• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder Cycles
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Online Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Online Therapists
    • Grief Counselors
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
    • Session Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder Cycles
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Online Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Online Therapists
    • Grief Counselors
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
    • Session Login
Skip to content

What Is a Malignant Narcissist? Signs, Causes, & How to Deal With One

Published: July 16, 2021 Updated: June 17, 2022
Published: 07/16/2021 Updated: 06/17/2022
Headshot of Hailey Shafir, LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Written by:

Hailey Shafir

LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Benjamin Troy

MD
  • What Is a Malignant Narcissist?Definition
  • Traits of Malignant NarcissismTraits
  • What Are the Signs of a Malignant Narcissist?Signs
  • What Causes Malignant Narcissism?Causes
  • How to Deal With a Malignant NarcissistHow to Deal
  • Can Malignant Narcissism Be Treated?Treatment
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Malignant Narcissist InfographicInfographics
Headshot of Hailey Shafir, LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Written by:

Hailey Shafir

LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Benjamin Troy

MD

A malignant narcissist is a term used to describe a person who has symptoms of both narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. Combined, these disorders can show up as arrogance, a need for power and recognition, and tendencies to use or exploit others for selfish reasons.1,2,3 Like most personality disorders, malignant narcissism interferes with relationships and is considered largely untreatable.2,3,4

You don’t have to deal with the fallout from narcissism alone. Talkspace has thousands of experienced, fully licensed therapists to work with. Answer a few questions to get matched with the right therapist for you then start online therapy for as little as $69 per week. Your actual costs may much less if you have insurance from Cigna, Optum, or UHR. Try Talkspace Now

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by Talkspace

Visit Talkspace

What Is a Malignant Narcissist?

Malignant narcissism is not a formal diagnosis, but instead a common term used to describe a person with traits and symptoms of both narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. Also called pathological narcissists, malignant narcissists tend to have more impairments, worse relationships, and worse responses to treatment than people with classic NPD.2,4

People with narcissistic personality disorder tend to exhibit grandiose attitudes, feel superior to others, need excessive praise and validation, and respond very poorly to even the slightest criticism. People with antisocial personality disorder lack empathy, disregard the feelings and needs of others, and use and exploit others to meet their needs.5 Malignant narcissists tend to display a mix of these traits and behaviors, which keep them from forming healthy relationships.2,3,6

Malignant Narcissists vs. Psychopaths or Sociopaths

Psychopaths and sociopaths are both terms usually used to describe people with antisocial personality disorder, but who do not display symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder (sociopaths and narcissists are quite different).1 While both psychopaths and sociopaths display traits of APD, malignant narcissists (also called narcissistic sociopaths) display both narcissistic and antisocial traits, and often qualify for a diagnosis of both APD and NPD.

There is also a slight difference between a sociopath and psychopath, according to some researchers who argue psychopaths have a more severe form of antisocial personality disorder than sociopaths.

The belief is that sociopaths do appear to have some sense of right and wrong, and some ability to empathize, making them less likely to commit harmful or illegal acts. Psychopaths, on the other hand, are not believed to have these abilities, meaning they have less restraint and often act aggressively and recklessly.7

Traits of Malignant Narcissism

Malignant narcissists display traits and symptoms of both antisocial and narcissistic personality disorder. While both APD and NPD are both types of personality disorders, the symptoms and traits of each disorder are different.1,5

The chart below outlines the main traits and symptoms of both antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders that occur in malignant narcissists:5

Antisocial Traits in Malignant Narcissists Narcissistic Traits in Malignant Narcissists
A pattern of violating the rights of others Grandiose, arrogant, or acts superior
Breaking rules and laws Fantasies about power/success/fame
Deceiving others for pleasure/personal gain Needs excessive praise/validation
Impulsive decision making Feels entitled to special treatment
Irritability or aggressiveness Exploits or uses others for personal gain
Reckless/harmful behavior Lacking empathy for needs of others
Irresponsibility/inability to function Envious of others
Lack of remorse for acts that harm others Hypersensitive to criticism
Can only be diagnosed in adulthood Can be diagnosed before the age of 18

Combined, having both antisocial and narcissistic traits tends to lead to a very severe form of pathology.

Malignant narcissists tend to display the most severe traits of both conditions, which can be displayed in the following ways:3,6

  • Being extremely arrogant and self-centered
  • Disregarding the feelings and needs of other people
  • Manipulating, using, or exploiting others for personal gain or pleasure
  • Having an extreme need for power
  • Acts of revenge against those who criticize them
  • Fantasizing about ways to obtain more power or dominance over others
  • Lacking conscience, regret, or remorse for their actions
  • Being cruel and taking pleasure in the pain of others
  • High levels of aggression towards other people
  • Paranoia or mistrust of others

Narcissist Abuse Support Groups

Circles offers support groups that provide a safe place to share your experiences and learn from others going through similar experiences. Circles offers groups focused on specific relationships, like narcissistic parents or narcissistic romantic relationships. Groups meet weekly by video and are led by expert facilitators. Your group can connect via chat anytime using the Circles app. Join a Circles group for just $20 per week. Learn More

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health & wellness companies and is compensated for referrals by the company mentioned above.

What Are the Signs of a Malignant Narcissist?

Malignant narcissists tend to display some of the worst traits of both APD and NPD, and often have severe dysfunctions in their personal relationships, work, and ability to function in other areas of life.3,6

Their reckless behavior, disregard for others, and inability to form lasting healthy relationships with others can make them easier to spot than people with fewer traits or more mild or ‘covert’ forms of narcissism.

Here are 10 signs of a malignant narcissist:

1. They Use, Abuse, & Discard People

One of the main signs of a malignant narcissist is their long history of using, abusing, and discarding people who are no longer useful to them. People closest to them will often see a pattern of broken relationships and friendships, as well as family members and significant others who have become useless or irrelevant to them – often very quickly after they’ve used them to fulfill a certain level of supply.

2. They Are Obsessed With Power

Malignant narcissists are often hungry for power, and obsessed with ways to get more of it. They often vie for jobs that afford them this power, and also form relationships with people who are vulnerable enough for them to exert total control over. Because they lack the ability to find power within themselves, they have an extreme need for positions of power to make them feel worthy.

3. Everything Is Personal for Them

To a malignant narcissist, everything is personal. If a friend or family member makes a joke about them, forgets to call them back, or if they are passed over for a promotion at work, they will be deeply offended and angry, triggering a narcissistic collapse.

In the narcissist’s world, there is no such thing as an innocent mistake, oversight, or other explanation for why someone does not treat them in the way they expect (and in their mind, deserve) to be treated.

4. They Hold Grudges & Take Revenge

A malignant narcissist is easily offended and when they are, their revenge can be brutal. People with this personality disorder tend to hold long grudges against anyone who has wronged or slighted them in any way.

Even disagreeing with them, giving them feedback, or questioning something they said can result in swift, anger-filled revenge. They may punish people by lashing out, ignoring them, or even cutting them off altogether.

5. They Take Pleasure From the Suffering of Others

Malignant narcissists can be cruel and even sadistic, seeming to take a sick pleasure or satisfaction in the suffering of other people. They may laugh or mock someone who is having a hard time, intentionally humiliate someone, or use personal knowledge they have against them.

Unfortunately, this also means that they can be predators who will manipulate, abuse, and exploit other people, sometimes for personal gain and sometimes just for fun.

6. Nothing Is Ever Their Fault

Narcissists (and especially malignant narcissists) usually do not take the blame for any of their words or actions, even when they’re clearly in the wrong. Instead, they tend to lash out, get defensive, and find ways to blame other people, even when they have to bend and distort the truth to do so.

7. They Are Ruthless in Their Pursuit of What They Want

Malignant narcissists will often be ruthless in their pursuit of power, wealth, success, or recognition. When they want something, there may not be any line they’re unwilling to cross to get it, even at the direct expense of other people they say they care about. They may lie, manipulate, use, or even attack or discredit other people in order to get what they want.

8. They Don’t Have a Conscience

A lack of empathy or regard for the feelings and needs of others is a symptom of both APD and NPD, and is common in malignant narcissists. People with this personality type will often have no remorse or regret for things they’ve done to harm other people.

Sometimes, it may be necessary to fake remorse in order to get what they want, but typically they will admit no wrongdoing at all and genuinely, don’t feel bad for what they’ve done.

