What is Psychopathy

8/12/2019 What is Psychopathy

1/8

What Is Psychopathy?

There is much misunderstanding surrounding the term psychopathy." At

one time it was used to label any form of mental disorder, and is still often

confused with the term psychosis. But even as early as the 1th century,

the term moral insanity was used describe those displaying antisocial

behavior !#arin $%%1&.

As understood today, psychopathy is a specific form of psychological

personality disordercharacteri#ed by lac' of empathy or conscience, a

difficulty controlling impulses and manipulative behaviors !A(A $%%%&.(sychopaths can be charming, and are adept at focusing their cold,

calculating efforts solely on self)gratification, typically at the e*pense of

others.

Subcriminal Psychopaths

+eve heard of psychopaths in the news and seen them portrayed by

-ollywood, but highly publici#ed cases of psychopathy are uncommon

e*amples of this disorder. nly a minority of diagnosable psychopaths are

murderers. The maority of psychopaths victimi#e others via non)lethal

means, manipulating, deceiving, and swindling the unsuspecting !-are 1///,

0illon 1//&.

Psychopathic Emotional Deficit

(sychopaths can almost be thought of as emotionally disabled in that they

appear to e*perience a very limited range of human emotions. They 'now

the difference between what society considers right and wrong, but do

not e*perience, and cannot empathi#e with, the feelings of suffering,

remorse, elation and love that are normally part of the human e*perience.
http://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_is_a_personality_disorderhttp://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_is_a_personality_disorder


2/8

ot only do psychopaths lac' emotions of conscience and empathy, but

research has shown that they are also indifferent to the threat of physical

pain and punishment in general, and show no indications of fear when

threatened !-are 1///&. This certainly begs the 2uestion, Can

psychopaths be rehabilitated3

Ads by 4oogle

UPEACE Institute in June

5hort courses in 6osta 7ica on (eace and 6onflict issues

www.upeace.orgSupport Burma Boycott6all to support tourism concerns. 6all to boycott Burma tourism.www.webwire.com

Dianosin Psychopathy

Dr! "obert #are, a leading e*pert in psychopathy, and author of the

fascinating boo' +ithout 6onscience8 The 9isturbing +orld of

(sychopaths Among :s, devised a clinical chec'list that is used to

professionally dianose psychopathy. -owever, clinical psychology does not

officially categori#e the term. (sychopathy is not e*plicitly listed in

psychologys diagnostic bible the 950); of males and 1.$> of females showed evidence of a lifetime ris' for

