In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the 3 most unstable personality disorders: schizotypal, borderline, and paranoid. All 3 types are at risk of psychosis. We first discuss historical personality classifications of neurotic, psychotic, and borderline, highlighting that the borderline space between neurotic and psychotic is the most prone to instability. This borderline space is where schizotypal, borderline, and paranoid personalities sit. We discuss the risky traits of each personality, including cognitive slippage, emotional instability, and extreme rigidity. We also discuss some of our thoughts and experiences in diagnosing these rather tricky disorders! 🆘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 & Psychodynamic Personality Organization      02:31 Neurotic Personality Organization      04:47 Psychotic Personality Organization      05:48 Borderline Personality Organization07:57 Schizotypal Personality & Instability      08:57 Why Personalities Are Unstable (according to Millon)      13:55 Personalities that Coexist with Schizotypal16:30 Borderline Personality & Instability      21:16 Personalities that Coexist with Borderline 23:18 Paranoid Personality & Instability      26:52 Personalities that Coexist with Paranoid30:18 Our Experiences with Diagnosing Unstable Personalities33:39 Summary & Conclusion

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/ Chapters00:00 Intro & History of Schizotypal Subtypes02:45 Theodore Millon’s Theory on Schizotypal Personality07:00 The Mild Eccentric Level       08:21 Disengaged Eccentrics      09:39 Apprehensive Eccentrics10:48 The Moderate Schizotypal Level      11:57 Insipid Schizotypal      18:17 Timorous Schizotypal21:26 The Severe Schizophrenic Level       22:56 Immobile Schizophrenic       26:08 Disorganized Schizophrenic29:05 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/ Chapters00:00 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 Anxiety23:42 Schizotypal Differential Diagnosis24:46 Schizotypals’ Relationship to Schizophrenia29:33 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/ Chapters00:00 Intro & History of Schizotypal Personality 01:34 Genetic Research on Schizotypal05:17 Clinical Research on Schizotypal08:47 Schizotypal in the DSM09:29 Schizotypy and Borderline Personality Organization12:17 Schizotypy Defined14:32 Schizotaxia Defined17:39 Schizotypic Endophenotypes Explained19:57 When Schizotypy Manifests21:28 Observable Traits of Schizotypal Personality Disorder30:44 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/ Chapters00:00 Introduction & Defining Terms          01:14 Schizoid Personality Defined          01:49 Schizotypal Personality Defined          06:30 Schizophrenia Defined09:05 Overlap of Schizoid, Schizotypal, & Schizophrenia12:48 Differences Among Schizoid, Schizotypal, & Schizophrenia14:34 Meehl’s Model of Schizotypy & Genetics          16:29 Schizotypy Defined20:00 Premature Birth & Low Birth Weight in Schizo Disorders22:39 Schizoids’ Unique Relationship to Schizotypy28:34 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/ Chapters00:00 Intro & Schizoid and Avoidant Definitions02:29 Historical Context of Avoidant Personality Disorder04:31 Kretschmer's Theory & Anesthesia vs Hyperasthesia08:17 The Argument for Splitting or Merging Disorders10:51 Overlapping Symptoms of Avoidant and Schizoid11:49 Differences in Schizoid and Avoidant Personalities20:19 Our Opinions and Discussion35:21 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/ Chapters00:00 Introduction & Schizoid Personality Recap02:21 Historical Subtypes - Brief Review03:09 Akhtar’s Covert & Overt Schizoid05:08 Understanding Millon’s Personality Theory07:51 Millon’s Mild Subtype: The Reserved Apathetic10:32 Millon’s Mild Subtype: The Introspectively Apathetic12:15 Millon’s Moderate Subtype: The Remotely Asocial  14:34 Millon’s Moderate Subtype: The Languidly Asocial16:52 Millon’s Severe Subtype: The Depersonalized Schizoid19:16 Millon’s Severe Subtype: The Affectless Schizoid22:04 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Master Masker25:19 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Quietly Antisocial27:38 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Depressive Schizoid30:08 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Slothy Schizoid32:03 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Scattered Professor34:25 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/ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Schizoid Personality00:50 Pronunciation of Schizoid04:19 How The Hosts Know About Schizoid09:54 The Role of Masking in Schizoid Personalities13:16 Gender Differences in Schizoid Expression14:46 Does Mom Really Matter? 16:52 Alternative Pathways to Schizoid Development24:04 Power Dynamics, Fear, & Control in Schizoid Behavior30:00 Anger & Emotional Expression in Schizoids34:02 Schizoid & The Big 5 Personality (OCEAN)35:18 Schizoids & Raisins37:05 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/ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Schizoid & Autism00:58 Problems with ASD & SzPD research04:42 Autistic Thinking Defined05:26 Autistic Fantasy Defined05:54 Autism Name Origins 06:25 Autistic Contiguous Position Defined08:22 Similarities b/w Autism & Schizoid10:54 Genetics & Etiological Differences         11:40 Schizophrenia’s Genetics         12:37 Autism Genetics14:50 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 Trends21:24 Viewer Question: Phantasy of the Schizoid25:18 Mirror Neurons in ASD vs SzPD28:05 Our Thoughts About Dual ASD & SzPD