ABSTRACT
Malignant narcissism is a diagnostic category coined by the psychoanalyst Erich Fromm. It describes a destructive human being who is characterized by narcissistic personality disorder, criminality, sadism, and paranoia. This person will exhibit grandiosity that is a reaction formation against feelings of self-disgust and inadequacy. These individuals are destructive toward themselves and others. However, when considering labeling a human being, any diagnosis is problematic. Its determination is filtered through the biases of both the client and the mental health professional. The author of this chapter examines how a diagnosis can diminish a person’s humanity by stigmatizing and caricaturing them. Therefore, even with a client who fulfills this diagnostic category by their own determination, it is important for a clinician to recognize the complexity and comorbidities of their clients and collaborate with them using multiple psychotherapeutic techniques.
