Ep 20: Narcissism Gone Bad | 5 Signs Its Pathological

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 Narcissism 01:28 Defining Pathological Narcissism 04:55 Sign 1 of Pathological Narcissism: Pride & Self-Righteousness    07:06 Defining Defensive Self-Sufficiency    08:45 Vigilante Narcissism 10:45 Sign 2 of Pathological Narcissism: Superiority & Inferiority    13:20 Specialness & Entitlement 16:50 Sign 3 of Pathological Narcissism: Vanity & Inauthenticity 19:23 Sign 4 of Pathological Narcissism: Anger & Contempt 22:45 Sign 5 of Pathological Narcissism: Decreased Empathy & Callousness 26:12 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.