Psychopathy
Psychopathy
Psychopathy (/saɪˈkɒpəθi/; from the Greek psyche, "mind" and pathos, "suffering") is a personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy and remorse, and bold, disinhibited, and egotistical traits.
Etymology
The term "psychopathy" is a combination of two Greek words: psyche, meaning "mind" or "soul", and pathos, meaning "suffering" or "disease". The term was first used in the 19th century to describe a mental disorder characterized by a disregard for moral or legal restrictions and a lack of empathy for others.
Definition
Psychopathy is a personality disorder that is characterized by a lack of empathy, remorse, and guilt, a disregard for the rights of others, and a tendency to engage in antisocial and reckless behavior. It is often associated with a lack of fear and a high level of confidence.
Symptoms
Symptoms of psychopathy may include:
- Lack of empathy
- Lack of remorse or guilt
- Grandiose sense of self-worth
- Pathological lying
- Manipulative behavior
- Failure to accept responsibility for own actions
- Impulsivity
- Irresponsibility
- Promiscuous sexual behavior
- Criminal versatility
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of psychopathy is typically based on a psychological evaluation that includes interviews with the individual and others who know them well, as well as a review of their past behavior. The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is a commonly used tool for assessing psychopathy.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for psychopathy, and treatment is primarily focused on managing symptoms and preventing harmful behaviors. This may include psychotherapy, medication, and other interventions.
Related Terms
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Sociopathy
- Narcissistic personality disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Psychopathy
- Wikipedia's article - Psychopathy
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