Personality Couch

In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the 6 subtypes of schizotypal personality disorder, according to Dr. Theodore Millon. We outline Millon’s take on “structurally defective structures” as being at risk of falling apart into psychosis at all levels of functioning, with the most severe levels of schizotypal deteriorating into schizophrenia. We then discuss the characteristics of mild, moderate, and severe subtypes, specifically: Disengaged Eccentrics, Apprehensive Eccentrics, the Insipid Schizotypal, the Timorous Schizotypal, the Immobile Schizophrenic, and the Disorganized Schizophrenic.  🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Intro & History of Schizotypal Subtypes 02:45 Theodore Millon’s Theory on Schizotypal Personality 07:00 The Mild Eccentric Level        08:21 Disengaged Eccentrics       09:39 Apprehensive Eccentrics 10:48 The Moderate Schizotypal Level       11:57 Insipid Schizotypal       18:17 Timorous Schizotypal 21:26 The Severe Schizophrenic Level        22:56 Immobile Schizophrenic        26:08 Disorganized Schizophrenic 29:05 Summary & Conclusion 

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into the origins, diagnostic criteria, and oddities associated with schizotypal personality disorder and what it means to be almost psychotic, but not quite. We unpack idiosyncrasies and “cognitive slippage” of schizotypals that include odd speech patterns, suspiciousness, emotional expression, and social anxiety. This episode also highlights the importance of cultural context in diagnosis and not overpathologizing trends or religious norms. We also explore the overlap with and risk of schizophrenia in schizotypals, along with long-term implications of living in a quasi-psychotic cognitive space. 🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Intro & History of Schizotypal Personality  01:15 DSM Criteria Schizotypal Personality       02:59 Ideas of Reference      05:35 Odd Beliefs and Magical Thinking               08:18 Exploring Cultural Oddities vs Psychosis      11:05 Unusual Perceptual Experiences      12:44 Odd Thinking & Speech      17:45 Suspiciousness and Paranoia      18:34 Emotional Expression, Behavior, and Appearance      20:13 Lack of Close Relationships and Anxiety 23:42 Schizotypal Differential Diagnosis 24:46 Schizotypals’ Relationship to Schizophrenia 29:33 Summary and Conclusion

In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the origins and nuances of schizotypal personality disorder, its genetic links to schizophrenia, and the clinical observations that define it. We discuss the evolution of the term 'schizotypal' in the DSM, the implications of schizotypy, and how environmental factors and social learning influence its development. We also uncover observable traits of schizotypal individuals, their social interactions, and self-concept, providing a comprehensive overview of this intriguing personality disorder that is not quite psychotic, but close. 🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Intro & History of Schizotypal Personality  01:34 Genetic Research on Schizotypal 05:17 Clinical Research on Schizotypal 08:47 Schizotypal in the DSM 09:29 Schizotypy and Borderline Personality Organization 12:17 Schizotypy Defined 14:32 Schizotaxia Defined 17:39 Schizotypic Endophenotypes Explained 19:57 When Schizotypy Manifests 21:28 Observable Traits of Schizotypal Personality Disorder 30:44 Summary and Conclusion 

In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) compare and contrast schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders, as well as schizophrenia. We define key terms, explore the overlap and differences among these disorders, and introduce the concept of schizotypy as a genetic predisposition towards schizophrenia. We further discuss the concept of schizotaxia, or “cognitive slippage” and the impact of birth trauma on schizo development. We also share our opinions about where schizoid fits on this continuum and if they are schizotypes or not.  🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Defining Terms           01:14 Schizoid Personality Defined           01:49 Schizotypal Personality Defined           06:30 Schizophrenia Defined 09:05 Overlap of Schizoid, Schizotypal, & Schizophrenia 12:48 Differences Among Schizoid, Schizotypal, & Schizophrenia 14:34 Meehl’s Model of Schizotypy & Genetics           16:29 Schizotypy Defined 20:00 Premature Birth & Low Birth Weight in Schizo Disorders 22:39 Schizoids’ Unique Relationship to Schizotypy 28:34 Summary & Conclusion

In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) compare and contrast avoidant and schizoid personalities. While schizoid and avoidant personality disorders have overlapping traits but distinct characteristics, personality psychologists have argued about it for decades. In this episode, we explore the definitions of each disorder and ongoing debates surrounding if these disorders are the same thing or not. We end by sharing our thoughts about whether schizoid personality and avoidant personality are the same or different, while giving a critical opinion about the DSM’s limiting definitions of both. 🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Intro & Schizoid and Avoidant Definitions 02:29 Historical Context of Avoidant Personality Disorder 04:31 Kretschmer's Theory & Anesthesia vs Hyperasthesia 08:17 The Argument for Splitting or Merging Disorders 10:51 Overlapping Symptoms of Avoidant and Schizoid 11:49 Differences in Schizoid and Avoidant Personalities 20:19 Our Opinions and Discussion 35:21 Summary & Conclusion

In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) take a critical look at the subtypes of schizoid personality, critiquing existing definitions and theories, particularly the 6 subtypes of Dr. Theodore Millon. We explore his mild, moderate, and severe subtypes: the Reserved Apathetic, Introspectively Apathetic, Remotely Asocial, Languidly Asocial, Depersonalized Schizoid, and Affectless Schizoid. We propose our own 5 subtypes and invite our schizoid listeners and viewers to share which type they identify with the most! 🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Schizoid Personality Recap 02:21 Historical Subtypes - Brief Review 03:09 Akhtar’s Covert & Overt Schizoid 05:08 Understanding Millon’s Personality Theory 07:51 Millon’s Mild Subtype: The Reserved Apathetic 10:32 Millon’s Mild Subtype: The Introspectively Apathetic 12:15 Millon’s Moderate Subtype: The Remotely Asocial   14:34 Millon’s Moderate Subtype: The Languidly Asocial 16:52 Millon’s Severe Subtype: The Depersonalized Schizoid 19:16 Millon’s Severe Subtype: The Affectless Schizoid 22:04 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Master Masker 25:19 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Quietly Antisocial 27:38 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Depressive Schizoid 30:08 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Slothy Schizoid 32:03 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Scattered Professor 34:25 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) answer your most-asked questions about schizoid personality. We address misconceptions about schizoid and settle its pronunciation debate (is it skii-zoid or skitz-oid?). We also explore the significant role (or not) of maternal relationships in schizoid’s development. Relatedly, we take a critical look at emotional expression, where we discuss the impact of gender expectations, and the nuanced understanding of fear of intrusion. We further explore power dynamics at play in schizoid behavior, their expression of anger, and how this personality navigates our highly social world. 🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Schizoid Personality 00:50 Pronunciation of Schizoid 04:19 How The Hosts Know About Schizoid 09:54 The Role of Masking in Schizoid Personalities 13:16 Gender Differences in Schizoid Expression 14:46 Does Mom Really Matter?  16:52 Alternative Pathways to Schizoid Development 24:04 Power Dynamics, Fear, & Control in Schizoid Behavior 30:00 Anger & Emotional Expression in Schizoids 34:02 Schizoid & The Big 5 Personality (OCEAN) 35:18 Schizoids & Raisins 37:05 Conclusion & Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the differences and similarities between schizoid personality disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and whether you can be diagnosed with both. We start by discussing the limitations of current research before investigating the underlying causes of social withdrawal seen in both conditions. We conclude by emphasizing that while they may share observable traits, their origins and implications are fundamentally different. 🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Schizoid & Autism 00:58 Problems with ASD & SzPD research 04:42 Autistic Thinking Defined 05:26 Autistic Fantasy Defined 05:54 Autism Name Origins  06:25 Autistic Contiguous Position Defined 08:22 Similarities b/w Autism & Schizoid 10:54 Genetics & Etiological Differences          11:40 Schizophrenia’s Genetics          12:37 Autism Genetics 14:50 Can Schizoid and Autism Co-Occur? 17:58 Development of ASD vs SzPD           18:46 Imagination in Schizoid vs ASD  19:08 Late Diagnosing of ASD + Cultural Trends 21:24 Viewer Question: Phantasy of the Schizoid 25:18 Mirror Neurons in ASD vs SzPD 28:05 Our Thoughts About Dual ASD & SzPD Diagnoses 36:05 Summary & Conclusion

In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) use a fresh psychodynamic perspective to look at the misunderstood, quiet, awkward, and socially backwards schizoid. We explore the misunderstandings and stigmas surrounding schizoids, their emotional depth, and the historical perspectives that have shaped our understanding of this personality type. Our conversation highlights the internal struggles of schizoids, their coping mechanisms, and the rich inner lives they lead, often hidden from the outside world. We also take a look at the superpower of the schizoid and how they spot others’ disingenuousness. We emphasize the unique internal experiences of schizoids and the need for a compassionate approach in relationships and in clinical practice. 🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Schizoid Personality 01:42 What do Schizoids Look Like? 03:30 Stigmatization of Schizoids 05:05 Historical Names & Schizoids’ Discovery           06:18 Kahlbaum’s Heboid Personality           06:47 Hoch’s Shut In Personality           07:05 Kraeplin’s Mildly Defective Personality           07:26 Bleuler’s Schizoidie Personality           08:07 Jung’s Introverted Personality 09:12 Menninger & Schizoid’s False Shell / Exterior 09:52 Winnicott & Schizoid's False Self 10:35 Guntrip on Depression & Anhedonia in Schizoids 12:26 Schizoids as Therapists 13:40 Akhtar’s Overt & Covert Personality Features 15:08 Nancy McWilliams’ Psychodynamic Schizoid           15:43 Attachment’s Influence on Schizoid           16:25 Schizoid’s Core Fears           18:32 Schizoid and Histrionic Connection           19:40 Schizoid’s Defense Mechanisms 23:03 Sense of Self & Castle Metaphor 24:08 Schizoid vs Obsessive Compulsive Personalities 24:38 The Colorful Inner World of Schizoids 27:40 Schizoids’ Superpower 30:30 Summary and Conclusion

In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into one of the most misunderstood personalities: the quiet, awkward, and socially backwards schizoid. We take a critical look at the DSM’s definition of this personality; the developmental pathways leading to schizoid traits; and the unique and complex inner world of schizoids. Using a turtle metaphor, we explore how schizoids resort to fantasy and withdraw inside their shell, escaping from the overwhelming social world. We also explore how schizoid types are often mislabeled as having autism and briefly discuss their differences. We conclude by discussing reasons for the schizoid’s withdrawal, highlighting that our global misunderstanding of this type drives them further away from relationships and from psychological help.  🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Schizoid Personality 03:45 Attachment Trauma in Schizoids 05:50 Schizoids are Like Turtles  07:18 Problems with the DSM-5 Schizoid 08:41 Psychodynamic Schizoid: A Conflict-Based Approach 10:33 Schizoid vs Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 15:57 DSM Criteria for Schizoid Personality Disorder           19:41 The Challenges of Goal Setting            20:48 Decreased Sexual Desire           22:04 Sherlock Holmes: The Quintessential Schizoid           23:20 Anhedonia vs Depression in Schizoids           25:02 Difficulty Forming / Indifference to Relationships            30:33 Emotional Coldness and Detachment           33:53 Anger & Joy in Schizoids           37:36 Not Psychosis or Autism 38:36 Summary & Closing

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, I (licensed clinical psychologist, Doc Bok) take a different approach and lean into the clinical practice part of this podcast. I spill the tea on significant changes in the healthcare landscape, particularly focusing on the rise of telehealth and the influence of venture capital-backed mega telehealth companies. I highlight the conflicts of interest with wealthy investors, ethical and privacy concerns, and market consolidation that threaten the integrity of mental health care and private practice as we know it. This episode emphasizes the importance of patient and clinician awareness, and I provide actionable steps to navigate the evolving healthcare environment. 📝Let me know your feedback on this "tea spilling episode!" https://www.personalitycouch.com/#contact 👩‍💼Are you a clinician stuck on the business side of private practice? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Healthcare Changes Post Pandemic 03:24 What is a Venture Capital Company? 04:13 How Venture Capital Telehealth is Different From Private Practice 05:29 Meet the Telehealth Companies’ Investors 08:02 Conflicts of Interest for Investors 09:52 Privacy Concerns 12:19 Ethical Concerns 14:28 Market Consolidation 19:02 Vertical Integration 20:09 Therapists’ Stories & Lawsuits 23:12 What Can Patients Do? 24:08 What Can Clinicians Do?

