People seem to be fascinated with the concept of narcissism. Perhaps it's because we're all a little bit narcissistic or know someone else who is. But before you jump to label someone a narcissist, consider that there are actually different types of narcissism.

While a person can be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), there is no clinical diagnosis for any subtypes of narcissism. Some types of narcissism have been identified and validated by peer-reviewed research, whereas other types have been informally named and popularized by various mental health professionals. Thus, there is no concrete number of narcissistic subtypes.

Clinical psychologist and Harvard lecturer Craig Malkin, Ph.D., thinks of narcissism as a trait, or pervasive human tendency, which exists on a spectrum.

Though the subtypes can't be clinically diagnosed, psychologist Perpetua Neo, DClinPsy, says mental health clinicians "can generally see patterns.”

Yes, healthy narcissism exists. First, just because someone has narcissistic traits doesn't mean they have narcissistic personality disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), to be clinically diagnosed with NPD, a person has to exhibit at least 55% of the most common signs of narcissism.

Many people may have traits of narcissism without meeting the criteria for the disorder. Healthy narcissism is a category of its own and is actually positive.

Grandiose narcissism closely resembles the broader understanding of what makes a narcissist. In psychology, grandiosity refers to having an unrealistic sense of superiority. Grandiose narcissism thus involves overestimating one's abilities, asserting one's dominance over others, and having a generally inflated sense of self-esteem.

This type of narcissism has been tested and validated through peer-reviewed research1, often in opposition to vulnerable narcissism (also known as covert narcissism).

"Grandiose narcissism is when someone's narcissistic qualities—entitlement, braggadocio, and self-obsession—are openly displayed, often at the expense of others," Neo says. Grandiose narcissists can be charming but often lack empathy. In conversations, they don't relate to people, Neo explains, but rather one-up them. This might be because they crave attention, enjoy seeing others hurt and confused, or both. 

When dealing with a grandiose narcissist, or any type of narcissist for that matter, it's important to set boundaries. "Know you can be graceful and assertive at the same time," Neo says. "They will push your boundaries, eroding them so a lower level of treatment becomes the new normal. Be prepared to enforce your boundaries—even better, walk away."

Covert narcissism is also called vulnerable narcissism. In opposition to the grandiose narcissists, these people tend to be shy and self-effacing. According to the American Journal of Psychiatry (AJP), the "covert subtype is inhibited, manifestly distressed, hypersensitive to the evaluations of others while chronically envious." They crave people's recognition and get very defensive in the face of criticism.

Malignant narcissists, just like the name implies, are manipulative and malicious. They show signs of sadism and aggression, and according to AJP, are the most severe subtype of narcissistic personality disorder2.

"They get pleasure seeing people writhe in pain and discomfort," licensed psychologist Daniel Fox, Ph.D., says. If you know a malignant narcissist, Neo recommends avoiding them completely and cutting off all ties. Any attempts to outsmart them will be unsuccessful and exhausting, she explains: "They've spent their lives perfecting the craft of becoming better narcissists."

Sexual narcissists "have an overly positive, egotistical admiration of their own sexual prowess," couples' therapist Brandon Santan, Ph.D., tells mindbodygreen. "They can become consumed by their obsession with sexual performance and the need for the sexual admiration of others." 

Sexual narcissists are often serial cheaters, use sex to manipulate people, and may behave violently during sex. To protect yourself from this type of narcissist, your safest option is to get out of the relationship and seek therapy to help you get through the breakup with a narcissist. 

Somatic narcissists derive their self-worth from their bodies. Psychotherapist Christine Scott-Hudson, LMFT, writes, "This may manifest as someone feeling more beautiful, stronger, or fitter than others." 

Somatic narcissists often obsess over their weight and physical appearance and criticize others based on their appearance. They usually ignore the needs of others and prioritize their own. If you're dealing with one, Scott-Hudson says, "avoid displaying emotional responses to their behavior because narcissists feed off drama."

Cerebral or intellectual narcissists derive their self-importance from their minds, compared to the somatic narcissist who derives worth from their bodies. "Cerebral narcissists get their supply from feeling smarter, more clever, and more intelligent than others," Scott-Hudson tells mindbodygreen.

Spiritual narcissists often use their spirituality to justify harmful behaviors and use spiritual jargon to intimidate others, Neo explains. "You see, the narcissist needs to project an idealized version of himself to escape his broken, insecure self," she says, and spiritual narcissists use seemingly sensitive and spiritual actions as a way to elevate themselves above others. 

Narcissism exists on a spectrum, and there are many different types of narcissism, some that are more worrying than others. If you're dealing with someone you suspect might have narcissistic personality disorder, the best thing to do to protect yourself is to set strong boundaries and ideally walk away from the relationship altogether.