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