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Signs someone is psychopath


Meaning, Signs, and vs. Sociopath

Psychopathy, while not a clinical diagnosis, often refers to someone with antisocial personality disorder.

Few psychology terms stir up confusion like “psychopath.” Even though it’s commonly (though incorrectly) used to describe someone who has a mental health condition, “psychopath” is not an official diagnosis. Instead, it’s an informal term often used for a condition called antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) does not list psychopathy as an official clinical diagnosis.

The true definition of a psychopath in psychiatry refers to someone with ASPD, explains Dr. Prakash Masand, a psychiatrist and co-founder of the Centers of Psychiatric Excellence. ASPD describes a condition marked by patterns of manipulation tactics and violation of others.

ASPD

Masand says one thing that can be confusing about ASPD is the phrase “antisocial.”

“Most people might assume this describes someone who is reserved, a loner, keeps to himself, etc. However, this is not the case in ASPD,” he explains. “When we say antisocial in ASPD, it means someone who goes against society, rules, and other behaviors that are more commonplace.”

While some clinicians regard psychopathy as a more severe subtype of ASPD, the general consensus is that psychopathy falls under the umbrella of ASPD. In this article, we refer to information about ASPD.

Read on to learn more important information about ASPD, such as the signs, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options.

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Since the term “psychopath” is not an official diagnosis, experts refer to the signs described under ASPD. According to Masand, some of the more common signs of ASPD can include:

  • behavior that conflicts with social norms
  • disregarding or violating the rights of others
  • inability to distinguish between right and wrong
  • difficulty with showing remorse or empathy
  • tendency to lie often
  • manipulating and hurting others
  • recurring problems with the law
  • general disregard toward safety and responsibility
  • expressing anger and arrogance on a regular basis

Other possible signs of ASPD include a tendency to engage in behavior that’s reckless, impulsive, or may lead to harmful consequences.

Masand says someone exhibiting this behavior may also:

  • lack deep emotional connections
  • have a superficial charm about them
  • be very aggressive
  • get very angry sometimes

Additionally, people with ASPD may not react as if they have hurt someone, and they may be impulsive or abusive and may lack remorse. In the case of ASPD, abusive doesn’t necessarily mean violent.

In addition to the signs and behaviors, Masand says there are certain characteristics that are more prevalent in people with ASPD:

  • ASPD is more common in men than women.
  • Technically, to receive an ASPD diagnosis, you have to be at least 18 years old. But some children will show signs of conduct disorder, which may be an early indicator of ASPD.
  • ASPD is a chronic (long-term) condition that seems to improve with age, and remittance (no longer showing signs of antisocial behavior) is possible.
  • Mortality rates are higher in people with ASPD because of their behavior patterns.

Since psychopathy is not an official mental health condition, the condition experts diagnose is ASPD. This is one of four cluster B personality disorders outlined by the DSM-5, and the other three are:

  • borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • histrionic personality disorder (HPD)
  • narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)

Before explaining the criteria used to diagnose ASPD, it’s important to mention that diagnosing and treating ASPD presents some unique challenges.

According to Masand, ASPD can be difficult to treat because the person who needs help often doesn’t believe there is a problem with their behavior. As a result, they rarely seek treatment.

That said, according to the established guidelines used to diagnose ASPD, the behavior generally begins by age 15 or in the teenage years. However, Masand says a true ASPD diagnosis is not made until the age of 18.

“For most people, the worst of the behavior occurs in the late teen years throughout the twenties,” he explains.

Diagnostic criteria

To get a proper diagnosis, a mental health professional will conduct a full mental health evaluation. During this process, the mental health professional will evaluate a person’s:

  • thoughts
  • feelings
  • behavior patterns
  • relationships

The mental health professional will identify symptoms and compare them with the ASPD criteria in the DSM-5.

