Malignant narcissists are considered the most dangerous kind, primarily because they possess traits evident in the other three subtypes. They are both good-looking, like the somatic narc, and intelligent, like the covert narc, as well as able to draw in others and tend to have loyal followers. A historic example of a malignant narcissist would be Adolph Hitler whose charm and charisma and was able to brainwash the masses. Malignant narcissists tend to hold high-paying, important positions in their careers as well as in other areas of their life. They may be a decision-maker in community activities or in positions that help them exercise their power. The malignant narcissist will also do anything and everything to maintain this power including using tactics such as fear, manipulation, and financial control.
Malignant narcissism is an especially lethal combination of two very dangerous Cluster B personality disorders wrapped into one – narcissistic (NPD) and antisocial (ASPD) personality disorders – with just a hint of psychopathy sprinkled in. Consider the very term malignant – the opposite of benign and often associated with cancerous symptoms. Benign means “not harmful”. Malignant is “extremely harmful, even fatal.” Malignant narcissists, having a special combination of two of the most severe Cluster B components coupled with psychopathic traits, are capable of doing extensive damage to their colleagues, acquaintances, loved ones, and to society in general.
Those with NPD tend to present as either grandiose or vulnerable. Some label these differing presentations at overt/covert or cerebral/somatic. The grandiose narcissist is blatantly conceded and much easier to spot than his counterpart. Malignant narcissists present as vulnerable. They tend to initially establish what appear to be genuine, normal connections with people, and others want to help them. They want these “vulnerable” individuals to be capable of lifting whatever weight they’re claiming to carry. However, the mind of a malignant narcissist is not normal, and therefore, normalcy through connection is never anticipated from the malignant’s perspective.
Malignants do not feel empathy and they have some of the neurobiological impairments of psychopathy. They see relationships with people the same as they view relationships with anything else in their environment – very black and white. Individuals and things are good or bad, intelligent or ignorant, beneficial or detrimental. There is no room for gray area in a malignant’s physical makeup. Therefore, this narcissist will just as soon discard a seemingly important long-term relationship the same as he would discard a broken oven. Both are sharing the narcissist’s space solely to serve, and once they can no longer do so, they are deemed worthless.
But malignants don’t just discard. They utilize their pathological traits to the fullest extent before letting go. Malignant narcissism is also characterized as a deadly combination of aggression, antisocial behavior and suspiciousness all the while presenting as in need of others’ approval. Therefore, these individuals lie with the capability of a seasoned actor. When presented with evidence to the contrary, no matter how clear and convincing, they are likely to challenge it rather than accept it. If its irrefutability is so profound that the challenge is sure to lose, the narcissist will quickly change the subject, leading a victim in a mind-numbing dance around it.
A covert, overt and communal narcissist all in one, malignants are difficult to spot and difficult to release oneself from. Victims live in fear but are unable to break free. Keeping an eye out for red flags early on may prevent the detrimental effects of engaging with this type of narcissist. Knowledge is power.