A Psychopath is person a who is incapable of emotion and takes no responsibility for his/her actions. They often consider themselves grandiose or above others. Most psychopaths are highly intelligent, narcissistic, and may be appear to be a "blank slate" when in the depths of their pathology.
Traits
As stated before, people of this personality disorder may display no empathy towards others. However, they can mimic emotions almost perfectly to further their own personal agendas, and may actually appear charming, friendly, or even likable. Some psychopaths will engage in severe antisocial behavior, such as murder (even serial murder), animal cruelty, or sexual crimes.
Sociopath
A sociopath is a psychopath who may not display criminal behavior, but will display other deviance. Most sufferers of this disorder can only feel pleasure in the misfortune of others. They may feel the need for power and will feed off of the negative emotions (notably fear) of others.
Treatment
There are currently no medicinal treatments for psychopathy, and talk therapy only serves to further the ability to mimic emotions. There is believed to be a genetic propensity in the cases of psychopathy, as the trait appears to run in families. As a possibly genetic disorder, there may never be an effective treatment.
Diagnosis
Aggressive Narcissism
- Glibness/superficial charm
- Grandiose sense of self-worth
- Pathological lying
- Cunning/manipulative
- Lack of remorse or guilt
- Emotionally shallow
- Callous/lack of empathy
- Failure to accept responsibility for own actions
Social Deviance
- Need for stimulation/proneness to boredom
- Parasitic lifestyle
- Poor behavioral control
- Promiscuous sexual behavior
- Lack of realistic, long-term goals
- Impulsiveness
- Irresponsibility
- Juvenile delinquency
- Early behavioral problems
- Revocation of conditional release
Examples
Criminal Minds
- Frank Breitkopf
- Nathan Harris
- George Foyet, Sociopath
Other Fiction
- Norman Bates (Psycho)
- Diogenes Pendergast (Preston-Child series of novels)
Notes
Some psychopaths, while appearing outwardly evil and violent, may adhere to a moral code that prevents them from harming a particular demographic. Frank Breitkopf, for example, while being a merciless killer, would never harm children. Even though he kidnapped a group of school children, he made every effort to ensure their safe return. When he explained the situation to Jason Gideon concerning the busload of children, he told him that he would never harm them. Jason believed him, as he knew Frank had no reason or desire to harm them, only to use them as an escape route.