeaways include:
- Prevalence is higher than many realize: Estimates range from 0.5% to 6.2% in the general population, with even greater rates in clinical settings. This reflects the pervasive pattern of narcissistic pathology that psychiatry continues to study.
- Gender differences shape presentation: Men are more likely to show exploitation and entitlement, while women may express envy and vulnerability. These findings highlight important correlates in the development of NPD.
- Comorbidities complicate treatment: High overlap with mood disorders, substance use, and cluster B personality disorders—such as borderline, antisocial, and histrionic—illustrates the level of impairment and clinical complexity.
- Dysfunction is tied to emotional dysregulation: Traits like impulsivity, fragile self-esteem, and difficulty with emotional regulation create ongoing struggles in relationships, work, and self-image. This aligns with neuroscience research into personality psychiatric disorders.
- Environmental risk factors matter: Trauma, verbal abuse, and PTSD significantly increase the likelihood of pathological narcissism, suggesting that both biology and environment shape outcomes.
- Treatment dropout is common: With rates as high as 64%, therapy often stalls due to perfectionism, mistrust, and defensiveness around one’s grandiose sense of self-importance. Long-term work remains essential but challenging.
Together, these findings demonstrate that narcissistic personality disorder is not simply self-centeredness but a complex psychiatric condition marked by vulnerability, dysfunction, and the need for sustained, evidence-based care.
How eCare Behavioral Health Institute Can Help
At eCare Behavioral Institute, we understand the challenges of treating narcissistic personality disorder and other complex psychopathology. That’s why our online continuing education courses are designed to give mental health care professionals the tools they need to navigate difficult cases and enhance clinical practice.
Our courses include evidence-based interventions to help clinicians diagnose narcissistic clients and treat them successfully, including:
- Strengthen relationships impacted by narcissistic behaviors
- Resolve the effects of parental narcissism
- Heal from toxic relationships
With on-demand recorded webinars, social workers, counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists can stay current on emerging theories and treatment strategies. Explore our course catalog to expand your expertise and elevate outcomes for clients with NPD and other personality disorders.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Statistics – FAQs
Why is narcissism so common today?
Rates of narcissistic traits may seem higher today due to cultural factors like social media, individualism, and achievement pressure. These environments reward self-promotion, which can exaggerate narcissistic tendencies.
Is 1 in 6 people a narcissist?
Not exactly. Some sources suggest about 16% of people, which is about 1 in 6, show notable narcissistic traits, but true narcissistic personality disorder affects a much smaller percentage. Traits may be common, but the clinical disorder is rare.
How rare is it for someone to be a narcissist?
Research suggests NPD affects up to about 6.2% of U.S. adults, with men diagnosed more often than women. The disorder can seriously impact relationships, work, and mental health.
Can narcissists cry?
Yes. People with NPD can feel sadness and cry, but their emotional responses often center on themselves rather than empathy for others.
What are effective treatments for narcissistic personality disorder?
Effective treatments for narcissistic personality disorder include schema therapy, psychodynamic and object relations approaches, and transference-focused psychotherapy. Techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may support emotional regulation and insight. Carefully structured group therapy can also enhance relationships and overall well-being.
What are the three subtypes of narcissistic personality disorder?
Research highlights three core subtypes of NPD:
- Grandiose narcissism: Overt arrogance, entitlement, and pursuit of power at the cost of relationships.
- Vulnerable narcissism: Covert, hypersensitive, defensive, and often linked to depression or anxiety.
- High-functioning narcissism: Ambitious and socially competent, but with hidden traits that may evade diagnosis.
In addition to these research-based categories, clinicians and writers sometimes use other terms to capture variations of narcissistic traits. These are not official diagnoses, but include malignant narcissism, covert narcissism (closely related to the vulnerable subtype), communal narcissism, and maladaptive vs. adaptive framework.