the disorder. -owever the prevalence in penitentiaries has been estimated

to be as high as ?=>. Antisocial Personality Disorderis significantly more

common among men than among women, and also shows an elevated
http://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/can_psychopaths_be_rehabilitatedhttp://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/can_psychopaths_be_rehabilitatedhttp://services.google.com/feedback/abg?url=http://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_is_psychopathy&hl=en&client=ca-pub-7332027313721357&adU=7witches.com&adT=Free+Aura+Cleansing+Spell&adU=YouthForHumanRights.org&adT=Learn+About+Human+Rights&adU=blogs.america.gov&adT=By+the+People&adU=Scientology.org&adT=Scientology+Video+Channel&adU=www.AidDarfur.org&adT=Meryl+Streep+-Aid+Darfur&adU=CCHR.org&adT=Psychiatric+Drug+Effects&adU=www.upeace.org&adT=UPEACE+Institute+in+June&adU=www.webwire.com&adT=Support+Burma+Boycott&adU=YouTube.com/ChurchOfScientology&adT=Scientology:Get+The+Facts&adU=www.lawyersandsettlements.com&adT=Civil+Rights+Legal+Help&adU=www.justiceforkhojaly.org&adT=Demand+justice+now&adU=www.gavison-medan.org.il&adT=%D7%9E%D7%94+%D7%93%D7%A2%D7%AA%D7%9B%D7%9D+%D7%A2%D7%9C+Civil+rights%3F&adU=www.lexeconsolutions.com&adT=Law+Offshoring+Consulting&adU=www.allbusiness.com&adT=African+Americans+Civil+Rights&adU=www.Cuidarseesdisfrutar.com.mx&adT=Prevenir+influenza&adU=vids.rationalveracity.com&adT=Veracity+Videos&adU=www.llm-guide.com/&adT=LLM-Guide.com&adU=www.gurkanandgurkan.com&adT=Gurkan+%26amp%3B+Gurkan&adU=EuropeanCourier.org&adT=Chavez+will+be+Ousted&adU=PowerBacks.com/PowerPoint_Templates&adT=Free+PowerPoint+Templates&done=1http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BeHWs8EMdSojEDJ_2wwX799DHBeiJ6o0BztGA9QzAjbcBsMwLEAcYByD1rvYBKBQ4AFCEuczhBWDl4_2E1BayASFwZXJzb25hbGl0eWRpc29yZGVycy5zdWl0ZTEwMS5jb23IAQHaAUhodHRwOi8vcGVyc29uYWxpdHlkaXNvcmRlcnMuc3VpdGUxMDEuY29tL2FydGljbGUuY2ZtL3doYXRfaXNfcHN5Y2hvcGF0aHmAAgHIApbM7guoAwHoA7UD6AOfBOgDoAH1AwAAAAQ&num=7&sig=AGiWqtyXQiveN3HnfwaClM9aJJBivIJ8qw&client=ca-pub-7332027313721357&adurl=http://www.upeace.org/academic/training/institute/june/http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BeHWs8EMdSojEDJ_2wwX799DHBeiJ6o0BztGA9QzAjbcBsMwLEAcYByD1rvYBKBQ4AFCEuczhBWDl4_2E1BayASFwZXJzb25hbGl0eWRpc29yZGVycy5zdWl0ZTEwMS5jb23IAQHaAUhodHRwOi8vcGVyc29uYWxpdHlkaXNvcmRlcnMuc3VpdGUxMDEuY29tL2FydGljbGUuY2ZtL3doYXRfaXNfcHN5Y2hvcGF0aHmAAgHIApbM7guoAwHoA7UD6AOfBOgDoAH1AwAAAAQ&num=7&sig=AGiWqtyXQiveN3HnfwaClM9aJJBivIJ8qw&client=ca-pub-7332027313721357&adurl=http://www.upeace.org/academic/training/institute/june/http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BotGx8EMdSojEDJ_2wwX799DHBdXXh4MB5b6L-ArAjbcBwJoMEAgYCCD1rvYBKBQ4AFC1r78DYOXj_YTUFqAB7ZfK_gOyASFwZXJzb25hbGl0eWRpc29yZGVycy5zdWl0ZTEwMS5jb23IAQHaAUhodHRwOi8vcGVyc29uYWxpdHlkaXNvcmRlcnMuc3VpdGUxMDEuY29tL2FydGljbGUuY2ZtL3doYXRfaXNfcHN5Y2hvcGF0aHmAAgGoAwHoA7UD6AOfBOgDoAH1AwAAAAQ&num=8&sig=AGiWqtzW8sVrp2vBLcOIn8msjFjaN_c9sg&client=ca-pub-7332027313721357&adurl=http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp%3FaId%3D89384http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BotGx8EMdSojEDJ_2wwX799DHBdXXh4MB5b6L-ArAjbcBwJoMEAgYCCD1rvYBKBQ4AFC1r78DYOXj_YTUFqAB7ZfK_gOyASFwZXJzb25hbGl0eWRpc29yZGVycy5zdWl0ZTEwMS5jb23IAQHaAUhodHRwOi8vcGVyc29uYWxpdHlkaXNvcmRlcnMuc3VpdGUxMDEuY29tL2FydGljbGUuY2ZtL3doYXRfaXNfcHN5Y2hvcGF0aHmAAgGoAwHoA7UD6AOfBOgDoAH1AwAAAAQ&num=8&sig=AGiWqtzW8sVrp2vBLcOIn8msjFjaN_c9sg&client=ca-pub-7332027313721357&adurl=http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp%3FaId%3D89384http://www.hare.org/http://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_can_psychopaths_be_identifiedhttp://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/antisocial_personalityhttp://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/can_psychopaths_be_rehabilitatedhttp://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/can_psychopaths_be_rehabilitatedhttp://services.google.com/feedback/abg?url=http://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_is_psychopathy&hl=en&client=ca-pub-7332027313721357&adU=7witches.com&adT=Free+Aura+Cleansing+Spell&adU=YouthForHumanRights.org&adT=Learn+About+Human+Rights&adU=blogs.america.gov&adT=By+the+People&adU=Scientology.org&adT=Scientology+Video+Channel&adU=www.AidDarfur.org&adT=Meryl+Streep+-Aid+Darfur&adU=CCHR.org&adT=Psychiatric+Drug+Effects&adU=www.upeace.org&adT=UPEACE+Institute+in+June&adU=www.webwire.com&adT=Support+Burma+Boycott&adU=YouTube.com/ChurchOfScientology&adT=Scientology:Get+The+Facts&adU=www.lawyersandsettlements.com&adT=Civil+Rights+Legal+Help&adU=www.justiceforkhojaly.org&adT=Demand+justice+now&adU=www.gavison-medan.org.il&adT=%D7%9E%D7%94+%D7%93%D7%A2%D7%AA%D7%9B%D7%9D+%D7%A2%D7%9C+Civil+rights%3F&adU=www.lexeconsolutions.com&adT=Law+Offshoring+Consulting&adU=www.allbusiness.com&adT=African+Americans+Civil+Rights&adU=www.Cuidarseesdisfrutar.com.mx&adT=Prevenir+influenza&adU=vids.rationalveracity.com&adT=Veracity+Videos&adU=www.llm-guide.com/&adT=LLM-Guide.com&adU=www.gurkanandgurkan.com&adT=Gurkan+%26amp%3B+Gurkan&adU=EuropeanCourier.org&adT=Chavez+will+be+Ousted&adU=PowerBacks.com/PowerPoint_Templates&adT=Free+PowerPoint+Templates&done=1http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BeHWs8EMdSojEDJ_2wwX799DHBeiJ6o0BztGA9QzAjbcBsMwLEAcYByD1rvYBKBQ4AFCEuczhBWDl4_2E1BayASFwZXJzb25hbGl0eWRpc29yZGVycy5zdWl0ZTEwMS5jb23IAQHaAUhodHRwOi8vcGVyc29uYWxpdHlkaXNvcmRlcnMuc3VpdGUxMDEuY29tL2FydGljbGUuY2ZtL3doYXRfaXNfcHN5Y2hvcGF0aHmAAgHIApbM7guoAwHoA7UD6AOfBOgDoAH1AwAAAAQ&num=7&sig=AGiWqtyXQiveN3HnfwaClM9aJJBivIJ8qw&client=ca-pub-7332027313721357&adurl=http://www.upeace.org/academic/training/institute/june/http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BeHWs8EMdSojEDJ_2wwX799DHBeiJ6o0BztGA9QzAjbcBsMwLEAcYByD1rvYBKBQ4AFCEuczhBWDl4_2E1BayASFwZXJzb25hbGl0eWRpc29yZGVycy5zdWl0ZTEwMS5jb23IAQHaAUhodHRwOi8vcGVyc29uYWxpdHlkaXNvcmRlcnMuc3VpdGUxMDEuY29tL2FydGljbGUuY2ZtL3doYXRfaXNfcHN5Y2hvcGF0aHmAAgHIApbM7guoAwHoA7UD6AOfBOgDoAH1AwAAAAQ&num=7&sig=AGiWqtyXQiveN3HnfwaClM9aJJBivIJ8qw&client=ca-pub-7332027313721357&adurl=http://www.upeace.org/academic/training/institute/june/http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BotGx8EMdSojEDJ_2wwX799DHBdXXh4MB5b6L-ArAjbcBwJoMEAgYCCD1rvYBKBQ4AFC1r78DYOXj_YTUFqAB7ZfK_gOyASFwZXJzb25hbGl0eWRpc29yZGVycy5zdWl0ZTEwMS5jb23IAQHaAUhodHRwOi8vcGVyc29uYWxpdHlkaXNvcmRlcnMuc3VpdGUxMDEuY29tL2FydGljbGUuY2ZtL3doYXRfaXNfcHN5Y2hvcGF0aHmAAgGoAwHoA7UD6AOfBOgDoAH1AwAAAAQ&num=8&sig=AGiWqtzW8sVrp2vBLcOIn8msjFjaN_c9sg&client=ca-pub-7332027313721357&adurl=http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp%3FaId%3D89384http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BotGx8EMdSojEDJ_2wwX799DHBdXXh4MB5b6L-ArAjbcBwJoMEAgYCCD1rvYBKBQ4AFC1r78DYOXj_YTUFqAB7ZfK_gOyASFwZXJzb25hbGl0eWRpc29yZGVycy5zdWl0ZTEwMS5jb23IAQHaAUhodHRwOi8vcGVyc29uYWxpdHlkaXNvcmRlcnMuc3VpdGUxMDEuY29tL2FydGljbGUuY2ZtL3doYXRfaXNfcHN5Y2hvcGF0aHmAAgGoAwHoA7UD6AOfBOgDoAH1AwAAAAQ&num=8&sig=AGiWqtzW8sVrp2vBLcOIn8msjFjaN_c9sg&client=ca-pub-7332027313721357&adurl=http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp%3FaId%3D89384http://www.hare.org/http://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_can_psychopaths_be_identifiedhttp://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/antisocial_personality


