When someone is said to have a “God complex,” it means that he or she is extremely arrogant. The slang term is supposed to suggest that the person behaves as though he or she is God. People may use the term colloquially to refer to people who behave arrogantly and demonstrate little empathy and compassion for others, and also specifically to refer to people who have been diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Whether someone actually has NPD or a simple God complex, there are ways to alter negative behavioral patterns to help that person function more successfully in society.

People in certain professions, such as surgery, are often accused of having a God complex. Individuals with a God complex tend to believe that they are the best at what they do, that they are entitled to special treatment, and that they deserve the best of everything. They may also behave with a high level of grandiosity or pretentiousness which draws attention to themselves, and they treat other people carelessly, using and exploiting them at will.

To be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, the patient must meet with a mental health professional who can interview the patient and look for diagnostic criteria. All of the examples above are included in the diagnostic criteria for NPD, as is an appearance of an unemotional personality, the setting of unrealistic goals, and weak self esteem. Paradoxically, despite the way in which people with God complexes behave, they actually have very fragile and delicate self esteem, drawing their self esteem from the approval and attention of others. The sensitivity of people with NPD is often part of what drives them to behave so callously, because when they feel threatened or marginalized they may lash out.

It is usually difficult to get someone to recognize that he or she has a God complex, let alone NPD. People with God complexes generally feel threatened by the idea of psychotherapy, and they will not appreciate well-meaning suggestions from people who would like to help them. They interpret such suggestions as criticisms of their character which are designed to undermine them, rather than to support them.

If someone with NPD does seek treatment, there are a number of psychotherapeutic techniques which can be used to address the patient's underlying issues and help him or her achieve a higher level of functionality. Therapy can be done alone and in groups. Patients may need to experiment with several practitioners before finding an approach which suits them, and it is important to find a therapist whom a patient feels comfortable with, as otherwise the therapeutic process will be extremely difficult.