Malignant narcissism is a much more pronounced form of pathological narcissism. In fact, those affected suffer from far more aggressive and decidedly paranoid disorders. In this article, we will try to give a clearer indication of how to recognize a person suffering from this type of disorder, to promptly try to avoid it.
Malignant Narcissism: Characteristics
This form of narcissism is still under study by mental health experts, many psychologists are in fact trying to clarify what are the links with the commonly known narcissistic personality disorder.
There are no real distinctive traits that make a malignant narcissist stand out, because they are changeable. However, there are some common factors that may indicate that the individual suffers from this disorder.
Here are the most common features of a malignant narcissist:
- irresponsible
- restless
- paranoid
- In some cases and not in all, aggressive attitudes
- no empathy
- Very developed sense of risk
- No respect for the rules
- Contempt of authority
- sadism
By dwelling on these points, we can deduce that malignant narcissism and psychopathy have common denominators. Also, it should be noted that aggressive attitudes do not always happen, some of them may not be at all aggressive and tend to vent anger in different ways.
As for sadism instead, here is that this could instead be a strong alarm bell! In fact, the pleasure of hurting others or of making them feel pain, is already a much more triggering factor than the presence of such a disorder.
The reason is related to the fact that the common pathological narcissism is focused on feeling completely wanted and desired and creating pain to others instead is closely related to a form of revenge that takes the narcissist after feeling humiliated. You will instead understand that there is an abyss from this attitude to sadism and that is where the two disorders stand out.
Of course, a narcissist isn’t necessarily malignant if he’s also sadistic. Just have at least three symptoms of those listed above, and the diagnosis must necessarily be made by a doctor.
Female Malignant Narcissism
The characteristics that unite the perverse narcissist man and woman are mainly the same. Although there are some traits that only the woman possesses, which could be very, very destructive indeed.
We had already discussed the issue of female traits in the article on covert narcissist, saying how women have traits much more seductive than men. They manage to penetrate much more easily in relationships, they show sweet, needy attention and perfect character to say the least. In addition, they care a lot about their physical appearance, which is why they are also extremely fascinating.
In the reality of the facts then, they are great manipulators, they lie constantly, betray and doubt the entire existence of the victim who will seek a foothold or a confrontation that will never have. They have no empathy, they are cold and often sophisticated, difficult to reach. These attitudes lead potential partners to be easily seduced and fall into the net.
And when that happens, the escape routes will be very narrow. She is good at keeping her partner in control, knows how to make him addicted, using tactics that will make him depressed and resigned. This strategy is also known as gaslighting.
Usually the woman who suffers from malignant narcissism does not let go, on the contrary, she tends to insist until the prey will realize that it must escape. Moreover, in case of closures or abandonment, the returns are almost always guaranteed. For this reason, once you understand the game you must immediately rely on a psychologist to find a valid help to get out of these extremely toxic relationships. The speech, of course, is the same also for the narcissist man.
How to defend yourself?
Defending against an malignant narcissist is not easy, the victim usually feels completely submissive, unable to react and tends to leave control in Narcissus’ hands. When you are in such situations, the perception you have is to be discharged, demotivated and devoid of any decision-making capacity.
The fear of not being worth, of being little for themselves and for others is one of those feelings that makes more and more room in these kinds of relationships. Therefore, it is understandable that people are not able to get out of it instantly.
The most useful way to get rid of such a heavy situation is to ask for help! Friends and family can be a good foothold, but the help and psychological support in the most serious cases is definitely more relevant! Relying on someone who knows the subject means being able to develop new tactics, which fit the patient’s measure, to catch up with life and finally see the light at the bottom of the tunnel.
Also, it is important to realize that whoever falls into this network is never a wrong person or one that is worth little, but it is only the perception that you have when you develop affective addictions with a narcissist.
Sources:
- Narcisismo Maligno
https://www.healthline.com/health/malignant-narcissism#abuse - Narcisismo Maligno Femminile
https://psicoterapiacorsotrieste.webnode.it/l/il-narcisismo-perverso-al-femminile/