In order to receive a diagnosis of ASPD, a person must show a pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. This is indicated by three or more of the following criteria, according to the DSM-5:

  • failure to conform to social norms concerning lawful behaviors, such as performing acts that are grounds for arrest
  • deceitfulness, repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for pleasure or personal profit
  • impulsivity or failure to plan
  • irritability and aggressiveness, often with physical fights or assaults
  • reckless disregard for the safety of self or others
  • consistent irresponsibility, failure to sustain consistent work behavior, or honor monetary obligations
  • lack of remorse, being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another person

The mental health professional will also look at a person’s medical history. This full evaluation is a critical step since people with ASPD often have other mental health and substance use disorders.

Age

Because a true ASPD diagnosis is typically delayed until the age of 18, adolescents and teens who display similar symptoms are often evaluated for conduct disorder (CD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).

Of the two behavior disorders, CD is more severe than ODD.

When determining if a child has ODD, mental health professionals will look at how they act around people they know. Typically, someone with ODD is more likely to act oppositional or defiant around family members, teachers, or a healthcare professional.

If an adolescent or teen shows an ongoing pattern of aggression toward others and regularly makes choices in opposition to the rules and social norms at home, at school, or with peers, a clinician may decide to evaluate for CD.

To receive a diagnosis of ASPD before the age of 18, a teen must also have a previous diagnosis of CD by age 15.

“Psychopath” and “sociopath” are often used interchangeably to informally describe someone with ASPD. Since sociopath is also not an official diagnosis, it typically joins psychopath under the umbrella diagnosis of ASPD. There is no clinical difference between the two terms.

Both psychopathy and sociopathy are other terms or ways to describe ASPD. The behaviors that are often seen in both tend to fall under the criteria of ASPD.

While the exact cause of ASPD is not known, researchers believe that its development may involve a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

More research needs to be done to understand the genetic aspects of ASPD. Previous research estimates that between 38 and 69 percent of cases may be hereditary.

Additionally, some of the environmental triggers of ASPD may include childhood neglect and other adverse experiences, such as childhood abuse.

ASPD may also be seen in people who previously received a diagnosis of CD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Like the diagnostic process, treating someone with traits that fall under the ASPD diagnosis can be difficult. Typically, a doctor may recommend a combination of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.

While no evidence supports that any medication or form of psychotherapy can cure ASPD, these methods may still help manage some of the symptoms, like impulsivity and aggression, and improve quality of life.

According to a 2015 review, early interventions in adolescents and teens who received a diagnosis of CD may also help prevent ASPD.

The researchers in the 2015 review also found that for some people with ASPD, the condition may improve or remit as they get older — with improvement occurring at a median age of 35. They also found that people with stronger social ties and support, such as a spouse or family, were more likely to experience remission.

Psychotherapy may be helpful in understanding how the disorder can impact your life and relationships. A mental health professional will work to develop strategies that help decrease the severity of the symptoms.

If medication is part of the treatment plan, a doctor might prescribe medications that treat related mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or symptoms of aggression.

Options may include:

  • antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or bupropion
  • antipsychotics
  • anticonvulsants

The word “psychopath” is often informally used to describe someone with ASPD.

ASPD is notthe same as being “antisocial.” It primarily involves behavior that conflicts with social norms, as well as a general lack of disregard for others.

Despite the complexities surrounding ASPD, a mental health professional may be able to identify this condition and offer treatment that can help.

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20 Signs You May Be Dealing With a Psychopath

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Published: December 7, 2021 Updated: September 21, 2022

Published: 12/07/2021 Updated: 09/21/2022

Psychopaths are people with a very severe form of antisocial personality disorder. Their tendency towards violence, crime, and impulsivity coupled with their lack of concern for the feelings, needs, and rights of others is a dangerous combination.1,2,3 Learning to identify the signs of a psychopath can help you guard yourself against people with psychopath traits.

Even if you’re not a psychopath, therapy can be a great experience. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

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What Is a Psychopath?

