Individuals with psychopathic or narcissistic traits frequently use false personas to interact with others, sometimes tailoring their masks so that they appear to share the interests of their targets. From small talk to bombastic speeches, any spotlight presents the opportunity to craft a mask.
What is a Psychopath?
Psychopathy can sometimes be thought of as a personality disorder. While the concept of a psychopathic personality is often used interchangeably with an antisocial personality, psychopathy is defined differently by many professionals. There are several types of symptoms that, together, form a cluster that defines psychopathy. The number of types of psychopathic symptoms vary depending on the researcher, but the four types of psychopathic symptoms used commonly are –
- Interpersonal
- Emotional (affective)
- Lifestyle
- Behavioral (antisocial behaviors)
What is a Narcissist?
Narcissists suffer from narcissistic personality disorder, which is defined in the fifth edition of the DSM (DSM-5). Narcissists are characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (either in fantasy or in behavior), a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Narcissism must be present by early adulthood and present itself in various contexts. Five of the following nine criteria must be met for a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder –
- A grandiose sense of self-importance
- A preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
- A belief that he or she is special and unique and can only be understood by, or should be associated with, other special or high-status people or institutions
- A need for excessive admiration
- A sense of entitlement
Psychopathic Narcissist
According to the Society for the Scientific Study of Psychopathy, narcissism is an interpersonal symptom of psychopathy. Indeed, symptoms of narcissism like grandiosity, exploitive behavior, and a lack of empathy are common in psychopaths. A psychopath could, and likely would, easily fit the diagnosis for narcissistic personality disorder as well. Therefore, psychopaths are often seen as narcissists. When the two characteristics of these disorders get mixed, we get a psychopathic narcissist. A psychopathic narcissist can be considered the last level of antisocial behavior that one must cross to be called a full psychopath. Grandiosity mixed with sadism and the absolute absence of conscientiousness makes this type a very violent abuser who is calculated in approach but aware enough not to cross the limits. Some signs of a psychopathic narcissist include –
- Vindictive and paranoid
- Sadistic and violent
- Controlling
- Zero empathy
However, just because there is some crossover between them and a person may fit the criteria for narcissistic personality disorder, it does not mean that he or she is also a psychopath. In order to be considered a psychopath, many other psychopathic symptoms such as a lack of attachment to others, superficial charm, dishonesty, manipulativeness, and reckless risk-taking must come into play. Certainly, while psychopathic narcissists exist, but they are not the norm.