Psychopathy

Psychopaths

What Is Psychopathy?

Psychopathy is among the most difficult disorders to spot. The psychopath can appear normal, even charming. Underneath, he lacks conscience and empathy, making him manipulative, volatile and often (but by no means always) criminal.

Psychopaths are objects of popular fascination and clinical anguish: Adult psychopathy is largely impervious to treatment, though programs are in place to treat callous, unemotional youth in hopes of preventing them from maturing into psychopaths.

The terms “psychopath” and “sociopath” are often used interchangeably, but in correct parlance a “sociopath” refers to a person with antisocial tendencies that are ascribed to social or environmental factors, whereas psychopathic traits are more innate, though a chaotic or violent upbringing may tip the scales for those already predisposed to behave psychopathically. Both constructs are most closely represented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as Antisocial Personality Disorder. The DSM uses neither "psychopathy" nor "sociopathy," though these terms are widely used in clinical and common parlance. 

Brain anatomy, genetics, and a person’s environment may all contribute to the development of psychopathic traits. For more on causes, symptoms and treatments of antisocial personality disorder, see our Diagnosis Dictionary. 

The Signs of a Psychopath

Psychopathy is a spectrum disorder and can be diagnosed using the 20-item Hare Psychopathy Checklist, which features traits such as lack of empathy, sexual promiscuity, pathological lying, parasitic lifestyle, and impulsivity. The bar for clinical psychopathy is a score of 30 or higher; serial killer Ted Bundy scored 39.

The checklist was developed in the 1970s by the Canadian researcher Robert Hare, professor emeritus of the University of British Columbia. While it was originally used to assess individuals in criminal cases or in high-security psychiatric units, the checklist items are now readily found online for anyone to peruse. A true assessment should be conducted by a mental health professional.

CONNECTED TOPICS

Sociopathy, Narcissism, Law and Crime

Essential Reads

Don’t Believe the Hype: Shining a Light on the Dark Triad

By Joshua D. Miller, Ph.D., and Donald R. Lynam, Ph.D. on July 03, 2019 in Personality and Its Problems

Interested in the Dark Triad? Who isn't? But here are a few reasons why some caution is required in interpreting the studies.

Interested in the Dark Triad? Who isn't? But here are a few reasons why some caution is required in interpreting the studies.

Psychopathic, Sociopathic, or Antisocial Personality?

By Dean A. Haycock Ph.D. on July 02, 2019 in Tyrannical Minds

A good indication of how much we still have to learn about the nature of psychopathy is the confusion that surrounds the labels people apply to the condition.

A good indication of how much we still have to learn about the nature of psychopathy is the confusion that surrounds the labels people apply to the condition.

Murder Mysteries

By Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on June 26, 2019 in Shadow Boxing

When serial killers confess, it's unclear when they're telling the truth or just having fun.

When serial killers confess, it's unclear when they're telling the truth or just having fun.

Does Your State Have a High Prevalence of Psychopaths?

By Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on June 18, 2019 in The Social Thinker

A new study creates a geographical portrait of the prevalence of psychopaths in each U.S. state.

A new study creates a geographical portrait of the prevalence of psychopaths in each U.S. state.

Recent Posts

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The Striking Psychopath

By Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on July 08, 2019 in Shadow Boxing

Female psychopaths blessed with beauty turn it into a tool that enhances their domination of others.

Female psychopaths blessed with beauty turn it into a tool that enhances their domination of others.

Don’t Believe the Hype: Shining a Light on the Dark Triad

By Joshua D. Miller, Ph.D., and Donald R. Lynam, Ph.D. on July 03, 2019 in Personality and Its Problems

Interested in the Dark Triad? Who isn't? But here are a few reasons why some caution is required in interpreting the studies.

Interested in the Dark Triad? Who isn't? But here are a few reasons why some caution is required in interpreting the studies.

Psychopathic, Sociopathic, or Antisocial Personality?

By Dean A. Haycock Ph.D. on July 02, 2019 in Tyrannical Minds

A good indication of how much we still have to learn about the nature of psychopathy is the confusion that surrounds the labels people apply to the condition.

A good indication of how much we still have to learn about the nature of psychopathy is the confusion that surrounds the labels people apply to the condition.

What Motivates Psychopathic Killers?

By Berit Brogaard D.M.Sci., Ph.D on June 28, 2019 in The Superhuman Mind

Why do psychopathic killers commit murder? The answer turns on their addiction to high-risk activities coupled with their deep-seated hatred for certain types of people.

Why do psychopathic killers commit murder? The answer turns on their addiction to high-risk activities coupled with their deep-seated hatred for certain types of people.

Why Contemptuous People Have Fragile Self-Esteem

By Berit Brogaard D.M.Sci., Ph.D on June 26, 2019 in The Mysteries of Love

The contemptuous person looks down on others yet has a fragile self-esteem. The vulnerable dark triad of personality explains why.

The contemptuous person looks down on others yet has a fragile self-esteem. The vulnerable dark triad of personality explains why.

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Murder Mysteries

By Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on June 26, 2019 in Shadow Boxing

When serial killers confess, it's unclear when they're telling the truth or just having fun.

When serial killers confess, it's unclear when they're telling the truth or just having fun.

The Seduction by Gaspare_Traversi

Sexual Well-Being and the Dark Triad

By Scott A. McGreal MSc. on June 24, 2019 in Unique—Like Everybody Else

The so-called "dark triad" traits may have mixed effects for the quality of a person's sexual life

The so-called "dark triad" traits may have mixed effects for the quality of a person's sexual life

Does Your State Have a High Prevalence of Psychopaths?

By Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on June 18, 2019 in The Social Thinker

A new study creates a geographical portrait of the prevalence of psychopaths in each U.S. state.

A new study creates a geographical portrait of the prevalence of psychopaths in each U.S. state.

"My Child Wants to Kill Me"

By Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on June 07, 2019 in Shadow Boxing

Some children who harbor homicidal thoughts toward their parents set plans in motion. It's rare, but still frightening.

Some children who harbor homicidal thoughts toward their parents set plans in motion. It's rare, but still frightening.

Predictable Paranoia in Tyrannical Minds

By Dean A. Haycock Ph.D. on June 01, 2019 in Tyrannical Minds

Six years later, in 1951, Stalin’s paranoia had, if anything, worsened as indicated by his behavior while on vacation.

Six years later, in 1951, Stalin’s paranoia had, if anything, worsened as indicated by his behavior while on vacation.

Meet Psychology Today's Bloggers on Psychopathy

Katherine Ramsland, Ph.D., is a professor of forensic psychology at DeSales University and the author of 60 books.

Julia Shaw, Ph.D., is a professor at University College London. She is best known for her work in the areas of false memory and criminal psychology.
Joni Johnston

Joni E. Johnston, Psy.D, is the author of Complete Idiot's Guide to Psychology.

Scott Bonn, Ph.D., is a criminologist, TV news commentator, and best-selling author of Why We Love Serial Killers: The Curious Appeal of the World's Savage Murderers.