Understand Psychopathy: Symptoms and Diagnosis

People usually use the word "psychopath" to describe people who have manipulative behaviors and lack empathy, guilt and remorse. But it is not a defined mental health condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5). In clinical diagnosis, it is a subtype of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Knowing more about psychopathy will help improve public attention to mental health and promote relative scientific research. Here is some basic knowledge about psychopathy.

Main Categories

Psychopathy is a complex personality disorder characterized by a range of behaviors and traits. It is generally agreed that psychopathy involves two main categories: primary psychopathy and secondary psychopathy. Although both subtypes are associated with antisocial behaviors, hostility and lack of empathy, they have different characteristics and underlying causes. It's important to note that an individual may exhibit mixed symptoms, which need a formal diagnosis by professional doctors.

1. Primary Psychopathy

Primary psychopathy predominantly exhibits interpersonal and emotional difficulties. It is characterized by grandiosity, manipulative behaviors, superficial charm, a lack of remorse and emotional deficit. Primary psychopathy is associated largely with genetic factors and innate personality. It is thought to be linked to dysfunction in brain regions controlling emotion.

2. Secondary Psychopathy

Secondary psychopathy mainly exhibits antisocial and impulsive behaviors. People with secondary psychopathic features are often portrayed as irresponsible, impulsive, lack of self-control and showing aggressive behaviors. Secondary psychopathy is believed to develop from environmental causes such as abuse, early trauma and bad life circumstances.

Symptoms: Lack of Empathy

Some psychopaths manage their emotions in a different way with ordinary people. They often have difficulty understanding how other people feel afraid, sad, or anxious. It's hard for them to get subtle emotional cues or form deep emotional bonds with others. The lack of empathy makes psychopaths more likely to stay indifferent to people who are suffering. They tend to harm or exploit others without any emotional burden.

Symptoms: Superficial Charm

Some psychopaths may exhibit positive personality traits such as confidence, trustfulness and patience, which help them establish friendships with others and influence them. They use false charisma and charm to camouflage their real intentions and achieve their own goals. Sometimes this process is carried out unconsciously. This trait can help psychopaths achieve worldly success and conceal their mental condition.

Symptoms: Manipulative Behavior

Some psychopaths have high tendencies of dominance. They are skilled at manipulating others to achieve their own goals, often without regard for the well-being of those around them. They may tell lies, exaggerate their achievements or distort the truth to gain advantage. They will also engage in instrumental aggression to threaten and control their victims. This can have potential and insidious effects on individuals around psychopaths.

Symptoms: Grandiosity

Some psychopaths have an inflated sense of self-worth and narcissistic tendencies. They usually believe they are unique and superior, deserving special treatment and admiration. In contrast with their exaggerated self-importance, their fragile self-esteem can be easily threatened by criticism or failure. They may react aggressively or defensively when their grandiose self-image is challenged.

Symptoms: Impulsivity

Some psychopaths have a tendency to act on immediate desires without considering the potential consequences. This results in their lack of long-term planning, self-control and risk assessment. They also tend to seek intense stimulation in dangerous activities and, therefore, are more likely to engage in criminal behavior. Their impulsive behaviors may result in negative outcomes for themselves and those around them.

The Incredible Health Benefits of Potato Skins

To clarify, by "potato skins," I am referring to the outer layer of potatoes, not the cheese and bacon-topped pub appetizer. The potato is undeniably one of the most versatile foods available, capable of transforming from a hard, relatively bland raw state to a variety of delectable dishes, such as French fries or potato soup, in just minutes. However, one contentious aspect of this beloved vegetable is its skin. While some people advocate for peeling potatoes—particularly for dishes like mashed potatoes—others argue that this practice diminishes the final product's quality. From a health perspective, which approach is superior? Should potato skins be left on or removed? Let’s examine the benefits of retaining the skins when preparing your favorite potato-based meals.

Potato Skins are Full of Fiber

Health professionals at Everyday Health emphasize the critical role fiber plays in digestion. Insufficient fiber intake—readily available in the skin of a potato—can result in lethargy and hinder effective food digestion, potentially leading to discomfort and serious health issues. Experts recommend that adults consume approximately 30 grams of fiber daily, while lower amounts are suitable for children and adolescents. To help your family meet their fiber needs, it is advisable to retain the skins on potatoes when preparing dishes such as mashed potatoes or baked potato wedges.

They’re Low Calorie

If you are adhering to a strict diet with the goal of improving your physical fitness, it is advisable to remove the skin from poultry and pork before cooking. Additionally, trimming the visible white fat, or marbling, from beef can be beneficial. While eliminating this fat may affect the flavor profile of your dishes, it significantly reduces the overall fat and calorie content. On the other hand, there is no need to peel your potatoes. According to LiveStrong, potato skins are fat-free and low in calories, making them harmless to your diet. Moreover, the fiber content in potato skins can help enhance satiety, potentially aiding in your dietary efforts.

Keep Skins for Added Flavor

Many individuals peel potatoes before cooking, believing the skins diminish the dish's overall flavor, whether it's mashed potatoes, French fries, or potato soup. However, consuming the skins separately is an option worth considering. While plain potato skins may lack pronounced flavor, enhancing them with complementary ingredients can make them quite appetizing. Additions such as corn, beans, margarine, cheese, and chives can transform them. For a healthier alternative, consider topping the potato skins with low-fat margarine and cheese, alongside green onions, tomatoes, and peppers.

The Skin Helps Regulate Blood Sugar

Potatoes, along with rice and various wheat-based products (including bread), are complex carbohydrates that the body converts into simple sugars, which then enter the bloodstream. For individuals who need to consistently monitor their blood sugar levels, such as those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, consuming foods like French fries, mashed potatoes, and potato bread can pose substantial health challenges. However, the fiber content in potato skins can partially mitigate this risk by slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugars, thereby reducing the potential surge in blood sugar levels.

Spuds are Easy to Prepare

Preparing a dish of potato skins can be remarkably straightforward, as they accommodate various methods of preparation. For those who enjoy crispy potato skins akin to potato chips, simply coat them with herbs and spices such as garlic, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, along with olive oil, crushed black pepper, and salt. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven. Alternatively, for a faster approach, heat a lightly oiled cooking pan on medium to high heat. Add your preferred herbs and spices as the skins cook, allowing for easy and quick stirring until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Waste Not…

To maximize the value of your resources, consider retaining potato skins instead of discarding them. Potato skins not only increase the quantity of your dishes, such as mashed potatoes, French fries, or a robust stew, but they also contribute beneficial fiber. This fiber can enhance satiety, reducing the likelihood of feeling hungry soon after eating and thus curbing unnecessary snacking.

Pros and Cons of Switching to a Vegetarian Diet

Transitioning from a meat-based diet to vegetarianism can be challenging, particularly in cultures where meat consumption is deeply ingrained. However, for individuals who are conscientious about their dietary choices and are disturbed by the methods of meat production, adopting a vegetarian lifestyle can be a rewarding endeavor. The key considerations are the advantages and disadvantages of making this dietary change. On the positive side, adopting a vegetarian diet can often lead to improved physical and mental health. Nonetheless, these benefits are not guaranteed, and some individuals may experience a decline in well-being after making the switch. It is essential to appropriately substitute meat with plant-based protein sources and avoid excessive consumption of sugary foods to maximize the potential health benefits.

Pro: Weight Loss Potential

An estimated one in 50 Americans currently adhere to a vegetarian diet, often with the goal of losing weight and maintaining a healthy body weight. While eliminating meat can significantly reduce fat and calorie intake, this benefit is contingent on replacing those calories with nutritious alternatives. It is crucial to substitute meat with plant-based proteins, as well as a variety of fruits and vegetables, rather than high-sugar options like donuts and cookies. Neglecting to do so may lead to fatigue and a lack of energy, making exercise difficult and potentially resulting in weight gain, contrary to the diet's intended effect.

Con: Not Getting Enough Nutrients

Vegetarians and vegans must be mindful of the nutritional deficiencies that can arise from excluding meat and animal products from their diets, such as vitamin B12 deficiency. B12 is predominantly found in meat, eggs, and dairy, making it a nutrient often lacking in vegetarian and especially vegan diets. To mitigate this, individuals can take B12 supplements or consume fortified foods like certain cereals, breads, orange juice, and soy milk. It is crucial for vegetarians and vegans to identify the specific vitamins and minerals they may be lacking and to supplement their diets accordingly to maintain optimal health.

Pro: Avoiding Heart Disease

Adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet can markedly lower the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. This benefit arises from eliminating meat, which is often high in fat and calories, and replacing it with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Studies indicate that such dietary adjustments can substantially decrease the incidence of heart-related issues, owing not just to the reduced consumption of meat, but also to the increased intake of potassium, fiber, and other essential nutrients. It is crucial, however, to refrain from excessive consumption of meat-free indulgences like french fries, mashed potatoes, donuts, candy, and chips, to maintain these health benefits.

Con: Lost Calcium

Switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet can lead to a decrease in calcium intake, primarily because dairy products, a main source of calcium, are often excluded. While vegetarians might continue consuming dairy products like eggs and yogurt, vegans typically avoid these foods, potentially resulting in insufficient calcium levels, which can negatively impact bone health. This issue is particularly concerning for women, who require higher calcium levels to prevent osteoporosis. However, there are effective ways to mitigate this risk. Calcium supplements can serve as a reliable alternative. Additionally, certain fortified foods, such as some cereals and fruit juices, can help boost calcium intake. It is also important to incorporate calcium-rich vegetables, such as bok choy, broccoli, and kale, into your diet. If you decide to adopt a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, ensure you proactively manage your calcium intake through diverse and nutritious sources.

Pro: Emotional Satisfaction Boost

Many individuals who consume meat regularly find it challenging to justify their habits, given the high costs associated with meat consumption. These costs include significant contributions to climate change, environmental degradation, and the ethical implications of animal slaughter. For those who are concerned about environmental sustainability and animal welfare, reconciling meat consumption with their values can be problematic. Eliminating meat from one's diet can resolve these concerns, offering emotional satisfaction by knowing they are no longer adversely contributing to these issues. This change holds considerable significance.

Pro: Cancer Risk Reduced

Eliminating certain types of meat, particularly those containing nitrates, from your diet can significantly reduce your risk of cancer. Substituting these meats with fruits and vegetables further minimizes this risk. It is important to note that consuming nitrate-rich meats, such as lunch meats and hot dogs, does not guarantee cancer development, just as being vegetarian or vegan does not ensure immunity from cancer, especially if other carcinogenic factors or a family history of cancer are present. However, adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet may be a prudent choice to lower cancer risk, particularly if you have a family history of the disease.

Pro: Type 2 Diabetes Risk Reduced

Type 2 diabetes poses a significant health risk to North Americans, especially among vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly, who are already susceptible to various health issues. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is typically diagnosed at birth, type 2 diabetes often develops later in life, largely due to an imbalanced diet lacking in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reducing the intake of high-fat meats can substantially lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, which, if not managed properly, can lead to severe complications including blindness, limb amputation, and death. However, the benefits of eliminating high-fat meat products are negated if they are substituted with foods high in processed sugars and saturated fats. Registered dietitian Julie Ching notes that many vegetarians tend to consume more carbohydrates and high-sugar foods due to a lack of satiety, which can lead to unwanted weight gain and subsequently increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.