Narcissistic Personality (NPD)
DSM: 301.81 ICD: F60.81In this series, we unpack narcissism as a trait vs when it’s pathological; NPD in the DSM-5; and various presentations of narcissism, including: vulnerable, grandiose, communal, and malignant variations. We also address malignant narcissism in politics by exploring what it looks like when world leaders display these traits. We conclude the series by exploring “worse” conditions, including sadism and psychopathy in dark personalities.
Ep 54: Antisocial vs Narcissistic Personality | What's the Difference?
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the distinctions between antisocial personality and narcissistic personality by analyzing DSM diagnoses, Stones’ Spectrum of Dark Personalities, and subtypes from Dr. Theodore Millon like: Reputation-Defending Devious, Exploitative Egotist, and the Unprincipled Narcissist.
Doc Bok
Doc Fish
Antisocial Personality vs. Narcissistic Personality
Can you tell the difference between an antisocial personality and narcissistic personality? It’s actually quite tough because they overlap at times. Join me as I parse out these two self-oriented personalities.
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
Paranoid Personality: The Post-Pandemic Narcissist?
Paranoid personality disorder is not often discussed, but did you know they can look like narcissists? Not only are these types very common and hiding in plain sight, but paranoid personalities are often more dangerous than narcissists! Read on to learn more about the paranoid personality that might be hiding in your life!
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
50 Shades of Personality Darkness
What personality traits and disorders are the most dangerous? I found a researcher who was kind enough to create an entire Spectrum of Negative Personality to help us understand! Let’s dive into the dark parts of personality!
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
How Malignant Narcissists Rise to Power
Does the 90s research about malignant narcissists in power still hold true today? You may find that there’s nothing new under the sun! In this blog, we reveal the dangerous life cycle of narcissists in power and why we keep falling for their charm. Together, let’s explore the rise, reign, and unraveling of malignant narcissistic leaders—how they gain power during national crises, manipulate followers through illusion and ego, and ultimately leave chaos in their wake.
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
The Malignant Narcissist
Interacting with a narcissist is not a pleasant experience, but are there “worse” narcissists than others? It seems so… There’s a pretty dangerous form of narcissism that takes us down a dark path of personality.
Doc Fish