9. They Have Many Enemies

It should come as no surprise that a malignant narcissist will have a long list of enemies, which often includes former friends, lovers, and even members of their own family. People with this personality disorder tend to make enemies easily and often because to them, even the slightest offense can cause them to discard the entire relationship.

Because relationships are only a means to an end for them, it’s fairly easy for them to break off a tie, even with someone close to them.

10. No One Will See Their Insecurities

Deep down, narcissists are extremely insecure, but a malignant narcissist will never let these insecurities show to others. Instead, they will become defensive, lashing out, shutting down, or even destroying relationships when they feel threatened or insecure. Also, they will often mask insecurities behind a facade of arrogance or grandiosity.

What Causes Malignant Narcissism?

All mental health disorders, including personality disorders like antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder, are believed to be caused by a mix of both genetic and environmental factors, as well as personal temperament.1,2 Some research has also found that there may be some differences in the wiring and structure of the brain in people with NPD which helps to explain some of the symptoms and traits of the disorders.3

Some of the non-genetic factors that are believed to play a causal role in the development of NPD and APD include:1,2,3

  • Experiencing abuse or neglect
  • Being held to unrealistically high expectations as a child
  • Being excessively praised or criticized as a child (or both)
  • Possessing irritable, neurotic, or aggressive personality traits
  • Having a low stress or frustration tolerance
  • Being overly sensitive and unable to regulate emotions
  • Being bullied or rejected in childhood
  • Being told one is special or has extraordinary talents
  • Witnessing entitled, grandiose, or narcissistic traits in a caregiver
  • Seeking external validation or praise to compensate for low self-esteem
  • Learning that vulnerability is a sign of weakness
  • Learning that failure and mistakes are intolerable or unacceptable
  • Excessive focus on status, recognition, power, and success
  • Lack of self-awareness and trouble recognizing emotions in self and others
  • Disrupted identity development

How to Deal With a Malignant Narcissist

Unfortunately, the traits and symptoms of malignant narcissism often directly impact other people, especially those closest to the person. When dealing with a narcissist, many people become victims of narcissistic abuse, a specific form of abuse that often involves manipulation, deceit, gaslighting, and being taken advantage of.

The consequences of this kind of ongoing abuse can be devastating, negatively impacting a person’s quality of life, self-esteem, and overall mental health. Often, it becomes necessary to distance yourself from a malignant narcissist, especially if they’ve become abusive or toxic – if you’re in a relationship, it’s probably time to break up.

If this is not an option, here are some other ways to deal with a malignant narcissist in your life:8

  • Manage your expectations and don’t expect love, fairness, or loyalty from them: Malignant narcissists are incapable of true, reciprocal, healthy relationships
  • Limit your interactions by keeping interactions brief, focused, and superficial: This minimizes your risk of being harmed or exploited by them
  • Avoid being too vulnerable or open with them: They may use this personal information as ammunition later
  • Let them talk about themselves and be supportive: Feeding their need for validation can keep them from using aggressive tactics
  • Identify the tactics they use against you (i.e. praise, false affection, guilt, pity, etc.): This helps you clearly identify when they are using them against you
  • Understand what they want from you and decide ahead of time if you will say yes: This helps maintain your boundaries with them, even when they try to overstep
  • Understand and avoid their triggers/insecurities: Causing a narcissistic injury can make you their target
  • Practice self-care and use your support system: This protects against the negative psychological effects of narcissistic abuse

Can Malignant Narcissism Be Treated?

Malignant narcissists rarely seek treatment and even when they do, their defenses often make them resistant to treatment.2,3,4 Honest self-reflection that comes with therapy often involves introspection that can uncover flaws, mistakes, and insecurities that malignant narcissists are unable to deal with.

Still, there are some exceptions, and those who do seek help for this problem often have some degree of self-awareness and also a willingness to change, which can both make treatment more effective. The best step to seeking help for NPD is to reach out to a therapist, and to work on finding a therapist who is knowledgeable and experienced in helping people with this personality disorder.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for referrals by the companies mentioned below.

