How to identify a psychopath?

The term “psychopath” can conjure up images of serial killers and unscrupulous villains. However, the reality is much more complex and less stereotyped. In fact, it is one of the most controversial in the scientific and professional community.

Among the traits present in these people is the inability to feel empathy and remorse, a marked narcissism and a great ability to seduce. In this article, we will explore these aspects in detail to better understand psychopathy and be able to identify it.

Who do we call “psychopaths”?

A psychopath is a person who has difficulty establishing meaningful and genuine bonds, since their empathy is low or non-existent. Besides, tends to ignore social norms and may get into trouble with the law. Despite this, the majority go unnoticed in society, presenting themselves as friends, partners or exceptional workers.

According to Robert Hare, researcher in criminal psychology and creator of the PCL-R psychopathy test (Psychopathy CheckList- Revised), around the 1% of the population is psychopath in the strict sensewhile 3% present some traits of this type of personality.

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) there is no specific category to name psychopathic people.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASD) is the one that most closely resembles the characteristics present in these individuals. In turn, TAP shares many similarities with sociopathy, which can cause confusion.

The difference with sociopathy

Psychopaths and sociopaths have some points in common, such as disregard for laws and the rights of others, as well as unempathetic behaviors. In any case, psychiatry professionals insist on considering them as two independent categories, arguing on the differences in their origin and manifestations.

They point out, for example, that Psychopathy has a biological basis while sociopathy is attributed more to environmental factors and life experiences, such as childhood trauma or violent environments that can contribute to the development of transgressive behaviors.

It should be noted that research and debate on these personality disorders is ongoing.

Traits that define a psychopath

A psychopath can become as chameleon-like as he wants to be. These are people who study and learn in detail how to seduce and use others and, above all, how to escape the consequences unscathed.

Therefore, identifying them before it is too late is as challenging as it is necessary. Next, we share with you a series of characteristic traits of psychopaths, expressed in phrases and observations that people who know them could express:

1. “You don’t seem to understand or care how other people feel.”

Lack of empathy is the most striking and well-known feature of psychopathy. In fact, scientific research supports this observation: these people have a lower number of cells in their prefrontal cortex, a region where higher functions are housed, such as the ability to register their own and other people’s emotions, issuing judgments or making social decisions.

This results in a marked lack of humanity and a tendency to transgress the well-being and rights of others.

2. “He gives the impression that he has a heart of ice, he barely shows genuine feelings.”

Another characteristic is the cold and insensitive temperament. Their emotional range is limited, which prevents them from expressing their emotions authentically.

Although it is true that they hide their coldness very well, an attentive person can notice their lack of connection. They seem to be disconnected from the emotional world around them, generating confusion and a feeling of emotional distance in those who they interact with them.

3. “His apologies are empty and superficial, as if he were only using them to get out of the problem, but without feeling true regret.”

The absence of blame is also a distinctive pattern, as pointed out in an article published in the Puerto Rican Journal of Psychology. This inability to experience remorse reinforces their manipulative behavior and their indifference to the suffering they may cause others.

They may verbalize some sense of guilt through their words, but their apologies ring hollow because their actions do not reflect real regret.

4. “He doesn’t mind trampling on others to achieve his goals.”

Unlike most people, psychopaths They lack a basic sense of what is right and what is wrong. For them, the law of the strongest prevails, since they consider it to be the most effective when it comes to achieving their goals.

Their lack of empathy and guilt makes them more likely to commit abuse and criminal acts. From their perspective, social codes are perceived as obstacles that can be ignored or dismissed in order to get what they want.

5. “It’s amazing how he spins webs of lies to keep his intentions a secret.”

The psychopath is known for his penchant for lying and manipulation. With contempt and automatically, they deny solid evidence, always seeking to distort reality for their own benefit.

Some of their most common tactics include false promises, the use of gaslighting and victim blaming.

6. “He is so focused on himself that he is not interested in listening to others.”

Most psychopathic people have narcissistic traits, characterized by an idea of ​​superiority and a belief in your right to take actions that harm others. This is stated in a work carried out by a Swedish psychologist, presented in the Crime Magazine.

It’s curious, Many of them manage to reach positions of power in different areas. Their superficial charm and manipulation skills allow them to rise in society, occupying leadership roles in companies, organizations, and even the political sphere.

7. “His words are sweet, but something in his eyes worries me.”

Perhaps the most outstanding character of psychopaths is their superficial charm. They are people who appear to be very sociable, friendly and trustworthy, seducing those around them to establish a solid foundation for future manipulation.

However, when a somewhat deeper relationship is established with them, inconsistencies begin to be noticed. What once seemed perfect suddenly changes drastically. This is how his ability to change his mask depending on the situation is discovered.

Act with prudence and caution

These traits are some of the signs that can alert us to the presence of a psychopathic person in our lives. Anyway, This information should not be taken in an isolated and decisive manner.but as a basic guide to consider.

At the same time, it is crucial not to hastily stigmatize or label someone, based only on a few trends. Detection requires the intervention of professionals trained in the evaluation of personality disorders.

Therefore, if we suspect we are close to someone with psychopathic tendencies, it is essential to seek professional help and not try to address the issue on our own.

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