Diagnoses36:05 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/ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Schizoid Personality01:42 What do Schizoids Look Like?03:30 Stigmatization of Schizoids05:05 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 Personality09:12 Menninger & Schizoid’s False Shell / Exterior09:52 Winnicott & Schizoid's False Self10:35 Guntrip on Depression & Anhedonia in Schizoids12:26 Schizoids as Therapists13:40 Akhtar’s Overt & Covert Personality Features15:08 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 Mechanisms23:03 Sense of Self & Castle Metaphor24:08 Schizoid vs Obsessive Compulsive Personalities24:38 The Colorful Inner World of Schizoids27:40 Schizoids’ Superpower30:30 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/ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Schizoid Personality03:45 Attachment Trauma in Schizoids05:50 Schizoids are Like Turtles 07:18 Problems with the DSM-5 Schizoid08:41 Psychodynamic Schizoid: A Conflict-Based Approach10:33 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 Autism38:36 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/ Chapters00:00 Healthcare Changes Post Pandemic03:24 What is a Venture Capital Company?04:13 How Venture Capital Telehealth is Different From Private Practice05:29 Meet the Telehealth Companies’ Investors08:02 Conflicts of Interest for Investors09:52 Privacy Concerns12:19 Ethical Concerns 14:28 Market Consolidation19:02 Vertical Integration20:09 Therapists’ Stories & Lawsuits23:12 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/  Chapters00:00 Introduction to Paranoid Personalities and Violence02:07 Childhood Trauma’s Impact05:00 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 & Discussion14:00 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 Explained27:22 Case Study: Timothy McVeigh: The Oklahoma City Bomber    27:44 Background    33:07 Leading up to the Bombing    36:48 Motivations    38:30 Analysis & Discussion40:19 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/ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Paranoia and Psychosis02:14 Defining Paranoia03:15 Sociocultural Paranoia: The Salem Witch Trials04:22 How Paranoia Leads to Psychosis: A Train Metaphor06:51 Defining Delusions    08:21 Persecutory Delusions    08:55 Delusions of Grandeur    09:32 Jealous Delusions    10:01 Erotomanic Delusions12:01 When Paranoia Becomes a Diagnosis13:14 Paranoia in Personality Disorders14:34 Wait- Paranoid Schizophrenia is NOT a Diagnosis?!16:03 Defining Paraphrenia16:43 Defining Schizophrenia17:54 How is Paranoid Personality Disorder Different from Schizophrenia?22:50 The Difference Between Schizophrenia and Paraphrenia23:11 Confusion in Definitions and DSM Limitations27:24 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 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Paranoid Personality Disorder03:44 Paranoid Personality Disorder Symptoms06:03 Historical Examples    06:09 Timothy McVeigh - Oklahoma City Bombings    06:36 Richard Farley - Erotomania07:52 Explaining the 3 Severity Levels09:30 Mild Paranoid Personalities: Mistrustful Types10:16 Self-Righteous Subtype14:28 Obdurate Subtype17:14 Moderate Paranoid Personalities: Disorder Level    17:44 Querulous Subtype    21:32 Insular Subtype23:52 Severe Paranoid Personalities: Paraphrenic Level    25:44 Fanatic Subtype    30:57 Malignant Subtype36:12 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 Chapters00:00 Intro to Paranoid vs Borderline Personality Disorders01:59 What is an Unstable Personality Structure?03:34 Borderline Personality Symptoms Explained06:50 Paranoid Personality Symptoms Explained08:30 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. Rigidity17:21 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 & Trauma28:47 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!   Chapters00:00 Intro & Dangers of the Paranoid Personality04:10 Clinical Observations & Post-Pandemic Trends08:20 Defining Paranoid Personality Disorder16:35 Warning Signs of PPD Beyond the DSM27:00 Comparing Paranoid Personality and Narcissism29:25 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. Chapters01:02 Stone’s Spectrum of Darkness01:23 Level 1: Negative Traits04:35 Level 2: Narcissistic & Paranoid Personality Disorders07:23 Paranoid Personality Disorder10:48 Level 3: Malignant Narcissism13:47 Level 4: Antisocial Personality Disorder15:08 Antisocial vs Narcissistic Personality Disorder17:24 Antisocial Personality vs Psychopath18:38 Level 5: Psychopathy21:27 Level 6: Sadistic Personalities28:54 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. Chapters00:00 Intro to Malignant Narcissism in Leadership02:56 Factors Enabling their Rise to Power06:51 The Appeal of the Authoritarian Leader08:46 The Narcoticizing Phase11:13 The Honeymoon Phase13:56 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 Enemies27:04 Life Cycle and End of their Reign33:21 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. Chapters00:41 History of Malignant Narcissism's Path to Evil01:16 Fromm's Triad of Evil Overview03:35 Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho Example06:23 Early Research on Malignant Narcissism09:24 The 4 Characteristics of Malignant Narcissism09:43 Symptom 1: Narcissistic Core12:36 Symptom 2: Antisocial Behavior14:27 Malignant Narcissism vs Antisocial Personality Disorder16:25 Symptom 3: Sadism or Aggression21:58 Malignant Narcissism in Relationships23:01 Symptom 4: Paranoia and Verge of Psychosis25:02 Malignant Narcissism vs. Psychopathy26:41 Where We Find Them and Why We Follow Them