Quick links to help you easily find the recent Suite101.com articles on the Antisocial Personality, including basic information, assessment and current research.
Psychopathy Overview
We’ve heard of psychopaths and sociopaths in the news and seen them portrayed by Hollywood, but highly publicized cases of psychopathy are uncommon examples of this disorder. Only a minority of diagnosable psychopaths are murderers. The majority of psychopaths victimize others via non-lethal means, manipulating, deceiving, and swindling the unsuspecting.
Articles on APD Include:
There is much misunderstanding surrounding the term “psychopathy." At one time it was used to label any form of mental disorder, and is still often confused with the term “psychosis.” But even as early as the 18th century, the term “moral insanity” was used describe those displaying antisocial behavior.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
APD (also called ASPD) is a psychological personality disorder characterized by lack of empathy or conscience, a difficulty controlling impulses and manipulative behaviors. This disorder is sometimes also referred to as psychopathy or sociopathy, however, Antisocial Personality Disorder is the clinical terminology used for diagnosis.
Psychopathy, Sociopathy or APD?
One of the reasons that the terms psychopath, sociopath and antisocial personality are so often used interchangeably is that the experts don't agree. This article explores expert opinions of these contintious categories of antisocial behavior.
How Can Psychopaths Be Identified?
Only a minority of psychopaths are violent offenders. Most are subcriminal, able to skirt the law while manipulating, deceiving, and swindling the unsuspecting. But for violent offenders who have been snagged by the justice system, is it possible to accurately determine who is a psychopath and who is not?
A twenty-five year study, published this month in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, demonstrates that, as early as the age of three, there are temperamental and physiological difference between those who show psychopathic tendencies as adults and those who don’t.
A study of twins, published in June 2005 issue of the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, revealed that anti-social behaviour is strongly inherited in children with psychopathic tendencies such as callousness and reduced emotional capacity.
Can Psychopaths Be Rehabilitated?
There have been numerous, intensive programs designed to rehabilitate incarcerated psychopaths, and according to Dr. Robert Hare, no program has yet proven to be effective. He notes that, in many cases, therapy can even help psychopaths hone their manipulative skills. His recommendation -- we all should educate ourselves about psychopaths in order to better recognize and avoid these predators.
The Antisocial Brain & Violence
Naryan et al (2007) have completed the first study of the relationship between violence and brain structure in Antisocial Personality Disorder and schizophrenia, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and found that violent individuals with APD do have significant anomalies in brain structure.
Some degree of narcissism is considered normal; however, when narcissistic traits are so predominant that they significantly impair an individual’s social functioning, this merits a psychological diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Yet, the spectrum of narcissistic behavior can extend far beyond NPD to include even more serious forms of self-obsession including malignant narcissism and psychopathy.
Cluster B Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are grouped into one of three clusters based on common characteristics. Cluster B represents the dramatic and erratic, and includes: Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic and Narcissistic PD.
This article series explores the similarities and differences between the two Cluster B disorders of narcissistic and antisocial personality.
This Suite 101 page summarizes articles on APD, sociopathy and psychopathy. The content of this page is not meant to be used for diagnosis and is not a substitute for professional help and counseling.
Additional Psychopathy Resources
For more information on Antisocial Personality Disorder, Psychopathy and Sociopathy, see Psychology Prof Online.
Glenn, A. L. et al (2007) Early Temperamental and Psychophysiological Precursors of Adult Psychopathic Personality. Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 116.
Hare, R.D. (1999) Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of Psychopaths Among Us. Guiford Press.
Hare, R. D. (1985) Comparison of procedures for the assessment of psychopathy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 53, 7.