3/8

prevalence among patients in alcohol or other drug abuse treatment

programs than in the general population.

Characteristics Associated $ith Psychopathy

Although Antisocial (ersonality 9isorder cannot be 2uic'ly diagnosed with a

simple inventory of characteristics, it is easier to understand what

psychopathy means by loo'ing at a list of traits common to those diagnosed

with Antisocial (ersonality 9isorder !A(A $%%%&. 5ome of these include8

@ac' of remorse for hurting others

5uperficial charm

;mpulsiveness or rec'lessness

*treme sense of entitlement

;nability form long)lasting friendships

@ac' of remorse or guilt

9ifficulty with authority figures

(ersistent lying or stealing

7ecurring difficulties with the law

Tendency to violate others rights

Aggressive or violent behavior

;nability to 'eep a steady ob

(ersistent agitated or depressed feeling

;nability to tolerate boredom

9isregard for the safety of self and others

%ore Information on Psychopathy

Additional resources on psychopathy and personality disorders in general

include8 Psycholoy Prof &nline, 'he %ayo Clinic8 0ental -ealth 6enter

and the article Personality Disorders8 Brief 5ummary of the Ten 9isorders

of (ersonality.
http://www.psychologyprofonline.org/http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/personality-disorders/DS00562http://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/personality_disordershttp://www.psychologyprofonline.org/http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/personality-disorders/DS00562http://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/personality_disorders


4/8

This 5uite 1%1 article summari#es information on A(9 and psychopathy.

The contents of this article are not meant to be used for diagnosis and are

not a substitute for professional help and counseling.

Additional Psychopathy "esources

-are, 7. 9. !1///& +ithout 6onscience8 The 9isturbing +orld of the

(sychopaths among :s.4uiford (ress.

0illon, T. et al. !1//& (sychopathy8 Antisocial, 6riminal and


5/8

But first of all, here is Cleckley's original list of symptoms of a psychopath:

1. Considerable superficial charm and aerage or aboe aerage intelligence.

!. Absence of delusions and other signs of irrational thinking

". Absence of an#iety or other $neurotic$ symptoms considerable poise, calmness,and erbal facility.

%. &nreliability, disregard for obligations no sense of responsibility, in matters oflittle and great import.

.&ntruthfulness and insincerity

(. Antisocial behaior )hich is inade*uately motiated and poorly planned, seeming

to stem from an ine#plicable impulsieness.

(.+nade*uately motiated antisocial behaior

.Poor -udgment and failure to learn from e#perience

. Pathological egocentricity. /otal self0centeredness incapacity for real loe andattachment.

1. 2eneral poerty ot deep and lasting emotions.

11. 3ack of any true insight, inability to see oneself as others do.

1!. +ngratitude for any special considerations, kindness, and trust.

1". 4antastic and ob-ectionable behaior, after drinking and sometimes een )hennot drinking00ulgarity, rudeness, *uick mood shifts, pranks.

1%. 5o history of genuine suicide attempts.

1. An impersonal, triial, and poorly integrated se6 life.

17. 4ailure to hae a life plan and to lie in any ordered )ay, unless it be onepromoting self0defeat.

$...8ore often than not, the typical psychopath )ill seem particularly agreeable andmake a distinctly positie impression )hen he is first encountered. Alert and

friendly in his attitude, he is easy to talk )ith and seems to hae a good manygenuine interests. /here is nothing at all odd or *ueer about him, and in eery

respect he tends to embody the concept of a )ell0ad-usted, happy person. 5or doeshe, on the other hand, seem to be artificially e#erting himself like one )ho is

coering up or )ho )ants to sell you a bill of goods. 9e )ould seldom be confused)ith the professional backslapper or someone )ho is trying to ingratiate himself fora concealed purpose. Signs of affectation or e#cessie affability are notcharacteristic. 9e looks like the real thing.

$ery often indications of good sense and sound reasoning )ill emerge, and one is

likely to feel soon after meeting him that this normal and pleasant person is alsoone )ith 0high abilities. Psychometric tests also ery fre*uently sho) him of


6/8

superior intelligence. 8ore than the aerage person, he is likely to seem free fromsocial or emotional impediments, from the minor distortions, peculiarities, anda)k)ardnesses so common een among the successful. Such superficialcharacteristics are not uniersal in this group but they are ery common...$

$...+t must be granted of course that the psychopath has some affect. Affect is,

perhaps, a component in the sum of life reactions een in the unicellularprotoplasmic entity. Certainly in all mammals it is obious. /he relatiely petty

states of pleasure, e#ation, and animosity e#perienced by the psychopath haebeen mentioned. /he opinion here maintained is that he fails to kno) all thosemore serious and deeply moing affectie states )hich make up the tragedy andtriumph of ordinary life, of life at the leel of important human e#perience...$

Hare's Checklist

1. GLIB and SUPERFICIAL CHARM-- the tendency to be smooth, engaging,

charming, slick, and verbally facile. Psychopathic charm is not in the least shy, self-

conscious, or afraid to say anything. A psychopath never gets tongue-tied. They havefreed themselves from the social conventions about taking turns in talking, for

example. >

2. GRA!I"SE SELF#$"R%H-- a grossly inflated view of ones abilities and self-

worth, self-assured, opinionated, cocky, a braggart. Psychopaths are arrogant people

who believe they are superior human beings.

&. EE! F"R S%IMULA%I" r PR"EESS %" B"RE!"M -- an excessive

need for novel, thrilling, and exciting stimulation! taking chances and doing things that

are risky. Psychopaths often have a low self-discipline in carrying tasks through to

completion because they get bored easily. They fail to work at the same "ob for anylength of time, for example, or to finish tasks that they consider dull or routine.

(. PA%H"L"GICAL L)IG-- can be moderate or high! in moderate form, they will

be shrewd, crafty, cunning, sly, and clever! in extreme form, they will be deceptive,

deceitful, underhanded, unscrupulous, manipulative, and dishonest.

*. C"IG A! MAIPULA%I+EESS- the use of deceit and deception to

cheat, con, or defraud others for personal gain! distinguished from #tem $% in the degree

to which exploitation and callous ruthlessness is present, as reflected in a lack of

concern for the feelings and suffering of ones victims.

,. LAC- "F REM"RSE "R GUIL%-- a lack of feelings or concern for the losses,

pain, and suffering of victims! a tendency to be unconcerned, dispassionate,

coldhearted, and unempathic. This item is usually demonstrated by a disdain for ones

victims.

. SHALL"$ AFFEC%-- emotional poverty or a limited range or depth of feelings!

interpersonal coldness in spite of signs of open gregariousness.

/. CALL"USESS and LAC- "F EMPA%H)-- a lack of feelings toward people in

general! cold, contemptuous, inconsiderate, and tactless.


7/8

0. PARASI%IC LIFES%)LE-- an intentional, manipulative, selfish, and exploitative

financial dependence on others as reflected in a lack of motivation, low self-discipline,

and inability to begin or complete responsibilities.

1. P""R BEHA+I"RAL C"%R"LS-- expressions of irritability, annoyance,

impatience, threats, aggression, and verbal abuse! inade&uate control of anger andtemper! acting hastily.

11. PR"MISCU"US SEUAL BEHA+I"R-- a variety of brief, superficial

relations, numerous affairs, and an indiscriminate selection of sexual partners! the

maintenance of several relationships at the same time! a history of attempts to sexually

coerce others into sexual activity or taking great pride at discussing sexual exploits or

con&uests.

12. EARL) BEHA+I"R PR"BLEMS-- a variety of behaviors prior to age '(,

including lying, theft, cheating, vandalism, bullying, sexual activity, fire-setting, glue-

sniffing, alcohol use, and running away from home.

1&. LAC- "F REALIS%IC3 L"G#%ERM G"ALS-- an inability or persistent

failure to develop and execute long-term plans and goals! a nomadic existence, aimless,

lacking direction in life.

1(. IMPULSI+I%)-- the occurrence of behaviors that are unpremeditated and lack

reflection or planning! inability to resist temptation, frustrations, and urges! a lack of

deliberation without considering the conse&uences! foolhardy, rash, unpredictable,

erratic, and reckless.

1*. IRRESP"SIBILI%)-- repeated failure to fulfill or honor obligations and

commitments! such as not paying bills, defaulting on loans, performing sloppy work,

being absent or late to work, failing to honor contractual agreements.

1,. FAILURE %" ACCEP% RESP"SIBILI%) F"R "$ AC%I"S-- a failure

to accept responsibility for ones actions reflected in low conscientiousness, an absence

of dutifulness, antagonistic manipulation, denial of responsibility, and an effort to

manipulate others through this denial.

1. MA) SH"R%#%ERM MARI%AL RELA%I"SHIPS-- a lack of commitment

to a long-term relationship reflected in inconsistent, undependable, and unreliablecommitments in life, including marital.

1/. 4U+EILE !ELI5UEC)-- behavior problems between the ages of '(-')!

mostly behaviors that are crimes or clearly involve aspects of antagonism, exploitation,

aggression, manipulation, or a callous, ruthless tough-mindedness.

10. RE+"CA%I" "F C"!I%I" RELEASE -- a revocation of probation or

other conditional release due to technical violations, such as carelessness, low

deliberation, or failing to appear.


8/8

2. CRIMIAL +ERSA%ILI%)-- a diversity of types of criminal offenses,

regardless if the person has been arrested or convicted for them! taking great pride at

getting away with crimes.

I%ERE% RES"URCES

%he Antiscial Persnalit6 !isrder H7e8a9e!r. Hare's Ps6ch8ath6:Antiscial Persnalit6 Cn; Ps6ch8aths r Sci8aths

PRI%E! RES"URCES

Cleckle63 Her?e6 @10/( The Mask of Sanity3 Fi;th Editin3 10//. Pre?i Ci?ic Research Instit Prae9er.

Hare3 R. @1001 The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-evised. %rnt> M

What is Psychopathy

Documents

Transcript of What is Psychopathy