“What’s one less person on the face of the Earth, anyway?” -Ted Bundy
In 1964, the social psychologist Erich Fromm coined the term “malignant narcissism.” Fromm described it as a “severe mental illness” that represents “the quintessence of evil”; “the most severe pathology and the root of the most vicious destructiveness and inhumanity.”
Because of their relentless, cunning, devilish, ruthless, and devilish behavior, many people refer to their narcissistic abusers as “malignant narcissists.” In some cases that may be true, but in most that label is inaccurate. Malignant narcissism is theorized to be a combination of narcissistic personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, sadistic personality disorder, and paranoid personality disorder.
Antisocial personality disorder is a cluster B disorder in the DSM-V, just like NPD. It is characterized by contempt for the feelings of others and callous violation of their rights. Malevolent and threatening behavior patterns, also seen in sociopathic (lack of awareness) and psychopathic (total lack of awareness) disorders, characterize the more severe forms of antisocial personality disorder. Paranoid personality disorder is identified in the DSM-V as a cluster A disorder involving “bizarre or eccentric” patterns of behavior. Sadistic personality disorder involves a pervasive pattern of cruel, demeaning, and aggressive behavior. It is a controversial diagnosis, recognized by personality experts but no longer identified as a distinct personality disorder in the DSM-V.
Unlike opportunistic narcissists, malignant narcissists scheme, set traps, and lie in wait, sometimes for long periods of time. His bullying methods include stalking, cyberbullying, bullying, and intimidation.
Malignant narcissists are accomplished liars who feel justified in doing whatever it takes to achieve their selfish goals: deceive, accuse, misrepresent, distort, blame. They never feel guilty about anything or look down on themselves.
Frighteningly, malignant narcissists may appear to be intelligent, successful, kind, and caring people with normal emotions, but they are none of these things. They are cunning manipulators who prey on kind and gullible people. People are drawn to your charisma and charm. Many serial pedophiles fit this profile.
Malignant narcissists pretend to care about your feelings and appear to be considerate of your needs. This is a tactic used to gather information that will trick you into building a relationship with them, ultimately giving them control over you.
Their illusions of superiority go far beyond conceit and excessive selfishness, and as a result they are ruthless, dangerous, and sadistic. Since the victims are not seen as people but as insensitive objects, the narcissist feels no pity or compassion for them, nor remorse for acting cruelly.
They are predatory terrorists, prone to inhumane acts of violence. Their lack of conscience, their short ability to contain themselves, their penchant for revenge, and their paranoid “get the others before they get you” attitude give them every right to destroy their victims.
If it sounds like malignant narcissists are psychopaths or sociopaths, it’s because they’re nearly identical. There is, however, a main distinction.
Malignant narcissists are motivated by their attention-seeking, flattery, and approval. There is always an emotional component. People with antisocial personality disorder (psychopaths and sociopaths) do not operate from emotion or worry about getting attention.
Malignant narcissists are very dangerous people. The average person is no match for them. If you ever come across such a person, run the other way. Your life, your financial security, and your sanity depend on it.
Malignant narcissists who exemplify this disorder are: Ted Bundy, Charles Manson, OJ Simpson, Saddam Hussein, Bernie Madoff, Adolph Hitler, and Joseph Stalin.
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