"Malignant narcissist" and "narcopath" are not official clinical terms recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or other established psychiatric classification systems. However, they are sometimes used informally to describe individuals who exhibit traits of narcissism and traits of psychopathy (antisocial personality disorder) simultaneously.
Malignant Narcissist: A malignant narcissist is someone who has a combination of narcissistic personality traits and a malevolent, malicious, or extremely toxic nature. This term is often used to describe individuals with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) who display particularly harmful and destructive behavior towards others. Malignant narcissists tend to have an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a strong desire for admiration and attention. They can be manipulative, exploitative, and lack remorse for their actions. They may also be prone to grandiosity, arrogance, and a sense of entitlement. The "malignant" aspect emphasizes the harmful, malicious, or malevolent nature of their behavior.
Narcopath: "Narcopath" is an informal term that combines "narcissist" and "psychopath" (used to describe individuals with antisocial personality disorder). It is often used to describe individuals who appear to exhibit a combination of traits from both disorders. A narcopath would be someone who displays manipulative, self-centered, and exploitative behaviors characteristic of narcissism, along with a lack of empathy, callousness, and impulsivity associated with psychopathy. This term is not a recognized diagnostic category but rather a colloquial way of describing someone with narcissistic and psychopathic tendencies.
It is essential to recognize that mental health conditions, such as narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder, are complex and multidimensional. Individuals can display varying degrees of traits, and not everyone with these traits will fit neatly into a specific label like "malignant narcissist" or "narcopath." Moreover, using informal terms like these can sometimes oversimplify the complexities of personality and behavior.
If you are dealing with someone who exhibits harmful or toxic behaviors, seeking guidance from mental health professionals or counselors can be beneficial in understanding and addressing the situation appropriately. They can provide insights into the individual's behavior and offer strategies for managing and protecting yourself from potential harm.