Ep 28: The Post Pandemic Narcissist | Unmasking Paranoid Personality

Ep 28: The Post Pandemic Narcissist | Unmasking Paranoid Personality

Author: Dr. Rebecca Houvener, Psy.D. LCP May 20, 2025 Duration: 32:33
In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) reveal the complex, dangerous, and often misdiagnosed Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD). We discuss the rising prevalence of PPD in the post-pandemic world, the clinical challenges in identifying and treating these individuals, and the critical differences between Paranoid Personalities and narcissism. We believe you’re seeing more of these types in your circles as well, and we want you to be equipped with knowledge so you can best protect yourself! Thus, we unpack not only the DSM-5-TR characteristics of Paranoid Personality Disorder, but we also reveal our clinical experience with these types. We include common themes such as: lack of trust, severe gastrointestinal issues, sadomasochism, medical self-sabotage, shedding identities, and the paranoid character’s unique relationship with aggression towards the same-sex. We reveal why we think this type is popping up even more in our circles, what the pandemic had to do with it, and how you can identify these types to keep yourself safe!   Chapters00:00 Intro & Dangers of the Paranoid Personality04:10 Clinical Observations & Post-Pandemic Trends08:20 Defining Paranoid Personality Disorder16:35 Warning Signs of PPD Beyond the DSM27:00 Comparing Paranoid Personality and Narcissism29:25 Why the Post-Pandemic Narcissist?

On the Personality Couch podcast, the subtle and often confusing tensions that shape our daily lives are brought into focus. Hosted by clinical psychologists Dr. Rebecca Houvener (“Doc Bok”) and Dr. Cheyenne Fisher (“Doc Fish”), this conversation moves beyond abstract theory to examine the real-world friction we navigate. Every other week, they take apart those puzzling interactions-the off-kilter feeling with a relative, the unexpected clash with a colleague-and trace them back to their roots in personality structure. Their dialogue is a practical exploration, offering listeners a framework to understand not just others, but their own reactions and patterns. You’ll hear detailed breakdowns of complex relational dynamics, all discussed with the clarity and nuance that comes from clinical expertise. The aim is to provide actionable insight, transforming confusion into comprehension. This isn’t about labeling people; it’s about deciphering the hidden language of human behavior that operates in our friendships, families, workplaces, and broader culture. By tuning in, you gain a shared vocabulary for the unspoken, making sense of the conflicts we all face but don’t always know how to address. The podcast serves as a guide for anyone looking to improve their connections and their own self-awareness, one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Personality Couch
Podcast Episodes
Ep 43: The 6 Schizotypal Subtypes Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:47
In this episode of The Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the 6 subtypes of schizotypal personality disorder, according to Dr. Theodore Millon. We outline Millon’s…
Ep 42: The Almost Psychotic Personality | Schizotypal in the DSM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:00
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into the origins, diagnostic criteria, and oddities associated with schizotypal personality disorder and wh…
Ep 39: Schizoid vs Avoidant Personality | What's the Difference? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:53
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) compare and contrast avoidant and schizoid personalities. While schizoid and avoidant personality disorders have overlap…
Ep 38: Unpacking Schizoid Subtypes | A Critical Look [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:56
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) take a critical look at the subtypes of schizoid personality, critiquing existing definitions and theories, particularly…
Ep 37: Answering Viewer Questions About Schizoid Personality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:13
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) answer your most-asked questions about schizoid personality. We address misconceptions about schizoid and settle its pro…
Ep 36: Schizoid Personality vs Autism | Are They The Same? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:45
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the differences and similarities between schizoid personality disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and whether…
Ep 34: The Most Misunderstood Personality | Schizoid in the DSM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:20
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into one of the most misunderstood personalities: the quiet, awkward, and socially backwards schizoid. We take a cr…