How to Recognize Traits of Psychopathy: 5 Ways
The term “psychopath” is frequently used, but its definition is not widely understood. It is important to understand what psychopathy really means and how to identify its characteristics.
Contrary to popular belief, being a psychopath does not necessarily equate to being inherently violent. Additionally, psychopathy is often confused with sociopathy.
In fact, neither psychopathy nor sociopathy is an official mental health diagnosis. In the field of psychiatry, both are considered to fall under the category of a disorder known as Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Eric Patterson, a licensed professional counselor from Cabot, Pennsylvania, notes that there is a significant amount of false information surrounding psychopathy. He explains that the term “psycho” often carries a negative connotation.
Patterson explains that using a diagnosis like antisocial personality disorder provides experts with a standardized set of criteria for diagnosis.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this disorder to recognize it in individuals. Here are some indicators to look for:
A lack of concern or consideration for other people’s feelings and societal norms.
According to Patterson, disregarding others is a major indication of ASPD. This conduct entails disregarding the rights of others and the laws and regulations established by society.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, individuals with ASPD demonstrate a persistent pattern of disregarding and violating the rights of others. In diagnosing ASPD, mental health professionals typically look for a pattern of behavior that begins in adolescence, around the age of 15.
However, the onset of symptoms for ASPD often occurs in childhood or adolescence, according to experts.
Those with ASPD often exhibit a disregard for societal norms and may engage in unlawful activities. Such behaviors can result in legal trouble for the individual.
People with ASPD are known for their lack of empathy and are often indifferent to how their actions affect others.
A study conducted in 2018 indicates that individuals with psychopathy possess the ability to perceive things from another person’s point of view. However, they lack proficiency in this area, which leads to their disregard for the well-being of others.
Lying and manipulation
Individuals with ASPD are prone to engaging in deceitful behavior, which includes frequent lying and even using fake identities or aliases.
Such lies are usually aimed at achieving personal gains such as financial benefits or sex. They may charm and flatter people in order to manipulate them, or even blackmail them for their own benefit.
Aggressiveness
While not all people with ASPD exhibit physical aggression, irritability and aggressive behavior are common traits.
This aggression may take the form of physical fights, but it can also be non-physical, such as verbal aggression, threats, and intimidation.
Impulsiveness
Individuals with ASPD may exhibit impulsive behavior, which means they engage in actions without considering the potential consequences. In these “risky” situations, they may disregard their own safety or the safety of others.
To some extent, people with ASPD are more prone to substance abuse than others, possibly because of their impulsivity and their tendency to seek out stimulation and excitement.
Individuals with ASPD are also more likely to engage in impulsive sexual behaviors, which puts them at a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Additionally, they have a higher likelihood of early mortality due to accidents, injuries, and suicide.
Lack of remorse
Individuals with ASPD exhibit a common pattern of lacking remo
rse for their actions, regardless of the form it takes, be it manipulation, lying, or illegal behavior. They typically do not experience guilt over their actions and may try to justify the harm they have caused.
However, not all people with ASPD exhibit all the symptoms of the disorder, as some may display aggression or physical harm, while others may engage in covert manipulation.
The presentation of psychopathic traits can differ among individuals, and not all psychopaths exhibit physical violence.
The main characteristic of people with ASPD is that they use others to achieve their goals, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to reach their desired outcomes.
It’s important to note that each person with ASPD may not display all symptoms and the severity may vary.
How is psychopathy diagnosed?
The DSM-5 does not recognize psychopathy as an official diagnosis, and instead, individuals with symptoms similar to psychopathy are diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder.
According to Patterson, some believe that because ASPD has a greater impact on the individual’s loved ones and the community than on the individual themselves, it is not a mental health condition.
However, he argues that this is an incorrect way to classify a mental health condition, as other conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia may also affect those around the individual more than the individual themselves.
Patterson explains that professionals who assess for antisocial personality disorder include:
- professional counselors
- psychologists
- psychiatrists
Patterson explains that a semi-structured interview is usually conducted during an assessment of ASPD.
Additionally, since individuals with this condition tend to shift the blame for their actions onto others, mental health professionals may seek input from family members or other individuals in their life.
This type of inquiry may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the individual’s behavior compared to relying solely on the interview. This is due to the fact that individuals with ASPD may deceive and manipulate during the interview.
The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is another assessment tool used for diagnosis. However, it’s crucial for those administering the test to use it properly. Originally, the checklist was developed for the diagnosis of specific male adult populations, including males in correctional facilities.
Qualified mental health professionals may use the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) with female and adolescent offenders and those who have committed sexual offenses.
The DSM-5 specifies that to receive a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, a person must have displayed a pattern of at least three specific behaviors since the age of 15.
However, mental health professionals only diagnose the disorder in individuals who are 18 years old or older.
To be diagnosed with ASPD, a person’s antisocial tendencies must occur more than only during or episodes, according to the DSM-5.
ASPD, often known as psychopathy, is a chronic condition.
ASPD is a tough mental health disorder to treat, according to experts. Nevertheless, certain medications, such as, may assist with specific symptoms such as aggression.
Yet, because persons with ASPD frequently explain and blame others for their behaviors and difficulties, it is unlikely that they would seek therapy on their own.
If you have been impacted by someone with ASPD, you may be unable to assist that person. Yet, resources are available to assist you in healing.
And keep in mind that just because someone with psychopathy has injured you does not imply that you are defective. You are not to blame.
5 sources
- Antisocial personality disorder. (2017).
mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/personality-disorders/antisocial-personality-disorder - Drayton LA, et al. (2018). Psychopaths fail to automatically take the perspective of others.
pnas.org/content/115/13/3302 - Fisher KA, et al. (2021). Antisocial personality disorder.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546673/ - Patterson E. (2021). Personal interview.
- Psychopathy scales. (n.d.).
hare.org/scales/pclr.html