The title of this post is admittedly a bit sensational, but the evidence is clear on this one: intimate partners of toxic narcissists often end up terminally ill, unless they’re also mentally or personality disordered. Why does this happen? It is because a narcissistic relationship is a highly targeted and exploitative one, and the victim’s body will eventually respond to the stress of abuse. Narcissists are, in fact, known for leaving a trail of human wreckage in their wake, and those who are closest to them – and to their chaos – can find themselves battling major health issues, including C-PTSD and aggressive cancers.