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Personality disorders can significantly impact relationships and self-esteem. This article offers an overview of psychopathy and how to get help.Â
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 (ASPD), 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 disorders are complex 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?
About 1.2% of U.S. adult men and 0.3% to 0.7% of U.S. adult women have significant psychopathic traits (American Psychological Association, 2022).
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:
- Superficial charm: An ability to be polite and charming in social settings, often to manipulate or deceive others.
- Delusions of grandeur: An exaggerated sense of self-importance or superiority.
- Pathological lying: A tendency to consistently lie or mislead others.
- Manipulative behavior: Taking advantage of others for personal gain or pleasure.
- Lack of remorse and regret: A lack of guilt or remorse for actions that harm others.
- Deep emotional shallowness: A lack of deeper emotional experiences or a real emotional connection with others.
- Lack of empathy: The inability to feel or understand the feelings or needs of others.
- Impulsivity: Difficulty planning ahead and a tendency to act spontaneously without regard to consequences.
- Aggressive or problematic behavior: Can include physical violence, threats, or other forms of aggressive behavior.
- Irresponsibility: An inability or unwillingness to meet financial, work or social commitments.
- Risky behavior: Engaging in risky or dangerous activities, often without regard for personal safety or the safety of others.
- 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 by mental health specialists through a personality assessment. For the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder to be made, the problems must have been present since childhood/adolescence. It is common for individuals with ASPD to have been diagnosed with conduct disorder, a childhood mental health condition, before the age of 15. These individuals may differ from common criminal behavior, which 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 from personality syndromes. People can also develop antisocial traits if they have ADHD and are punished for their difficulties by a less understanding environment.
Treatment for psychopathy
People with psychopathic traits or ASPD rarely seek treatment. This is because they often lack emotional responses of guilt, shame and remorse. However, there is some evidence that talk therapy, schema-focused therapy, and multi systemic family therapy can alleviate symptoms.
Advice for those who know someone with psychopathy
If you have a relationship with someone you think has psychopathic traits, it is best to end the relationship as soon as possible as it can be 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?
Personality disorders are complex psychological conditions that affect an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a way that often differs significantly from societal norms and expectations.
Is psychopathy a type of personality disorder?
Psychopathy is not a diagnosable personality disorder but rather a more severe type of antisocial personality disorder. 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. In order to be diagnosed, 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. However, there is some evidence that talk therapy, schema-focused therapy, and multi systemic family therapy can alleviate symptoms.
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.
Can you force someone to go to therapy?
No, you can’t force someone to undergo therapeutic treatment unless they are at imminent risk of harming themselves or others.Â
How common is psychopathy?
About 1.2% of U.S. adult men and 0.3% to 0.7% of U.S. adult women have significant psychopathic 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. People with sociopathy have typically had some childhood trauma, are more impulsive, and more emotionally expressive.
Are there female psychopaths?
Yes, though there are fewer females than males diagnosed with psychopathy.
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?
To get help, you can contact local mental health providers with expertise in treating personality disorders. If there is a safety risk, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
