Personality Couch

Ep 53: Antisocial Personality vs Psychopathy | What's the Difference?

🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the complex distinctions between antisocial personality and psychopathy, delving into historical terminology, key theories, and nuanced subtypes. This episode offers a deep dive into dark personality traits and how they differ.
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters00:00 Intro & History of Antisocial vs Psychopathy        00:36 Psychopath and Sociopath Defined        01:54 Cleckley’s Mask of Sanity03:21 Psychodynamic Theory on Psychopathy vs Antisocial04:17 The DSM on Psychopathy vs Antisocial04:35 Michael Stone’s Negative Personality Spectrum         05:15 Level 1: Negative Personalities         05:41 Level 2: Narcissistic & Paranoid Personality Disorders         07:10 Level 3: Malignant Narcissism         08:43 Level 4: Antisocial Personality Disorder         09:28 Level 5: Psychopathy         10:20 Level 6: Sadistic Personality12:32 Robert Hare's Psychopathy Checklist13:54 Hare’s Psychopathy Checklist vs DSM Antisocial 17:20 Millon’s Theory on Psychopathy         19:30 Spineless Psychopath         19:43 Unprincipled Psychopath (Narcissistic Core)          19:51 Disingenuous Psychopath (Histrionic Core)         21:13 Risk-Taking Psychopath (Histrionic & Antisocial Features)         21:26 Covetous Psychopath (Antisocial Core)         21:57 Malignant Psychopath (Paranoid Core)         22:10 Abrasive Psychopath (Negativistic & Paranoid Features)         22:21 Explosive Psychopath (Sadistic Core, Borderline Features)         22:58 Malevolent Psychopath (Paranoid & Sadistic Features)         23:34 Tyrannical Psychopath (Negativistic & Sadistic Features)24:19 Our Thoughts27:14 Summary & Conclusion

Ep 52: The 6 Antisocial Subtypes

🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the passive-parasitic and aggressive subtypes from history before jumping into Dr. Theodore Millon’s 6 subtypes. At the mild level, we look at: the Covetously Aggrandizing & Disaffected Aggrandizing Antisocials. At the moderate level, we explore the Risk-Taking Devious and Reputation-Defending Devious Antisocials. At the severe/disordered level, we discuss the Nomadic & Malevolent Antisocial Subtypes. We end with our thoughts and opinions about the line for disorder and explain why the antisocial personality is so challenging to understand. 
⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters0:00 Intro to Antisocial’s Historical Names02:16 Are antisocials born or made (psychopath vs sociopath)? 03:14 Passive-parasitic and Aggressive Antisocials04:32 What is a Normal Antisocial Personality?          04:40 The Adventurer          05:45 The Unconventional Antisocial  08:28 Intro to Millon’s 6 Subtypes08:48 Mild Level: Aggrandizing Antisocial          09:59 Does Dominance Fill an Inner Void?          10:52 The Covetously Aggrandizing Antisocial           11:22 Criminal Behavior at the Mild Level          15:11 The Disaffected Aggrandizing Antisocial          17:06 Proneness to Addiction          18:11 Proneness to Infidelity          19:02 Contrasting the Mild Types20:25 Moderate Level: The Devious Antisocial          21:39 Risk-Taking Devious (Histrionic & Turbulent Features)          25:56 Reputation-Defending Antisocial (Narcissistic & Sadistic Features)          27:24 Proneness to Criminal Behavior           28:02 Relationship & Work Challenges          29:17 What Are They Defending?31:17 Severe Level: Antisocial Personality Disorder          31:45 Nomadic Antisocial (Schizoid & Avoidant Features)          33:18 Doom & Invincibility Focus          36:54 Malevolent Antisocial (Sadistic & Paranoid Features)41:49 Our Thoughts & Opinions43:46 Summary & Conclusion