Psychopaths are people with a severe form of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), a serious and chronic personality disorder. All personality disorders interfere with a person’s mood, thinking, decision-making, and behavior, as well as affect their ability to function, interact with others, and maintain close, healthy relationships. 2 Both sociopaths and psychopaths describe individuals with more severe forms of APSD, but psychopaths represent the most severe and dangerous form of this personality disorder.1,3,4

Psychopaths often engage in criminal, cruel, or socially irresponsible behavior, including lying, stealing, or even being violent or abusive towards others. Because psychopaths have no empathy for the feelings, needs, or rights of others, they also feel no remorse—even when their actions harm others. Because of these combined traits and deficits, psychopaths are much more likely to engage in crime, violence, abusive behavior towards others, and other forms of cruel or dangerous behaviors.1,3,4,6

Many psychopathic people are pathological liars and master manipulators, which can make it much more difficult to spot the signs of a psychopath. Psychopathic traits and characteristics often become more obvious when you have more frequent interactions with a person, at which point the symptoms of psychopathy may become more evident.

Here are 20 signs of a psychopath to look out for:

1. Superficial Charm & Charisma

Psychopaths can be very charming, charismatic, and persuasive people. This can be especially so with female psychopaths, who area more social and emotional  than their male counterparts. While they lack true empathy, they are often very skilled at “faking” prosocial behaviors like flattery, kindness, and false sympathy. They may use these skills to get things that they want from people, but eventually they are unable to keep up the act. Over time, the charm and charisma will probably wear off, unmasking an underlying coldness or cruelty.1,6

2. Unnecessary Cruelty or a Mean Streak

Once the superficial charm and charisma wears off, a psychopath will often demonstrate moments of cruelty or meanness. These may include gossip, biting comments, lashing out aggressively at others, or laughing or being entertained when they hurt or embarrass someone. Cruelty and meanness are hallmark signs of a psychopath, and often lead to a pattern of violating the rights of others. 1,3,6

3. Lies, Exaggerations, & Dishonesty

Many psychopaths are prone to pathological lying. They may exaggerate the truth to get their way, inflate their ego, or get others to think, feel or do what they want them to. Most normal people feel guilty or at least a little worried about being caught in a lie, but a psychopath’s lack of conscience makes lying a guilt-free activity. In fact, deception is even a listed symptom of ASPD, and can even show up as a person ‘faking’ remorse, empathy, or care and concern for other people.2,6,7

4. Lack of Accountability & Playing the Blame Game

Psychopaths commit some of the most cruel, violent, and heinous acts in society, but they rarely take responsibility for their actions. Instead, they are more likely to blame other people, make excuses, and try to justify their actions, no matter how bad they are. This sign of a psychopath is indicative of their lack of morals, conscience, and empathy, meaning they do not have the same sense of ‘right and wrong’ that most people do. 6,7

5. Need for Power, Control, & Dominance

Many psychopaths seek out positions of power and authority because they enjoy domination and control of other people. According to some research, psychopaths are slightly more likely to seek out and secure positions of leadership in the corporate world, suggesting there is a grain of truth in the stereotype of the psychopathic CEO.8 There is also a known overlap between psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism (immoral and exploitative tendencies), which can lead to a hunger for power and control.7,9

6. Sadistic Enjoyment of Pain & Suffering

Sadism is a word that describes a sick sense of pleasure from the pain and suffering of other people. In some psychopathic people, the pain of others is sexually arousing and in others, the pleasure is non-sexual and has more to do with excitement, power, or the ‘rush’ of the experience.3,6,7 Not all psychopaths are sadistic, but this quality is not an uncommon trait in a psychopath, which may explain why psychopathic traits predict violent and sexually violent crimes with 80% accuracy. 1

7. Boredom & Thrill-Seeking Behaviors

Because psychopaths lack some of the normal emotional wiring that most people have, it takes a lot more to excite them, make them happy, or give them a thrill. Psychopaths are overall less impulsive than sociopaths because they aren’t driven by strong emotions, but their dulled emotional response may cause them to seek out thrills. This may be why psychopaths are more likely to engage in crime, violence, sexual promiscuity, and drug and alcohol use.1,3,6

