What Is a Psychopath? Definition & Traits

What Is a Psychopath?

A psychopath is a person who uses charisma and appeal to manipulate others into meeting their needs. This often includes using people, organizations, and groups to gain money, power, sex, and other desired items.² Commonly, the psychopath feels no remorse, shame, guilt, empathy, or regret concerning their manipulation. They will find ways to justify their psychopathic tendencies by blaming the victim or society for making them follow through on their damaging behaviors.¹

Because psychopathy is not a diagnosable mental illness, there is not one single description or definition of a psychopath. However, it is typically known to be a more extreme form of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).

Antisocial Personality Disorder Vs. Being “Antisocial”

With antisocial personality disorder, a person is actively interested in manipulating, emotionally harming, and abusing people for their own gains. On the other hand, someone who is antisocial could be an introverted individual who prefers to be alone. For them, social contact could be draining and undesirable.

Psychopath Vs. Sociopath

While a psychopath might be more associated with antisocial personality disorder, a sociopath could be more linked to narcissistic personality disorder. These people think they are so amazing and use others to help accomplish their goals.

To be clear, the terms psychopath and sociopath are not ones used by mental health professionals as they do not represent a psychological condition. Because of this, determining if someone is a psychopath or sociopath can be open to debate.

Signs of a Psychopath

A psychopath has the ability to go undetected for long periods, which allows them to create more damage and chaos in their environment. Some of the characteristics of a psychopath involve superficial charm, criminal behavior, manipulation, and lack of remorse.

Psychopaths may seem interesting, mysterious, and oddly compelling at first. The signs of psychopathy will change over time as others gain a more complete understanding of their life and goals. Initially, they may appear good-natured or misunderstood, but as time progresses, their facade begins to crumble.

Below are common signs of a psychopath:²

• Disregard for others’ rights and feelings: Not noticing or caring about how others are feeling or how their behaviors impact others.
• Behaving in ways that conflict with social norms: Acting in their own best interests at all costs with no regard to social mores.
• Frequently lying for personal pleasure or profit: Lying to get what they want with no regret.
• Impulsivity and an inability to plan ahead: Acting without planning or thinking, with no regard for consequences.
• Irresponsibility and failure to fulfill obligations: Failing to follow through with expected responsibility and expectations.
• Lack of remorse: No regard for who they may hurt or the pain they may cause.
• Inability to determine right from wrong: Since they are not concerned with rules or norms, ideas of “right and wrong” do not apply.
• Intentional manipulation of others: Other people are only valued when they can help accomplish the end goal.
• Frequent problems with the law: Laws and rules are frequently broken, so law enforcement becomes involved.
• Disregard for the safety of others: With no care of others, people are consistently placed in harm’s way.
• Anger, aggression, and violence: Anger and violence become a way to manipulate others and get their needs met.
• Superficial charm: There may be an appeal or charisma that people find attractive.
• Inherent need for excitement and stimulation: Boredom is not well-tolerated. Action and chaos may become the norm.
• Grandiose sense of self: Feeling like they are special and “on another level” compared to most people.
• Inability to experience emotions: Any emotional expression tends to be superficially used as a tool of manipulation.
• “Mooching’ off of others: Stealing and “mooching” are ways to get what they desire.

Psychopathy in Men Vs. Women

Although it is often seen as a masculine trait, women can be considered psychopaths as well. The signs of a female psychopath may vary, but they will still manipulate others to get what they want without regard for others. At times, these actions may lead to a borderline personality disorder diagnosis due to expected gender roles.

Causes of Psychopathy

Like many mental health conditions, a combination of genetics and environment play a factor in dictating the emergence of psychopathy.¹ Previously, experts believed there were separate versions of the condition triggered by genetic issues or environmental experiences. As understanding progressed, the majority of experts agree that multiple factors contribute to psychopathy.

Some factors that increase the rates of psychopathy include:^1,2,3

• Having a close family member with psychopathy or antisocial personality disorder
• Low socioeconomic status
• Growing up in urban settings, which could be linked to feeling unsafe as a child
• Trauma linked to physical, verbal, or sexual abuse and neglect
• Poor academic success

Brain Differences in Psychopaths

Differences in brain functioning could contribute to psychopathy as well. Experts suggest that psychopaths may have a restricted response to fear, which makes them more willing to engage in dangerous or embarrassing situations. Others suggest that functional differences lead to a psychopath having deficits in their ability to recognize and respond to emotional and social cues.¹

Not only are functional differences apparent, but psychopaths may also have structural abnormalities in certain areas of the brain that could result in signs and symptoms of the condition.

Brain scans show differences in regions including:¹

• Prefrontal cortex
• Amygdala
• Hippocampus
• Temporal cortex

With these and other areas of the brain showing atypical structure, the person is more likely to exhibit signs like disinhibition, hostility, trouble monitoring conflict, and poor thought control.¹ These structural issues do well to illustrate just how ingrained and rigid the symptoms of psychopathy are.

Psychopaths & Violence

Not all psychopaths are violent, but many will show aggression and harmful acts against people or property. Some may start out by being only charming and charismatic before shifting to periods of anger, aggression, and violence. These periods may build up over time or arrive without prior warning. Psychopaths are not common among adults in the general population as only about 1% of adults meet the criteria for the label, but in the prison population, the numbers soar.¹

According to studies:¹

• About 20% of the prison population in North America is comprised of psychopaths
• Psychopaths are three times as likely to commit additional crimes than non-psychopaths
• Psychopaths are four times as likely to be violent during the additional crimes compared to others

In a sample of incarcerated people over an extended period of time, 77% of psychopaths committed a violent crime during a 10-year period. During a 20-year period, 90% of psychopaths committed violent crimes. Meanwhile, only about 40% of non-psychopaths engaged in these types of violent behaviors.¹

These acts of violence cover the entire spectrum of behaviors ranging from simple assaults to murder. Psychopaths could react impulsively and aggressively in the moment, or they could work to orchestrate an elaborate plan involving an act of terrorism. Violent psychopathic behavior can impact individuals, families, and entire communities.

How Is Psychopathy Diagnosed?

As mentioned, psychopathy is not a mental health condition, but its symptoms are linked to certain personality disorders, especially antisocial personality disorder. If someone displays enough characteristics for a personality disorder, a mental health professional or medical doctor could offer a diagnosis. If a mental health practitioner discusses a “psychopathy” diagnosis, you should be suspicious of their training and education.

Is There a Psychopath Test?

There is not one unified test that professionals use to determine someone’s status as a psychopath. Instead, there are several assessments and evaluations utilized in studies and clinical practice to quickly identify the characteristics and traits of a psychopath.

Below are some tests that may be used for identifying psychopath characteristics:

• Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R): The PCL-R is a 20-item inventory used to screen for qualities linked to psychopathy, including charm and manipulation.
• Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPL): A much longer, 154-item test that looks at a range of psychopathy that extends beyond antisocial and criminal behaviors.

Treatment of Psychopathy

Treatment of psychopathy can encounter many barriers including the person’s desire for change and believing that they are the problem in their relationships. Therapists treating psychopaths must understand the risks and benefits of treating these people while having proper expectations in mind.

Treatment options that may be beneficial when treating psychopathy include:⁵

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT draws on the notion that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Targeting unwanted thoughts and behaviors can improve a person’s feelings.
• Interpersonal therapy: Interpersonal therapy focuses on building healthy and reciprocal relationships with trusted supports through assertive communication skills and conflict resolution.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): DBT is based on CBT principles but places additional emphasis on interpersonal communication and emotional regulation.
• Mentalization-based therapy (MBT): Though originally designed for borderline personality disorder, MBT helps people to think about their thinking, goals, and beliefs to improve symptoms.
• Medications: There is no medication specifically recommended or prescribed for psychopathy. Rather than addressing the psychopathy directly, medications may be offered to address the co-occurring conditions that accompany psychopathy.

How to Deal With a Psychopath

A psychopath may not be easy to identify initially as their charm and charisma are appealing. But, learning how to spot a psychopath and practicing how to deal with them is essential.

Here are some tips for dealing with a psychopath:

• Alert necessary authorities: If there is a crime committed, do not hesitate to contact law enforcement.
• Limit contact: If you know someone is a psychopath, it could be best to simply stay away and avoid them as much as you can.
• Monitor their behavior: If you are not certain of their status, consider watching what they do for a short time to gather information.
• Encourage them to seek treatment: There is always hope that professional mental health treatment can improve symptoms. Encourage therapy and medication.
• Prioritize personal well-being: If being around this person is too painful or draining, balance your self-care and focus on your well-being.
• Know when to leave a relationship: If limiting and avoiding contact was not good enough, you may have to end the relationship completely. Be clear and direct while not being convinced that change will happen.

Final Thoughts

Psychopathy is a serious group of symptoms with the power to influence the person with the condition and their loved ones. If someone you know is showing the signs and symptoms of psychopathy, consult with a trusted mental health professional as soon as possible. Like with other conditions, earlier treatment leads to better outcomes.