RELATED STORY: How To Spot Narcissistic Abuse: 15 Behaviors & Warning Signs Some common traits of anti-social personality disorder (known colloquially as sociopathy) include manipulation and exploitation without remorse. “Malignant narcissists spend a lot of time plotting, and they act with malicious intent,” he explains. “They’re sophisticated in what they do.” The combination of sadism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism can be extremely dangerous, Malkin says. It most often leads to aggressive behavior and sometimes violence. In her book Outsmarting the Sociopath Next Door, clinical psychologist Martha Stout, Ph.D., notes that sociopathy is thought to be linked to neurological conditions, whereas narcissism is thought to be the result of childhood experiences. In practice, a sociopath can continually maintain a facade of warmth while they manipulate and hurt others, she explains, whereas most narcissists eventually pivot from love-bombing to coldness and cruelty. “The major discernible difference between narcissism and sociopathy is the distinction between hot and cold behaviors,” clinical psychologist Martha Stout, Ph.D., writes in her book Outsmarting the Sociopath Next Door. “In many situations where the narcissist would be clueless, unresponsive, and perhaps annoyed, the sociopath will be responsive, often charmingly so, creating a better disguise than the narcissist has.” However, malignant narcissists combine traits of both narcissistic personality disorder and anti-social personality disorder, meaning they’re both as cunning as the sociopath and driven by as much grandiose ego as the narcissist. Thus, malignant narcissists may be uniquely dangerous. RELATED STORY: How Female Narcissists Differ From Males: Traits + Signs If you’re beginning a relationship, try to look for signs of malignant narcissism. If you recognize the signs early on, avoid getting in a relationship with this person. “You have to be confident and firm in your boundaries,” Fox says. “Malignant narcissists love to make you feel guilty for not giving in.” Remind yourself that a narcissist’s data is self-gathered, and you need to focus on reality rather than believing any harmful lies they may tell you. “That’s where gaslighting comes in,” Fox says. “You’ll hopefully pick up on it and realize their only best interest is themselves.” Here’s exactly what to do when you’ve been gaslighted. If you can, try to confide in a friend, family member, or mental health professional who can help you safely leave an abusive relationship.