Ep 51: A New Psychoanalysis of Antisocial Personality Disorder

🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive deep into the complex inner world of antisocial personality disorder, challenging the traditional DSM view and exploring psychoanalytic theory to uncover the internal processes behind antisocial behaviors. This episode is essential for clinicians, students, and anyone interested in understanding the motivations and defenses of antisocial individuals. ⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️
Chapters00:00 Intro & Limitations of Antisocial in DSM02:48 Causes of Antisocial Personality     03:30 Genetic Studies     05:21 Environmental Studies07:34 Attachment & Antisocial Personality12:23 Inside the Antisocial’s Psyche:      12:29 Depression & Emptiness     14:55 Shame & Self-Importance17:09 Defense Mechanisms in the Antisocial     17:42 Omnipotent Control     20:54 Projective Identification     21:49 Dissociation      23:26 Acting Out 26:34 Biological & Neuropsychological Processes of Antisocials 28:37 Perverse & Distorted Sexuality in Antisocials30:07 Summary & Conclusion

Ep 50: Antisocial Personality: Everything I Learned is Wrong

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack some of our difficulties understanding antisocial personality disorder in how it combines psychology, morality, philosophy, and societal judgment. We focus on: where’s the line for disorder; how can we diagnose without judgment; and what does this personality look like when it’s not disordered? We pull from historical examples of antisocial types in specialized roles and also hypothesize that America might have transitioned from a narcissistic nation to an antisocial one. 
🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.  
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Antisocial Personality & DSM Problems02:46 Antisocial Personality Defined in the PDM07:02 Where’s the Disorder Line?17:29 Other Dark & Criminal Personalities21:08 Morality & Antisocial Traits in Specialized Professions23:37 Are We An Antisocial Society in America?30:43 Are Antisocials Treatable?34:37 Holding Empathy & Accountability for Antisocials40:00 Closing Quote

Ep 49: Antisocial Personality: The DSM Trash Can Diagnosis for Criminals?

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) begin our much-awaited series on antisocial personality disorder! In the DSM, antisocial personality is the only diagnosis that includes law-breaking as a criterion. But surely all criminals can’t have the same personality, right? In this episode, we break down its stigmatized history while sharing our thoughts and opinions about the DSM’s limitations. We take a critical look at each of the DSM’s 7 criteria, while also discussing the overlap with other disorders like narcissism, psychopathy, and the sadistic personality. 
🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.  
Chapters00:00 Introduction & History of Antisocial Personality Disorder05:21 DSM Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder     07:06: Criterion 1: Unlawful Behavior     09:32: Criterion 2: Deceitfulness & Manipulation       12:49 Criterion 3: Impulsivity      15:27 Criterion 4: Irritability & Aggression     16:21 Criterion 5: Disregard for Safety     17:44 Criterion 6: Irresponsibility       20:08 Criterion 7: Lack of Remorse21:42 Antisocial Personality & Aging25:05 Our Critiques & Thoughts 

Ep 48: The 4 Attachment Styles and Avoidant Personality

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack attachment and its relationship with avoidant personality disorder. We explore the four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized, discussing how these styles manifest in adult relationships. We highlight the nuances of avoidant personality disorder, suggesting that individuals may present as avoidantly attached but have underlying anxious tendencies. We end by discussing some interesting research on adult attachment and coregulation with a partner, suggesting that attachment is fluid and can change depending on the relationship homeostasis. 
🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.  
Chapters00:00 Intro to Attachment & Attachment Styles05:15 Secure Attachment06:08 Anxious Attachment09:08 Avoidant Attachment13:09 Disorganized Attachment 14:38 Attachment in Adulthood 16:54 Avoidant Personality Disorder and Attachment Dynamics22:22 Summary & Conclusion

