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.