8. Disregard for Rules, Laws, & Norms

Psychopaths do not follow the same code of ethics as most people in society, which is why they often behave in immoral or even illegal ways. These may include minor offenses like inappropriate comments or profanity or more serious offenses like crime and violence. While not all psychopaths are violent criminals, a very high percentage of people who commit crimes (especially violent crimes) have psychopathic traits. 1,5,6

9. Unaffected & Unafraid of Consequences

While most people who engage in criminal behaviors live in fear of being caught, psychopaths don’t always have this same fear. This may be partially explained by the fact that psychopaths are believed to have abnormalities in areas of the brain that create normal fear responses, and also in the parts of the brain linked to impulse control and good long-term decision making.3,4

10. Detached, Cold & Callous Demeanor

Researchers believe that psychopaths do not have the same emotional wiring as normal people, which is why they often display a cold, callous, and apathetic demeanor.1,6,7 The differences in the structure of their brains is believed to limit their ability to experience a normal range of human emotions, making them less likely to experience strong emotions.3,4 In situations when others are sad, upset, anxious, or excited, a psychopath may seem oddly detached or apathetic. 7

11. A History of Childhood Behavior Problems

Antisocial personality disorder can be diagnosed only after the age of 18, but the signs and symptoms usually begin in childhood or early adolescence.2 Most psychopaths show signs of conduct disorder before the age of 15, and the most severe psychopaths may be able to trace their behavioral issues to before the age of 10.5 Some common signs of a psychopath in childhood include frequent fights, lying, stealing, cruelty to animals or other children, and a disregard for rules or authority.2,5

12. A Trail of Short, Broken Relationships

Psychopaths lack the ability to empathize with other people, so it makes sense that they have trouble forming and maintaining close relationships with people. While they may be able to use their charm or powers of persuasion to fool people into liking them, they usually lack the ability to maintain these relationships over time.7 This is why most psychopaths have very short, shallow relationships with people, as well as many people who they’ve betrayed, hurt, or turned into enemies.

13. Exploitation of Others for Personal Gain

A psychopath will use, abuse, and exploit other people, especially when it means getting something they want. In their pursuit of power, wealth, fame, and so forth, there are no lengths they won’t go to in order to get what they want. This is bound to leave many casualties in their path, and a psychopath will have no remorse when they need to throw someone under the bus in order to get ahead, even when this is someone who has helped them along the way.1,3,5,6,8

14. Calculated & Strategic Planning

While sociopaths are more driven by emotions, a psychopath is more cool-headed and calculated in their decision-making.1,3,6 This can make them more dangerous and because it’s not as easy to predict what they will do or when they will make their move. Some psychopaths devise detailed plans on how to con, exploit, or take advantage of people who are naturally generous, kind, and trusting. While psychopaths are not generally patient individuals, they are generally less impulsive than sociopaths. 3,6

15. A Lack of Conscience

Even when they harm another person, a psychopath will not feel genuine remorse for their actions, and they may not even be phased by the consequences of their actions when they get in trouble. This also makes them especially dangerous because they are less likely to limit their behavior based on fears of getting caught, feeling guilty after, and are also less likely to learn from their mistakes.

16. Abnormal Ways of Thinking

Abnormal thoughts are common in psychopaths because their brains are wired differently. This could cause them to make strange, odd, or off-putting comments or observations during normal conversations. Also, a psychopath may occasionally provide a disturbing view into their twisted minds when talking about strange things they like, mean comments about others, or statements that make it clear they don’t care about other people.

17. Poor Attention Span & Loss of Interest

One of the less commonly known signs of a psychopath is a poor attention span, which can show up in similar ways as symptoms of ADD or ADHD. A psychopath becomes easily bored with activities, tasks, and people, and is always looking for something more exciting or entertaining to do or see. This can also lead them to quickly lose interest in goals, projects, or relationships that seemed very important to them. This may also be linked to a pattern of irresponsible decision-making, or abandoning obligations or projects before finishing them.6,7

18. Violent Tendencies, Abuse, or Aggression

One of the most dangerous signs of a psychopath is a tendency towards violence, aggression and abuse. Psychopathy is one of the strongest predictors of violent behavior, including violent crimes and sexual violence. Unfortunately, many violent psychopaths will re-offend, even after receiving treatment, rehabilitation, or serving prison time or having other legal consequences.1,3,4,6

19. Hostile & Oppositional by Nature

Another one of the psychopath traits that is less commonly known is a hostile and oppositional demeanor. While psychopaths can pretend to be friendly, kind, and charming for a short time, their true nature is much more aggressive. Psychopaths are more likely to hold racist, sexist, or misogynistic views towards others, and also more likely to treat people in hostile or unkind ways.1,6 They may also be more argumentative and combative, seeking out conflict and confrontation (while most people try to avoid it).

20. Masters of Deception

A final warning sign of a psychopath is a person who seems to be especially skilled at the art of deception. Psychopaths are masters of deception, and use lies, distortions of truth, gaslighting, and other dishonest tactics to emotionally manipulate other people and falsely represent the truth. Unfortunately, psychopaths in treatment may use these deceptive tactics to fool counselors and treatment providers into thinking they have improved. One study found that psychopaths with the highest treatment success scores were most likely to reoffend. 9

Is There a Psychopath Test?

The most commonly used psychopathy test is the Psychopathy Checklist, or PCL-R, which is a 20 question survey that is used to identify the traits, characteristics, and signs of a psychopath.6 Technically, psychopathy is not a diagnosable condition listed in the DSM 5, but is instead a more severe form of APSD.2

Psychopaths display the symptoms of APSD and also a range of other traits, characteristics, and behaviors, including those listed in this article. The only way to formally be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder is to set up an appointment with a licensed health or mental health provider. During this appointment, the clinician will ask questions to determine whether or not a person reports the symptoms of APSD, and can verify whether or not a person has the disorder.

Psychopath v.s Sociopath

The terms psychopath and sociopath are often used interchangeably, but experts believe that they represent different forms of APSD. It is generally believed that sociopathy is a more severe form of APSD, but that psychopathy is the most severe form of the disorder.1,3 Some experts also believe that sociopathy is a learned pattern of behavior, while psychopathy is caused by biological or neurological abnormalities in the brain.1,3,4

According to researchers, psychopaths and sociopaths differ in the following ways:1,3

Sociopathy Psychopathy
Believed to be caused by neurology/biology Believed to be caused by environment
Affects about 30% of those with APSD Affects between 3-15% of those with APSD
Able to establish some relationships Unable to develop close bonds
Limited/stunted empathy for others Unable to empathize with others
Minimal remorse for actions No remorse for actions
More emotional and impulsive More calculated, detached, and unemotional
Higher rates of violence and crime Higher rates of conflict/exploitation

Treatment of Psychopathy

Antisocial personality disorder is the underlying condition that drives psychopathy, and is among the most difficult mental health issues to treat. Research suggests that psychopaths rarely seek treatment on their own, and that when they are forced into treatment, it usually does not lead to long-term improvements or changes.5 In fact, some research comparing treated psychopaths to untreated psychopaths found that treatment increases the likelihood of crime and violence in those who have a history of these behaviors.9

Still, there is always hope for a person who has a sincere desire to change and improve themselves, no matter what their diagnosis is. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (sometimes in addition to medication) may help people with ASPD manage their symptoms and improve their relationships, decision making, and behavior.5

Final Thoughts on Psychopath Traits

Psychopathology is a severe form of antisocial personality disorder, an uncommon personality disorder that affects approximately 1% of women and 3% of men in the US. A small percentage of people with APSD are psychopathic, and are more prone to committing crimes, violence, and other harmful acts. 1,2,3

Because of the severity of psychopathy and the poor response to treatment, most people are advised to limit their contact with psychopathic people in order to avoid becoming their victims. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a psychopath can help you identify a person with these dangerous traits, and finding a therapist who has experience and knowledge of ASPD can help you learn ways to cope and heal from these interactions.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for referrals by the companies mentioned below.

BetterHelp (Online Therapy) – BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Online-Therapy.com – Receive help from a caring professional. The Online-Therapy.com standard plan includes a weekly 45 minute video session, unlimited text messaging between sessions, and self-guided activities like journaling. Recently, they added Yoga videos. Get Started

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Choosing Therapy’s Directory – Find an experienced therapist specializing in anxiety. You can search for a therapist by specialty, availability, insurance, and affordability. Therapist profiles and introductory videos provide insight into the therapist’s personality so you find the right fit. Find a therapist today.

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For Further Reading

  • Psychopath Free Website with more articles, information, resources, and tools like an online journal and support forums and chats
  • Psychopath Victims Website has many articles and resources on psychopathy
  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov

9 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Johnson, S. A. (2019). Understanding the violent personality: Antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy, & sociopathy explored. Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal, 7(2), 76-88.

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Am Psychiatric Assoc, 21.

  • Pemment, J. (2013). Psychopathy versus sociopathy: Why the distinction has become crucial. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 18(5), 458-461.

  • Yildirim, B. O., & Derksen, J. J. (2013). Systematic review, structural analysis, and new theoretical perspectives on the role of serotonin and associated genes in the etiology of psychopathy and sociopathy. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 37(7), 1254-1296.

  • Zimmerman, M. (May 2021). Antisocial Personality Disorder. Merck Manual Professional Version. Retreived from https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/personality-disorders/antisocial-personality-disorder-aspd.

  • Hare, R. D., Harpur, T. J., Hakstian, A. R., Forth, A. E., Hart, S. D., & Newman, J. P. (1990). The revised psychopathy checklist: reliability and factor structure. Psychological Assessment: A Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2(3), 338.

  • Lynam, D. R., & Vachon, D. D. (2012). Antisocial personality disorder in DSM-5: Missteps and missed opportunities. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 3(4), 483.

  • Landay, K., Harms, P. D., & Credé, M. (2019). Shall we serve the dark lords? A meta-analytic review of psychopathy and leadership. Journal of Applied Psychology, 104(1), 183-196. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/apl0000357.

  • Paulhus, D. L., & Williams, K. M. (2002). The dark triad of personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Journal of research in personality, 36(6), 556-563.

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10 Signs You're Dating a Psychopath

November 15, 2018Life

If you found your soulmate in this article, we have bad news for you.

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One percent of the world's population is psychopaths. A psychopath is not the person who is waiting for you with a sharpening in a dark entrance. This is not a serial killer and not an inmate of a hospital for the mentally ill. It could be your colleague who gets away with any frills at work. Someone's "perfect" ex who suddenly ran away with someone else. Or a completely ordinary guy who made you coffee in the morning.

The only difference between a normal person and a psychopath is that psychopaths have no conscience. They hurt and feel no remorse or guilt. They are able to imitate normal human emotions, but do not actually experience them. Compassion, love, trust, forgiveness - these emotions make you vulnerable, and psychopaths only use them to influence you.

Any outside observer will not be able to figure out a psychopath. Often they are likeable, friendly and charming people. But if you get close to such a person, then life turns into a nightmare. Fairy tale relationships mutate into a mess of violent mind games. Does this look familiar to you? Here are 10 warning signs that you are dating a psychopath. The data is based on real stories and surveys on the Psychopath Free website.

1. He surrounds you with declarations of love and compliments. You think that this is the perfect partner for you

When you first meet a psychopath, things move quickly. He inspires you that you have a lot in common, that you are perfect for each other. Like a chameleon, it reflects your hopes, dreams, fears to form trusting and exciting relationships. He constantly wants to communicate with you and seems to be completely fascinated by you. Your wall on Facebook* or VKontakte will be littered with songs, compliments, poems and cute jokes that only the two of you can understand.

2. He hunts for your emotions by telling compassionate stories

You will quickly find a place in your heart to pity him. Because he's so sweet and innocent. Completely different from the cinematic images of psychopaths - cruel men with a contemptuous smile in an expensive car. Surely he will mention his ex, who is still in love with him. But all he wants is peace and quiet, he hates drama. However, you will soon notice that dramatic stories constantly surround him and people close to him.

3. He gets you into a love triangle

Once you're hooked, you'll end up in a love triangle and even a polygon. A psychopath will surround himself with former and potential lovers and anyone who pays attention to him. There will be former ones that he told you about before and assured you that you are superior to them in everything. You will feel embarrassed, and you will get the impression that he is always in demand from the opposite sex.

4. He constantly distorts reality and behaves abnormally

The psychopath always denies that he is manipulating you and ignores even the actual evidence of this. He reacts critically and dismissively if you try to disprove his tales with facts. He will shift the blame for the situation on you: you are too impressionable and inadequately perceive the situation. He will convince you that the problem is not with him, but with your incorrect reaction to normal events.

5. He accuses you of emotions that he himself provokes

The psychopath will say that you are too jealous, although he openly flirted with his ex, often even on social networks, for everyone to see. He will say that you are too clingy, although he deliberately ignored you for several days. He provokes your reaction in order to show his other targets how hysterical you are and to evoke sympathy for himself. Do you think you are a calm person? Meeting a psychopath will change you beyond recognition. Fortunately, temporarily.

6. You notice pathological lies and excuses

He always has an excuse, even in situations where it is not needed. He comes up with another lie faster than you can ask a question. He constantly blames others, but he himself is always at fault. He spends time inventing explanations for his behavior rather than improving it. Even when caught in outright lies, he does not express remorse or embarrassment. Sometimes it seems like he wanted you to catch him.

7. He provokes jealousy and rivalry while maintaining a mask of innocence

At first, the psychopath's attention is on you. And you don't understand what happens when he suddenly switches to another person. He constantly does things that make you doubt that you mean anything to him. If he is active in social networks, then he lures the former with songs, photos, jokes that were significant for their couple. He seems to be actively looking for a partner and at the same time ignores you.

8. He holds your attention and undermines your self-esteem

First he showers you with a debilitating stream of admiration, and then you become uninteresting to him. It hurts you, because you are already on fire with this passionate relationship. And now you feel like a housekeeper with him and nothing more.

9. The psychopath is selfish and demands constant attention.

He sucked all the energy out of you and filled your whole life with himself. He demands constant worship of himself. You thought that you were the only person capable of making him happy, but now you understand that anyone with a beating pulse is suitable for this role. But the truth is that no one can fill the void in the soul of a psychopath.

10. You don't recognize yourself

Your love and compassion have turned into overwhelming panic and anxiety. You apologize and cry more than you ever have in your life. You sleep poorly and wake up in a bad and anxious mood. You cannot understand what happened to you, where is this cheerful, laid-back, calm person now? After communicating with a psychopath, you feel exhausted, devastated and deprived of an adequate perception of the world. Life rolls upside down: you spend money, break ties with friends and loved ones, and constantly look for the reason for these actions.

A relationship with a psychopath is a black hole. No matter how much it hurts, you will always be to blame for everything. He ignores your best qualities, and self-doubt grows in you, you change beyond recognition. You will heal the traumas of these relationships for a long time, it will seem to you that everything will never be fine with you.

But you can get your nerves in order. First of all, exclude all contacts with a psychopath: correspondence, letters, and even “spying” on him in social networks. At first, it will be unbearably difficult for you, but relief will come with time. You will feel that sanity is returning to you and chaos is leaving your life. This experience may even be useful in the end. You will learn to value yourself and set boundaries for psychopaths so that they never disturb your peace again.

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  • How to identify a sociopath and not get hooked

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How do you recognize a psychopath?

In society there are always people with non-standard thinking, impulsive, perky character - favorites of the public, playing a specific role, hidden behind a mask of fictional feelings. Emotional openness or psychopathy - a deliberate plan of action in achieving goals? You can determine the subtle play of nature, you just have to wait for the right moment.

What is psychopathy?

