Stimulants Reduce Narcissistic Personality Traits, Increase Empathy In ADHD Adults: Study

February 11, 2025Narcissistic personality traits are curbed, and empathy improved, by the use of stimulant medication in adults who have ADHD, according to a small study published in Alpha Psychiatry.1 The study is the first to explore the impact of ADHD medication on narcissistic personality traits and empathy in adult patients with ADHD, building on past research that established a high prevalence of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) in this population.The study involved 75 participants (54% male, 46% female).

Of those, 44% received extended-release methylphenidate, 50% received short-acting methylphenidate, and 6% received atomoxetine for three months.

Levels of ADHD symptoms, empathy, and pathological narcissism — both grandiose and vulnerable/covert subtypes — were assessed before and after three months of treatment.

Researchers found significant changes in three areas among patients taking stimulant medication: reductions in narcissistic traits, increases in empathy levels, and improvements in ADHD symptoms.Pathological narcissism is marked by impairment in self-esteem regulation; intense shame, anger, or envy leads individuals to employ maladaptive strategies to restore self-esteem in situations where it is perceived as threatened.2 The subtype of grandiose narcissism is marked by exhibitionism, aggression, and self-assurance; the subtype of vulnerable narcissism is marked by distrustfulness, fear of rejection, introversion, and negative emotionality.Deficits in empathy are central to narcissism and can lead to myriad challenges over the lifespan including problems with communication and interpersonal relationships.