Ep 47: Avoidant Personality | The 6 Subtypes

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into Avoidant Personality Disorder, exploring Dr. Theodore Millon's six subtypes. We discuss a few interesting historical names before jumping into the characteristics of mild (Anxiously & Imaginatively shy); moderate (Hypersensitively & Phobicly Reticent); and severe (Conflicted & Self-Deserting) subtypes. Our conversation also critiques Millon's work, questioning the distinctiveness of avoidant traits compared to other personality disorders, and we invite listeners/viewers to share their thoughts and opinions.
🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.  
Chapters00:00 Introduction & Historical Names05:18 Millon's Six Subtypes of Avoidant Personality5:38 Mild Type Overview      6:44 Anxiously Shy Type      9:14 Imaginatively Shy Type12:05 Moderate Level Overview      12:28 Hypersensitively Reticent Type      14:31 Phobicly Reticent Type16:55 Severe Level Overview      17:29 Conflicted Avoidant Type      19:40 Self-Deserting Avoidant Type22:21 Our Opinions About the Subtypes26:14 Summary & Conclusion

Ep 46: Did the DSM Get it Wrong? | A New Perspective on Avoidant Personality

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, licensed clinical psychologist Doc Bok unpacks the historical context of Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD), exploring the ongoing debate about its classification in the DSM. This episode discusses the contributions of Theodore Millon, the controversies that arose during the introduction of APD, and the implications of trauma and sociopolitical culture on personality development. The episode concludes with proposing alternative classification systems, including the Enneagram, the psychodynamic phobic character, and avoidant personality as a problematic trait versus a disorder. 
🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.  
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Avoidant Personality Disorder02:32 Millon, the DSM, and Controversy 05:47 The 1960s & Personality Development09:37 Avoidant Traits, Trauma, & Alternative Views18:08 Summary & Conclusion

Ep 45: Avoidant Personality | Schizoid's Close Cousin

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the DSM’s Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPd), exploring its hotly debated history, the DSM criteria, and its overlap with social anxiety. We discuss the developmental aspects of AvPd, the challenges of low self-esteem with this disorder, and how it can cause problems in employment. We end with our own unfiltered thoughts on whether or not we think it should be a diagnosis, questioning the zeitgeist in which it was coined, the lack of historical research, and its overlap with multiple other personality disorders.  
🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ (Clinicians use the email listed on the website.)
Chapters00:00 Intro, History, & Controversy03:42 Avoidant Personality Disorder: DSM       05:41 Social Inhibition and Fear of Criticism       08:14 Intimacy Issues and Fantasy        10:41 Self-Perception and Feelings of Inadequacy       14:49 Taking Risks and Employment Issues17:09 Developmental Implications of Avoidant Personality19:04 Avoidant Personality vs Social Anxiety24:29 Unfiltered Thoughts on Avoidant Personality Disorder35:10 Summary & Conclusion

Ep 44: The 3 Most Unstable Personalities | Schizotypal, Borderline, & Paranoid

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the 3 most unstable personality disorders: schizotypal, borderline, and paranoid. All 3 types are at risk of psychosis. We first discuss historical personality classifications of neurotic, psychotic, and borderline, highlighting that the borderline space between neurotic and psychotic is the most prone to instability. This borderline space is where schizotypal, borderline, and paranoid personalities sit. We discuss the risky traits of each personality, including cognitive slippage, emotional instability, and extreme rigidity. We also discuss some of our thoughts and experiences in diagnosing these rather tricky disorders!
🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/
Chapters
00:00 Intro & Psychodynamic Personality Organization      02:31 Neurotic Personality Organization      04:47 Psychotic Personality Organization      05:48 Borderline Personality Organization07:57 Schizotypal Personality & Instability      08:57 Why Personalities Are Unstable (according to Millon)      13:55 Personalities that Coexist with Schizotypal16:30 Borderline Personality & Instability      21:16 Personalities that Coexist with Borderline 23:18 Paranoid Personality & Instability      26:52 Personalities that Coexist with Paranoid30:18 Our Experiences with Diagnosing Unstable Personalities33:39 Summary & Conclusion