Ep 29: Paranoid Personality or BPD? | The Unstable Duo
In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) help differentiate between paranoid and borderline personality disorders. We explore the similarities and differences between these two disorders, discussing their core characteristics, emotional responses, symptoms, and how our own intuition helps us more than we realize. We specifically look at the instability unique to these two personality disorders and how both express anger, shame, and fear. As both disorders can have fleeting episodes of psychosis, we also discuss how delusions can show up in each, but how their triggers are vastly different. We further discuss our own personal experiences treating both disorders and ways we use our intuition to guide diagnosis. We end by highlighting the need for empathy in treatment and welcome other providers to reference this information or to contact us directly if in need of a consultation.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 28: The Post Pandemic Narcissist | Unmasking Paranoid Personality
In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) reveal the complex, dangerous, and often misdiagnosed Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD). We discuss the rising prevalence of PPD in the post-pandemic world, the clinical challenges in identifying and treating these individuals, and the critical differences between Paranoid Personalities and narcissism. We believe you’re seeing more of these types in your circles as well, and we want you to be equipped with knowledge so you can best protect yourself! Thus, we unpack not only the DSM-5-TR characteristics of Paranoid Personality Disorder, but we also reveal our clinical experience with these types. We include common themes such as: lack of trust, severe gastrointestinal issues, sadomasochism, medical self-sabotage, shedding identities, and the paranoid character’s unique relationship with aggression towards the same-sex. We reveal why we think this type is popping up even more in our circles, what the pandemic had to do with it, and how you can identify these types to keep yourself safe!
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 27: What's Worse Than a Narcissist? | The Baddest of Them All
In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unveil the darkest aspects of personality, focusing on narcissism at its most severe forms. We explore the spectrum of personality types that range from mildly unpleasant to dangerously malignant, discussing examples and case studies that illustrate their risk in relationships. We specifically unpack narcissistic and paranoid personality disorders, malignant narcissism, antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy and sociopathy, and sadistic personalities. While further exploring the characteristics, overlaps, and distinctions among these disorders, we end with a discussion about terrorism and extreme manifestations of sadism.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 26: Malignant Narcissists in Politics | Their Rise and Fall to Power
In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the dangerous dynamics of malignant narcissism in political leadership. We first explore how these leaders rise to power, the psychological factors that enable their ascent, and the societal conditions that make populations susceptible to their charm. We introduce the narcoticizing and honeymoon phases of their reign where the malignant charmer woos their adoring audience. We then explore the characteristics that define malignant narcissist leaders, including how they navigate crises, the corruptibility of their conscience, and their devolution into psychotic thought processes. Further expounding on the dangers of their paranoia and their need for enemies, we share how no one escapes unscathed from these types in leadership. Our discussion concludes with reflections about the aftermath of the malignant narcissist’s reign, and the recovery and healing process from the trauma they inflict.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 25: The Malignant Narcissist's Mind | The Stairway to Evil
In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) delve into the complex and dark characteristics of malignant narcissism, exploring its origins, characteristics, and using examples from popular culture, particularly the film ‘American Psycho’. Citing Eric Fromm’s original work on defining evil, we discuss his triad of: necrophilious orientation, incestuous symbiosis, and malignant narcissism. Using connections to historical figures and Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho,’ we briefly explore what this triad looks like. After drawing on research across the decades to define characteristics of malignant narcissism, we further discuss the spectrum of antisocial behavior, aggression, sadism, and paranoia prominent in these types. While discussing how malignant narcissists operate in personal relationships and positions of power, we end by exploring the overlap of malignant narcissism and psychopathy.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 24: The Communal Narcissist's Altruistic Illusion
In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the tricky topic of communal narcissism, exploring its characteristics, behaviors, and the environments in which these individuals thrive. We discuss the distinction between agentic and communal traits, the illusion of selflessness, and how communal narcissists often deceive themselves and others. We further highlight the presence of communal narcissism in charities, social media, and religious organizations. By examining the darker aspects of this personality type, we discuss insights about collective narcissism and the potential for harmful group dynamics. The episode concludes with insights on recognizing communal narcissism in relationships and its correlation with wealth and power.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 23: The 4 Narcissistic Subtypes You Need to Know
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the complex world of narcissism, focusing on its various subtypes. We unpack grandiose narcissism, its characteristics, as well as fun names in history. Our conversation transitions to communal narcissism, highlighting its deceptive nature and how it can manifest in social settings and religious communities. Next, we examine malignant narcissism, the most severe form, characterized by antisocial, paranoid, and sadistic traits. Lastly, we uncover vulnerable narcissism and the tricky, inside-out way they show up in relationships. The episode concludes with a comparative analysis of danger in these narcissistic subtypes, urging listeners and viewers to beware!
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 22: Vulnerable and Grandiose Narcissism | The Mirror Has Two Faces
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) delve into the complexities of pathological narcissism, exploring its various expressions, including covert, overt, grandiose, and vulnerable narcissism. We discuss how these themes of overt and covert narcissism appear in all narcissistic individuals, as do grandiose and vulnerable themes. We articulate how covert narcissism is under the surface in thoughts and fantasies, whereas overt narcissism is behavioral. We also highlight the shiny, extroverted themes of grandiose narcissism, while discussing the underlying emotional issues associated with vulnerable narcissism, including shame, anger, and moodiness. We overall emphasize the overlap between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, detailing that both can coexist within a single individual, leading to a range of ways pathological narcissism can present.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 21: Narcissistic Personality Disorder | The 9 Symptoms
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) delve into the complexities of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). We explore the historical origins of narcissism, the DSM criteria for diagnosing NPD, and the key characteristics of individuals with this disorder, including a lack of empathy and pervasive envy. Our conversation highlights the roots, characteristics, and the dual nature of narcissism, as well as the challenges in researching NPD. We highlight characteristics such as grandiose self-importance, the need for excessive admiration, and the interpersonal exploitation that can occur in relationships. We also give a preview on the vulnerable aspects of narcissism, highlighting how it can manifest as low self-esteem and social withdrawal, a topic that will be discussed in an upcoming episode!
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Ep 20: Narcissism Gone Bad | 5 Signs It's Pathological
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the 5 major signs of pathological narcissism, as well as 3 bonus invisible signs of narcissism. We explore warning signs of pride, superiority, vanity, and inauthenticity (among others!), providing insights into how these traits manifest in behavior and relationships. We also explore how anger and lack of empathy manifest. We end the episode by discussing vulnerable narcissistic themes that are less observable, like emptiness, helplessness, and low self-esteem. Our discussion highlights everyday narcissism, as well as darker aspects of it, including antisocial and murderous examples of such.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish