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The topic of personality disorders can be controversial and difficult to navigate. In this article, we want to give you both an overview and advice on the issue.

What is a psychopath?

The term “psychopath” refers to an individual who exhibits psychopathic traits, which are characterized by a profound lack of empathy and remorse, excessive charm, manipulative behavior, and often an antisocial lifestyle.

It is important to understand that ‘psychopathy’ is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis. Instead, the term is used in psychology and criminology to describe a particular type of personality trait or behavioral pattern. The diagnosis used in healthcare is antisocial personality disorder, but not all people with psychopathic traits meet all the criteria for diagnosis.

It is important to note that not all people with psychopathic traits commit crimes or are violent. Psychopathic traits vary in degree and intensity among individuals, and some can function relatively well in society. However, there can be problems in relationships and work, often in the longer term.

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What are personality disorders?

Personality$1, or personality syndromes, are psychological conditions that affect an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a way that often differs significantly from societal norms and expectations.

What causes psychopathy?

Psychopathy results from an interaction of genetic, biological and environmental factors. Although the exact causes are not fully understood, there are several theories and research findings that point to the influence of genetic factors. There is also a neurobiological basis, including an underactive stress response, which may explain a lack of remorse and fear. Growing up with neglect and trauma can also have an impact. It is probably an interaction between both heredity and environment, where an unhealthy environment can also produce the symptoms.

How common is psychopathy?

Antisocial personality disorder occurs in an estimated 3% of men and less than 1% of women. Among those sentenced to prison, the proportion is much higher, with over 50% having antisocial personality traits.

Symptoms of psychopathic traits and antisocial personality syndrome

The most common symptoms and characteristics of people with psychopathic traits and antisocial personality disorder may include:

  1. Superficial charm: An ability to be polite and charming in social settings, often to manipulate or deceive others.
  2. Delusionsof grandeur: An exaggerated sense of self-importance or superiority.
  3. Pathological lying: A tendency to consistently lie or mislead others.
  4. Manipulative behavior: Taking advantage of others for personal gain or pleasure.
  5. Lack of remorse and regret: A lack of guilt or remorse for actions that harm others.
  6. Deep emotional shallowness: A lack of deeper emotional experiences or a real emotional connection with others.
  7. Lack of empathy: The inability to feel or understand the feelings or needs of others.
  8. Impulsivity: Difficulty planning ahead and a tendency to act spontaneously without regard to consequences.
  9. Aggressive or problematic behavior: Can include physical violence, threats, or other forms of aggressive behavior.
  10. Irresponsibility: An inability or unwillingness to meet financial, work or social commitments.
  11. Risky behavior: Engaging in risky or dangerous activities, often without regard for personal safety or the safety of others.
  12. Parasitic lifestyle: Living at the expense of others or taking advantage of others’ hospitality without contributing.

What is the difference between psychopathy and sociopathy?

Neither of these are actual diagnoses, but are referred to from antisocial personality syndrome in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5. However, they are both used in common parlance and are generalizations. The difference is that psychopaths are thought to have a genetic basis for their behavior and tend to be superficially charming and manipulative, with little or no capacity for empathy or remorse. They can integrate into society and hide their antisocial behaviors effectively.

Sociopaths are more often thought to develop their antisocial behavior due to environmental factors such as childhood trauma. They are usually more impulsive, have difficulties forming stable relationships, and their antisocial behavior is more often visible. Sociopaths may have some capacity for emotional response and may experience some form of remorse or guilt, especially towards people they feel close to.


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Assessment for antisocial personality disorder

Personality disorders are usually diagnosed in specialist psychiatry through a personality assessment or through the criminal justice system if the person is in contact with the legal system. For the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder to be made, the problems must have been present since childhood/adolescence, which means that the diagnosis of “conduct disorder” must often be present before the age of 15. This may differ from common criminal behavior, as it is not always present since childhood and may not manifest itself in the same way in relationships.

