The word "psychopath," typically brings to mind names like Ted Bundy and John Gacy. But these examples are extreme. Psychopathic traits are more common than you think.

What Is Psychopathy?

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 (Ozarin 2001).

As understood today, psychopathy is a specific form of psychological personality disorder characterized by lack of empathy or conscience, a difficulty controlling impulses and manipulative behaviors (APA 2000). Psychopaths can be charming, and are adept at focusing their cold, calculating efforts solely on self-gratification, typically at the expense of others.

Subcriminal Psychopaths

We’ve heard of psychopaths 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 (Hare 1999, Millon 1998).

Psychopathic Emotional Deficit

Psychopaths can almost be thought of as emotionally disabled in that they appear to experience a very limited range of human emotions. They know the difference between what society considers “right” and “wrong,” but do not experience, and cannot empathize with, the feelings of suffering, remorse, elation and love that are normally part of the human experience.

Not only do psychopaths lack emotions of conscience and empathy, but research has shown that they are also indifferent to the threat of physical pain and punishment in general, and show no indications of fear when threatened (Hare 1999). This certainly begs the question, “Can psychopaths be rehabilitated?”

Diagnosing Psychopathy

Dr. Robert Hare, a leading expert in psychopathy, and author of the fascinating book Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of Psychopaths Among Us, devised a clinical checklist that is used to professionally diagnose psychopathy. However, clinical psychology does not officially categorize the term. Psychopathy is not explicitly listed in psychology’s “diagnostic bible” the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), where its characteristic traits most strongly correspond to the diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder.

How Common Is Psychopathy?

The National Comorbidity Survey, using DSM-III-R criteria, found that 5.8% of males and 1.2% of females showed evidence of a lifetime risk for the disorder. However the prevalence in penitentiaries has been estimated to be as high as 75%. Antisocial Personality Disorder is significantly more common among men than among women, and also shows an elevated prevalence among patients in alcohol or other drug abuse treatment programs than in the general population.

Characteristics Associated with Psychopathy

Although Antisocial Personality Disorder cannot be quickly diagnosed with a simple inventory of characteristics, it is easier to understand what psychopathy means by looking at a list of traits common to those diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder (APA 2000). Some of these include:

• Lack of remorse for hurting others
• Superficial charm
• Impulsiveness or recklessness
• Extreme sense of entitlement
• Inability form long-lasting friendships
• Lack of remorse or guilt
• Difficulty with authority figures
• Persistent lying or stealing
• Recurring difficulties with the law
• Tendency to violate others’ rights
• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Inability to keep a steady job
• Persistent agitated or depressed feeling
• Inability to tolerate boredom
• Disregard for the safety of self and others

More Information on Psychopathy

Additional resources on psychopathy and personality disorders in general include: Psychology Prof Online, The Mayo Clinic: Mental Health Center and the article Personality Disorders: Brief Summary of the Ten Disorders of Personality.

This Suite 101 article summarizes information on APD and psychopathy. The contents of this article are not meant to be used for diagnosis and are not a substitute for professional help and counseling.

Additional Psychopathy Resources

Hare, R. D. (1999) Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths among Us. Guiford Press.

Millon, T. et al. (1998) Psychopathy: Antisocial, Criminal and Violent Behavior. Guiford Press.

Ozarin, L. (2001) Moral Insanity: A Brief History. Psychiatric News, Vol 36, 10.

American Psychiatric Association APA (2000) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR)