Individuals with psychopathic traits are often attracted to affinity groups – religious, political or social groups of people who share common values, beliefs or interests. The collective trust that members of these groups have in one another and their common belief system provides a perfect cover for the person with psychopathy. The psychopath has an [read more]
Psychopathy and narcissistic personality disorder are separate psychiatric disorders that have slightly overlapping symptoms. Sociopathy, however, is an older, outdated term for what is now called psychopathy. Unfortunately, the differentiation of these widely-used terms has caused much confusion among the general public and mental health professionals alike. Part of the problem lies not in differentiating [read more]
Many individuals with psychopathic features are opportunists who seek to take whatever they can from those around them, viewing others as merely a source of “supply.” If they detect something in someone they find interesting or that can help them achieve their agenda in some way, that person has the potential to become a victim. [read more]
Several researchers have examined qualities in children and adolescents that serve to differentiate psychopathic youth from their peers. Frick posited that children who exhibit both conduct problems and callous/unemotional traits are most similar to adult psychopaths (Frick & Marsee, 2006). Research findings by Lynam (1996) identified a subset of children with both conduct problems and [read more]
Remarkably little is known about the extent to which psychopathic individuals are aware of their condition (have insight). There are cases in which psychopathic individuals have reported that they are psychopathic or sociopathic and have even rattled off a list of core features of psychopathy. However, classical clinical descriptions of psychopathic individuals emphasize their lack [read more]
Psychopathy is a personality disorder signified by a pattern of lying, exploitation of others, recklessness, arrogance, sexual promiscuity, low self-control, and lack of empathy for others. Individuals with psychopathic traits appear to lack social emotions (love, empathy, guilt, and remorse). This means that they do not care about other people, feel remorse, or experience guilt [read more]
Genes play a significant role in the development of psychopathy. However socialization and other environmental factors interact with genetics, so genes are not the only determinant in whether one has psychopathic traits. Studies on the heritability of psychopathy have focused primarily on identical twins (100% shared genes) and fraternal twins (50% shared genes). One [read more]
1. Are there any known medications or other interventions useful for treating psychopathy? (Answer provided by a psychopathy expert and Aftermath volunteer and endorsed by the Executive Committee) Although psychopathy is not currently listed as a personality disorder in the official psychiatric taxonomy (the DSM-IV), it is comprised of enduring affective, behavioral, and interpersonal components [read more]
(fill in the blank above with mother/father, wife/husband, son/daughter, brother/sister, other relative, lover, friend or associate) People who come to this site are looking for answers to questions like: What is a psychopath? Is my loved one or associate a psychopath? Does psychopathy explain this particular person’s abusive and hurtful behavior? You may want to [read more]