It is also important to distinguish substance abuse and dependence syndromes from personality syndromes. People can also develop antisocial traits if they have ADHD and are punished for their difficulties by a less understanding environment. So it is also important that people with ADHD get the right care and treatment early on.

Treatment for psychopathy

People with psychopathic traits or antisocial personality disorder rarely seek treatment. This is because they often lack emotional responses of guilt, shame and remorse. Instead, they are often motivated by anger. It is therefore not uncommon for these people to develop a lifestyle of addiction or criminality. Nevertheless, it is important that these people get the right treatment to reduce harm to themselves and others.

Advice for those who know someone with psychopathy

If you have started a relationship with someone who you think has psychopathic traits, it is best to end the relationship as soon as possible as it can be very problematic in the long run. If you have a close relative, you can encourage the person to take responsibility for their actions.

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12 common questions about psychopathy

What is a personality disorder?

A personality disorder is a persistent pattern of behavior, worldview and inner experience that is markedly different from what is expected of those around you. This is because personality disorders can affect one’s ability to relate to others and function effectively in everyday life.

Is psychopathy a type of personality disorder?

Yes, antisocial personality disorder is one of several types. Individuals with psychopathy are characterized by a profound lack of empathy and remorse, excessive charm, manipulative behavior, and often an antisocial lifestyle.

How does a psychopath differ from other personality disorders?

A psychopath often shows a lack of conscience and empathy and can manipulate others without any sense of guilt or remorse. It is an extreme form of antisocial personality disorder and requires professional evaluation and treatment.

How is psychopathy diagnosed?

The diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder is made in a specialist psychiatric or correctional setting. This means that the symptoms must have been present since childhood/adolescence.

What treatment options are available for antisocial personality disorder?

People with psychopathic traits or antisocial personality disorder rarely seek treatment. This is because they often lack emotional responses of guilt, shame and remorse. They often end up in the criminal justice system.

What causes psychopathy?

Psychopathy results from an interaction of genetic, biological and environmental factors. There is also a neurobiological basis, including an underactive stress response. Childhood neglect and trauma can also have an impact.

Is there any way to prevent antisocial personality disorder?

There is no surefire way to prevent antisocial personality disorder, but early intervention can help alleviate symptoms. If you have ADHD, proper diagnosis and treatment can prevent you from developing psychopathic traits. It is important to have a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Can you force someone to go to therapy?

No, you can’t force someone to go to therapy, but you can encourage them to take responsibility for their behavior. Therapists rarely see people with the above personality syndromes in the therapy room. These people usually feel that they do not need therapy.

How common is psychopathy?

Antisocial personality disorder occurs in an estimated 3% of men and less than 1% of women. Among those sentenced to prison, the proportion is much higher, with over 50% having antisocial personality traits.

What is the difference between psychopathy and sociopathy?

These can both be part of antisocial personality syndrome, but psychopaths have a genetic basis and act more emotionally cold whereas, sociopathy is based more on childhood trauma, is more impulsive and has more emotion in relationships.

Are there female psychopaths?

There are female psychopaths, less than 1% of the population is female, but it is more common among men.

How can I help someone close to me who has antisocial personality disorder?

If you have started a relationship with someone who you think has psychopathic traits, it is best to end the relationship as soon as possible as it can be very problematic in the long run. If you have a close relative, you can encourage them to take responsibility for their actions.

Where can I get help?

If you think you may be in need of treatment, you can seek care through your health center and get a referral to psychiatry. We also have licensed psychologists at Lavendla who can help you with an initial assessment and make further referrals. If you are a victim of violence or psychological abuse, contact 112 and the women’s shelter.


Written by Ellen Lindgren

Licensed psychologist

Ellen is a licensed psychologist and has experience mainly in clinical psychology where she has worked with various conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, crises and trauma in primary care and psychiatry. She has also worked with research while studying in the US and with affective disorders and insomnia at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.