However, only a small number of individuals with antisocial personality disorder are considered to be a psychopath.
Common Psychopath Traits
Psychopathic behavior varies greatly from one individual to another.
Some are sex offenders and murderers, while others may be successful leaders.
Verywell / Laura Porter
It all depends on their traits.
Its also important to distinguish between a psychopath and someone with psychopathic traits.
Only individuals with psychopathic traits who also exhibit antisocial behavior are considered to be psychopaths.
Is There a Psychopath Test?
Signs of a Psychopath
Psychopathic traits may emerge during childhood and grow worse with age.
The following are some of the most common signs of a psychopath.
Superficial Charm
Psychopaths are often likable on the surface.
Theyre usuallygood conversationalistsand share stories that make them look good.
Need for Stimulation
A psychopath loves excitement.
Quite often, a psychopath’s need for stimulation involves breaking rules.
Pathological Lying
Psychopathstell liesto look good and get out of trouble.
They are known to tell lies even when it is easier to tell the truth.
They also tell lies to cover up their previous lies.
So, they have difficulty keeping their stories straight sometimes as they forget what theyve said.
Grandiose Sense of Self-Worth
A psychopath has aninflated view of themselves.
They see themselves as important and entitled.
Manipulative
Psychopaths are really good at getting other people to do what they want.
They mayplay on a persons guiltwhile lying to get someone else to do their work for them.
Lack of Remorse
A psychopath doesnt care how their behavior affects other people.
Ultimately, psychopaths dont experience guilt for causing people pain.
In fact, they often rationalize their behavior and blame other people.
Shallow Affect
Psychopaths dontshow many emotionsat least not genuine ones.
They may appear cold and unemotional much of the time.
But when it serves them well, a psychopath might exhibit a dramatic display of feelings.
These are usually short-lived and quite shallow.
But they dont really experience these emotions.
It just doesnt make sense to them.
A psychopath is completely indifferent to people who are sufferingeven when its a close friend or family member.
Then they take advantage of the kindness of others by depending on them financially.
A psychopath uses people to get whatever they can with no regard for how the other person may feel.
Poor Behavioral Controls
Psychopaths struggle to follow rules, laws, and policies much of the time.
Even if they set out to follow the rules, a psychopath usually doesnt stick to them for long.
Sex is not an emotional or loving act for a psychopath.
Early Behavioral Problems
Most psychopaths exhibit behavioral problems at an early age.
They may cheat, skip school, vandalize property,misuse substances, or become violent.
A psychopath’s misbehaviors tend to escalate over time and are more serious than their peers misbehaviors.
Lack of Realistic, Long-Term Goals
A psychopaths goal might be to become rich or famous.
But quite often, they have little idea about how to make these things happen.
Impulsivity
Psychopaths respond to things according to the way they feel.
They dont spend time thinking about the potential risks and benefits of their choices.
Irresponsibility
Promises dont mean anything to a psychopath.
Whether they promise to repay a loan or sign a contract, they arent trustworthy.
They may shrug off child support payments, get deeply in debt, or forget about obligations and commitments.
A psychopath doesnt accept responsibility for the problems in their lives.
They see their issues as always being someone elses fault.
Psychopaths frequentlyplay the role of the victimand enjoy sharing stories about how others have taken advantage of them.
Many Marital Relationships
Psychopaths may get married because it serves them well.
For example, they may want to spend a partners income or share their debt with someone else.
Their criminal behaviors can be quite varied.
Of course, not all psychopaths become incarcerated.
Some may operate under shady businesses or engage in unethical practices that dont lead to an arrest.
They may think they wont get caught again, or they find ways to excuse their behavior.
A psychopath might even blame “getting caught” on other people.
Criminality,promiscuity, and lack of responsibility are also common traits associated with psychopathy.
What’s the difference between psychopath vs. sociopath?
Causes of Psychopathy
Early research on psychopathy suggested that it often stems from issues related toparent-child attachment.
Studies have found a link between maltreatment,abuse, insecure attachments, and frequent separations from caregivers.
Some researchers believe that these childhood issues can trigger psychopathic traits.
Other researchers suggest it may be the other way around.
Many studies have linked psychopathic traits toviolence.
But not all psychopaths are violent.
Some are even considered good human beings.
Treatment for Psychopaths
Whether psychopaths can be treated is a widely debated issue.
Some researchers report that treatment doesnt help.
Others argue that specific treatments can reduce certain behaviors, such as violence.
So, the treatments that work with that population may not work for other psychopaths.
Similarly, female psychopaths may require a different approach.
In general, they tend to be less violent than men, so their treatment might be slightly different.
The same literature review found thatcognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)may be effective in some cases.
Coping With a Psychopath
Most psychopaths dont want to change because they dont see any need.
They remain convinced that other people are wrong instead of them.
As a result, its usually those around them who are searching for coping strategies.
After all, being around a callous, unemotional person is tough.
If being around a psychopath is causing you a fair amount of distress, getprofessional help.
Treatments such as CBT and psychotropic medications may help reduce certain psychopathic behaviors and traits.
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2010;21(4):22-29. doi:10.1038/scientificamericanmind0910-22
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
A study based on Italian nonclinical adult participants.J Pers Disord.
In:The SAGE Encyclopedia of Criminal Psychology.
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