In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive deep into the dark end of the paranoid personality spectrum, focusing on three notorious cases of mass murder: Jeffrey Weise (school shooter), Richard Farley (jilted lover), and Timothy McVeigh (Oklahoma City bomber). We explore the psychological underpinnings of each of these severe paranoid personalities, the impact of childhood trauma, and how their psyches came unglued. We firstly look at the case of Weise, a 16-year-old school shooter who experienced significant childhood trauma and rejection at the hands of his family. We then turn to look at Farley, an incredibly dangerous example of how erotomania, or extreme unrequited love, can turn into your worst nightmare. Lastly, we take a close look at the infamous Timothy McVeigh, a domestic terrorist obsessed with fantasy, fiction, and comics about revenge. Separating from the Army, but desperate to be a hero, he found an enemy in the very US Government that he used to defend. Our discussion emphasizes that while not all paranoid personalities are violent (most aren’t), paranoid personalities in forensic settings can quickly unravel, making them among the most likely to commit mass murder. Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website to contact us! https://www.questpsych.org/  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paranoid Personalities and Violence 02:07 Childhood Trauma’s Impact 05:00 Case Study: Jeffrey Weise - The Traumatized Killer     05:37 Weise’s background     07:52 The Day of the Shooting     10:18 Motivations     11:11 Analysis & Discussion 14:00 Case Study: Richard Farley - The Rejected Lover     14:50 Farley’s obsession with Laura Black     17:45 The Day of the Shooting     21:50 Farley’s Motivations     23:30 Analysis & Discussion         24:46 Masochistic Infatuation Defined         25:18 Erotomania Explained 27:22 Case Study: Timothy McVeigh: The Oklahoma City Bomber     27:44 Background     33:07 Leading up to the Bombing     36:48 Motivations     38:30 Analysis & Discussion 40:19 Summary & Conclusions

In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack how paranoia, paranoid personalities, and psychotic disorders overlap. We explore the line between personality disorders and psychosis; misuse of the term schizophrenia; and introduce the concept of paraphrenia as it relates to psychosis in the paranoid personality. We also explore the historical context of paranoia, the nuances between paranoia and delusions, and how the terms became so intertwined in history. We end with our own unfiltered thoughts about limitations to DSM diagnostic categories and how paranoia became so confusing! Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website, which will guide you to the email address to use. https://www.questpsych.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paranoia and Psychosis 02:14 Defining Paranoia 03:15 Sociocultural Paranoia: The Salem Witch Trials 04:22 How Paranoia Leads to Psychosis: A Train Metaphor 06:51 Defining Delusions     08:21 Persecutory Delusions     08:55 Delusions of Grandeur     09:32 Jealous Delusions     10:01 Erotomanic Delusions 12:01 When Paranoia Becomes a Diagnosis 13:14 Paranoia in Personality Disorders 14:34 Wait- Paranoid Schizophrenia is NOT a Diagnosis?! 16:03 Defining Paraphrenia 16:43 Defining Schizophrenia 17:54 How is Paranoid Personality Disorder Different from Schizophrenia? 22:50 The Difference Between Schizophrenia and Paraphrenia 23:11 Confusion in Definitions and DSM Limitations 27:24 Closing

In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) continue our discussion about paranoid personality disorder, exploring its three severity levels: Mild, Borderline, and Paraphrenic. We unpack the six subtypes of paranoid personalities as outlined by Dr. Theodore Millon: The Self-Righteous Mistrustful, The Obdurate Mistrustful, the Querulous Paranoid, the Insular Paranoid, the severe Fanatic Paraphrenic, and Malignant Paraphrenic. We highlight the fragility of Paranoids at all levels of severity, noting they can easily deteriorate with stressors and setbacks. We emphasize the importance of understanding these very common personality dynamics in all settings, especially with increasing paranoia in the post-pandemic world. Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website, which will guide you to the email address to use. www.questpsych.org Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paranoid Personality Disorder 03:44 Paranoid Personality Disorder Symptoms 06:03 Historical Examples     06:09 Timothy McVeigh - Oklahoma City Bombings     06:36 Richard Farley - Erotomania 07:52 Explaining the 3 Severity Levels 09:30 Mild Paranoid Personalities: Mistrustful Types 10:16 Self-Righteous Subtype 14:28 Obdurate Subtype 17:14 Moderate Paranoid Personalities: Disorder Level     17:44 Querulous Subtype     21:32 Insular Subtype 23:52 Severe Paranoid Personalities: Paraphrenic Level     25:44 Fanatic Subtype     30:57 Malignant Subtype 36:12 Summary & Conclusion

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. To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website for more information! www.questpsych.org Chapters 00:00 Intro to Paranoid vs Borderline Personality Disorders 01:59 What is an Unstable Personality Structure? 03:34 Borderline Personality Symptoms Explained 06:50 Paranoid Personality Symptoms Explained 08:30 Comparing and Contrasting BPD and Paranoid PD     08:32 Anger     11:40 Shame     13:03 Fear     14:15 Paranoia & Psychotic Episodes     15:54 Fluidity vs. Rigidity 17:21 Using Intuition with Paranoid and Borderline Personalities     17:35 Dramatic Narratives     19:44 Dependent and Avoidant Attachment Dynamics     23:35 Countertransference     25:20 How they Present to Treatment     26:31 Suicidality & Trauma 28:47 Summary, Learning, and Conclusion

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!   Chapters 00:00 Intro & Dangers of the Paranoid Personality 04:10 Clinical Observations & Post-Pandemic Trends 08:20 Defining Paranoid Personality Disorder 16:35 Warning Signs of PPD Beyond the DSM 27:00 Comparing Paranoid Personality and Narcissism 29:25 Why the Post-Pandemic Narcissist?

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. Chapters 01:02 Stone’s Spectrum of Darkness 01:23 Level 1: Negative Traits 04:35 Level 2: Narcissistic & Paranoid Personality Disorders 07:23 Paranoid Personality Disorder 10:48 Level 3: Malignant Narcissism 13:47 Level 4: Antisocial Personality Disorder 15:08 Antisocial vs Narcissistic Personality Disorder 17:24 Antisocial Personality vs Psychopath 18:38 Level 5: Psychopathy 21:27 Level 6: Sadistic Personalities 28:54 Summary & Closing

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. Chapters 00:00 Intro to Malignant Narcissism in Leadership 02:56 Factors Enabling their Rise to Power 06:51 The Appeal of the Authoritarian Leader 08:46 The Narcoticizing Phase 11:13 The Honeymoon Phase 13:56 Characteristics of Malignant Narcissist Leaders    17:24 Decision Making and Crises    20:30 Corruptible Conscience    21:08 Paranoia and Psychosis in Power    24:20 The Need for Enemies 27:04 Life Cycle and End of their Reign 33:21 Rising from the Ashes of Narcissism

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. Chapters 00:41 History of Malignant Narcissism's Path to Evil 01:16 Fromm's Triad of Evil Overview 03:35 Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho Example 06:23 Early Research on Malignant Narcissism 09:24 The 4 Characteristics of Malignant Narcissism 09:43 Symptom 1: Narcissistic Core 12:36 Symptom 2: Antisocial Behavior 14:27 Malignant Narcissism vs Antisocial Personality Disorder 16:25 Symptom 3: Sadism or Aggression 21:58 Malignant Narcissism in Relationships 23:01 Symptom 4: Paranoia and Verge of Psychosis 25:02 Malignant Narcissism vs. Psychopathy 26:41 Where We Find Them and Why We Follow Them

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. Chapters 00:00 Intro & History of Communal Narcissism 03:40 What is Communal Narcissism? 05:39 Where Communal Narcissists Show Up 09:22 Social Media in Communal Narcissism 12:15 Communal Narcissism in Religious Settings 13:36 Cults and Collective Narcissism 18:31 Communal Narcissism in Politics 19:42 Recognizing the Signs of Communal Narcissism 23:17 Communal Narcissism in Relationships 26:37 Summary and Key Takeaways