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

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. Chapters00:00 Intro & History of Communal Narcissism03:40 What is Communal Narcissism?05:39 Where Communal Narcissists Show Up09:22 Social Media in Communal Narcissism12:15 Communal Narcissism in Religious Settings13:36 Cults and Collective Narcissism18:31 Communal Narcissism in Politics19:42 Recognizing the Signs of Communal Narcissism23:17 Communal Narcissism in Relationships26:37 Summary and Key Takeaways

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! Chapters00:00 Introduction to Grandiose Narcissism12:00 Understanding Communal Narcissism22:04 The Complexities of Malignant Narcissism32:18 Exploring Vulnerable Narcissism40:32 Most Dangerous Subtypes Ranked

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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pathological Narcissism03:26 Distinguishing Between Covert and Overt Narcissism09:39 Exploring Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissistic Themes12:37 The Psyche of Grandiose Narcissism19:54 The Psyche of Vulnerable Narcissism30:10 Similarities Between Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism33:19 Summary and Closing References Akhtar, S. (2000). The shy narcissist. In J. Sandler, R. Michels, & P. Fonagy (Eds.), Changing ideas in a changing world: The revolution in psychoanalysis: Essays in honour of Arnold Cooper, (pp. 111-119). Blaney, P. H., Krueger, R. F., Millon, T. (Eds.). (2014). Oxford textbook of psychopathology (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. Kernberg, O. F. (2009). Narcissistic personality disorders: Part 1[Editorial]. Psychiatric Annals, 39(3), 105–107, 110, 164–166. Horowitz, M. (2009). Clinical phenomenology of narcissistic pathology. Psychiatric Annals, 39(3), 124–128. Pincus, A. L., & Roche, M. J. (2011). Narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability. In W. K. Campbell & J. D. Miller (Eds.), The handbook of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder: Theoretical approaches, empirical findings, and treatments (pp. 31–40). John Wiley & Sons. Wink, P. (1991). Two faces of narcissism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61(4), 590–597 Personality Couch Links Website https://www.personalitycouch.com/ Blog https://www.personalitycouch.com/blog/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/personalitycouch/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/personalitycouch #mentalhealthpodcast #mentalhealthprofessionals #mentalhealth #narcissisticpersonality #narcissism #narcissist #narcissitic #personalitydisorder #personality #personalitypsychology #narcissisticabuse #narcissismawareness #bpd #borderline #borderlinepersonalitydisorder #borderlinepersonality #toxicrelationships #vulnerablenarcissism #grandiose #covertnarcissist #overtnarcissist

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! Chapters00:00 Intro to Narcissistic Personality Disorder01:07 Historical Context of Narcissism06:02 Defining Narcissistic Personality Disorder09:32 First Symptom: Lack of Empathy     10:52 NPD vs Autism14:24 Second Symptom: Envy15:46 Third Symptom: Fantasies of Success, Power, Beauty16:33 Fourth Symptom: Grandiosity17:55 Fifth Symptom: The Need for Specialness20:54 Sixth Symptom: Excessive Admiration22:22 Seventh Symptom: Entitlement24:17 Eighth Symptom: Exploitation in Relationships26:25 Ninth Symptom: Arrogance and Haughty Attitudes27:37 Vulnerable Narcissism References: American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5-TR (5th edition, text revision.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787 Blaney, P. H., Krueger, R. F., Millon, T. (Eds.). (2014). Oxford textbook of psychopathology (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. Blashfield, R. K., & Intoccia, V. (2000). Growth of literature on the topic of personality disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157(3), 472-473. Millon, T. (2011). Disorders of personality: Introducing a DSM / ICD spectrum from normal to abnormal (3rd edition). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. South, S. C., Eaton, N. R., & Krueger, R. F. (2011). Narcissism in official psychiatric classification systems: Toward DSM-5. In Campbell, W. K. & Miller, J. D. (Eds.), The handbook of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder: Theoretical approaches, empirical findings, and treatments (pp. 22-30). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118093108.ch3

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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pathological Narcissism01:28 Defining Pathological Narcissism04:55 Sign 1 of Pathological Narcissism: Pride & Self-Righteousness   07:06 Defining Defensive Self-Sufficiency   08:45 Vigilante Narcissism10:45 Sign 2 of Pathological Narcissism: Superiority & Inferiority   13:20 Specialness & Entitlement16:50 Sign 3 of Pathological Narcissism: Vanity & Inauthenticity19:23 Sign 4 of Pathological Narcissism: Anger & Contempt22:45 Sign 5 of Pathological Narcissism: Decreased Empathy & Callousness26:12 Invisible Signs of Pathological Narcissism (Vulnerable Narcissism)32:44 Summary and Closing References: Blaney, P. H., Krueger, R. F., Millon, T. (Eds.). (2014). Oxford textbook of psychopathology (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. McWilliams, N. (2011). Psychoanalytic diagnosis: Understanding personality structure in the clinical process (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.