Narcissist Abuse Support Groups – Circles offers support groups that provide a safe place to share your experiences and learn from others going through similar experiences. Groups bring together people based on their relationship with the narcissist, like those who have been involved in a romantic relationship with a narcissist. Groups meet weekly by video and are led by expert facilitators. Learn More

BetterHelp (Online Therapy) – BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Online-Therapy.com – The Online-Therapy.com standard plan includes a weekly 45 minute video session, unlimited text messaging between sessions, and self-guided activities like journaling. Recently, they added Yoga videos. Get Started

Headspace (Meditation App) – Headspace is the leading mindfulness and meditation app with over 70 million members. Headspace offers guidance and exercises for all skill levels, including beginners. Free Trial

Choosing Therapy’s Directory – Find an experienced therapist who is committed to your wellbeing. You can search for a therapist by specialty, availability, insurance, and affordability. Therapist profiles and introductory videos provide insight into the therapist’s personality so you find the right fit. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by Circles, BetterHelp, Online-Therapy.com, and Headspace

For Further Reading

  • Best Books on Narcissism
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline article on relationships with narcissists
  • Brief Pathological Narcissism Inventory
  • MentalHealth.gov

Malignant Narcissist Infographic

What Is a Malignant Narcissist Signs, Causes, & How to Deal With One Malignant Narcissist Definition Malignant Narcissist Vs Psychopaths Vs Sociopaths

Malignant Narcissist Behaviors and Traits Signs of Malignant Narcissism Possible Causes of Narcissism

Dealing with a Malignant Narcissist Seeking Treatment and Therapy for a Malignant Narcissist

8 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Fisher KA, Hany M. Antisocial Personality Disorder. [Updated 2020 Dec 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546673/.

  • Mitra P, Fluyau D. Narcissistic Personality Disorder. [Updated 2021 May 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556001/

  • George, F. R., & Short, D. (2018). The cognitive neuroscience of narcissism. Journal of Brain, Behavior and Cognitive Sciences, 1, ID-6.

  • Caligor, E., Levy, K. N., & Yeomans, F. E. (2015). Narcissistic personality disorder: Diagnostic and clinical challenges. American Journal of Psychiatry, 172(5), 415-422.

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

  • Dashineau, S. C., Edershile, E. A., Simms, L. J., & Wright, A. (2019). Pathological narcissism and psychosocial functioning. Personality disorders, 10(5), 473–478. https://doi.org/10.1037/per0000347

  • Pemment, J. (2013). Psychopathy versus sociopathy: Why the Distinction has become crucial. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 18(5), 458-461.

  • Jackson, T. (2017). How to Handle a Narcissist: Understanding and Dealing with a Range of Narcissistic Personalities.

Recent Articles

large-FT Antisocial Personality Disorder Treatment
Antisocial Personality Disorder TreatmentAsPD is considered a chronic disorder. Various symptoms of the condition may be treated using therapy and/or medication throughout more
';
FT_25_Gaslighting_Phrases_Abusers_Use
25 Gaslighting Phrases Abusers UseAlthough gaslighting is not a clinical term, the word refers to another person attempting to make you doubt what more
';
Impulsive_Borderline_Personality_Disorder
Impulsive Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)Those with impulsive BPD tend to have a pattern of engaging in impulsive high-risk behaviors (e.g., unsafe sex, substance more
';
FT_DARVO
DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim & OffenderWhile every abuse situation is unique, the strategies abusers use to maintain their status share some similar themes. Many more
';
Narcissistic Abuse: Signs, Effects, & Treatments
Narcissistic Abuse: Signs, Effects, & TreatmentsNarcissistic abuse can lead the victim to feel confused and disconnected from their intuition. This abuse has subtle signs more
';
BPD vs NPD: Important Similarities & Differences
BPD vs. NPD: Important Similarities & DifferencesBorderline issues stem from unstable emotions/sense of self and fear of abandonment while narcissists’ concerns involve excessive self-importance, lack more
';
Headshot of Hailey Shafir, LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Written by:

Hailey Shafir

LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Benjamin Troy

MD
  • What Is a Malignant Narcissist?Definition
  • Traits of Malignant NarcissismTraits
  • What Are the Signs of a Malignant Narcissist?Signs
  • What Causes Malignant Narcissism?Causes
  • How to Deal With a Malignant NarcissistHow to Deal
  • Can Malignant Narcissism Be Treated?Treatment
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Malignant Narcissist InfographicInfographics
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
Crisis Hotlines here
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept