Psychological terms such as psychopath tend to stir up some confusion as we can use it to describe an individual with a mental illness. However, it is not an official diagnosis. The true definition of a psychopath in psychiatry is antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). This describes an individual who shows patterns of manipulation and violation towards others.
The word psychopath is often misused by the general public. That is why it is important to de-mystify the term and explain the correct diagnosis and terminology to use when describing this particular set of behaviors.
To many, the term psychopath evokes the image of a serial killer or mass murderer. However, the complex disorder is more common than we perceive.
Common Traits and Behaviors
It is important to distinguish between psychopaths and individuals with psychopathic traits. It is possible to exhibit several psychopathic traits without being an actual psychopath.
- Antisocial behavior
- Narcissism
- Superficial charm
- Impulsivity
- Callous and unemotional traits
- Lack of guilt
- Lack of empathy
Nature Over Nurture
Despite the fact that some individuals might have a biological inclination towards psychopathic behavior, the role of upbringing and environment is equally as important.
Psychopaths are thought to make up about 1% of the population, and an even higher percentage of people have psychopathic, narcissistic, and sociopathic traits, such as an inflated sense of self or a lack of emotion.
Whether psychopaths are born or made over time can be considered as a grey area.
The genes that make us unfeeling or narcissistic are often selected in evolution because they have benefits, especially if you are in a profession or occupation where a cool head is paramount.
Subclinical Psychopaths
Robert Hare, the criminal psychologist who developed the test used to evaluate psychopaths explains –
“Many psychopaths never go to prison or any other facility. They appear to function reasonably well – as lawyers, doctors, psychiatrists, academics, mercenaries, police officers, cult leaders, military personnel, businesspeople, writers, artists, entertainers, and so forth – without breaking the law, or at least without being caught and convicted.”
These individuals are every bit as egocentric, callous, and manipulative as the average criminal psychopath. However, their intelligence, family background, social skills, and circumstances permit them to construct a facade of normalcy and to get what they want with relative impunity.