The word psychopathy consists of two parts: "psyche" in Greek - soul and "pathos" - suffering. Psychopathy is a congenital or acquired in early childhood deviation in the functioning of the nervous system. Deformed development of volitional character traits that expresses the personality in society. Signs of psychopathy appear in early childhood; such behavior does not occur in psychologically healthy people in adulthood:

  • unrestrained character, hard to adapt the personality in social terms - quarrels with relatives and colleagues based on the psychopath's personal self-hypnosis, a tendency to embellish circumstances;
  • indifference to the feelings and problems of other people, disregard for the norms of social behavior, the manifestation of violence and aggression to achieve personal needs;
  • psychopaths do not have feelings of guilt, making mistakes that entailed punishment is not subject to analysis - experience.

    • Psychopathy in psychology

    A psychopath is originally an egoist, it is important for him to be in the center of attention, and no matter for what reason. The desire of a person to become a leader and attract the attention of others is the norm for him. Emotionally unbalanced individuals suffering from psychopathy can easily betray, they are cowardly. A psychopath easily turns an important task assigned, but not completed, into a scandal.

    Psychologists answer the question whether psychopathy is a disease or a character, a non-affirmative answer is the line between a healthy and pathological state of the psyche. Such personalities do not suffer from dementia or low intelligence, they are often successfully realized in creative professions that require expressions of an emotional state.

    Psychopaths are great at manipulating the feelings of others, pretending to be a victim or expressing "genuine" sympathy. Symptoms of psychopathy are often confused with manifestations of neuroses.

    A sociopath and a psychopath - the difference

    A distinctive feature that distinguishes a psychopath from a sociopath is remorse. A psychopath does not have such at all, and a sociopath has hesitations about bad deeds. A sociopath, unlike a psychopath, finds it difficult to pretend in society to achieve benefits; in communicating with others, he openly demonstrates personal interests, often makes rash spontaneous actions. A psychopath, on the contrary, never publicly recognizes a personal interest, and it is easy to pretend to achieve what you want, sometimes developing tactics of behavior.

    Psychopathy - causes

    Psychopathy occurs on the basis of birth trauma of the head, encephalitis, genetic predisposition and as a result of improper upbringing of the child, alcoholism of parents. If life circumstances that cause psychopathic syndromes in a person are minimized, then the manifestation of symptoms decreases. The first signs of psychopathy appear in early childhood and over the years become more pronounced - exacerbation of symptoms that form antisocial behavior of the individual.

    Signs of a psychopath

    There are a number of behavioral signs to recognize a psychopath. Ignoring the general norms of behavior for a person suffering from psychopathy is the standard. The psychopath lacks the skills to establish social connections, there are no long-term friendships. To determine psychopathy, a person must have several essential characteristics, congenital or acquired over the years, qualities:

    • short sleep duration;
    • lack of gratitude;
    • high rancor;
    • inconsistency and a bunch of started unfinished business;
    • frequent change of work and stereotypes of thinking;
    • permanent false;
    • own moral laws, far from legal norms;
    • instant occurrence of rage states;
    • accusing the opponent of lies and shortcomings, at the slightest conflict;
    • frequent change of character masks, convincing play on the feelings of other people;
    • lack of long-term love relationships;
    • extreme hobbies;
    • sexual perversity;
    • baseless jealousy;
    • no danger reflex;
    • possessing attractiveness and charm, the presence of high intellectual inclinations;
    • non-standard points of thinking.

    Psychopathy - signs in men

    Thoughtful tactics of behavior in society, excellent disguise of real facts, is inherent in male psychopaths. It is difficult to recognize a man as a psychopath with a short acquaintance. High success at work and business, an attractive demeanor and high activity - thought out to the smallest detail behavior in society. A woman caught in the network of a psychopath sees the real face of her chosen one late - domestic violence is a norm for him that cannot be eradicated.

    Psychopathy - signs in women

    Psychopathy in women is manifested by signs of irascibility and emotional imbalance, frequent depression. Callousness of the soul and neglect of the feelings of loved ones are habitual for her. A psychopath woman is of interest to most men, her cold calculation is built on personal interests, there is no feeling of love, but selfishness is developed, which manifests itself in adolescence.


    What are psychopaths afraid of?

    You can determine the type of behavior of a psychopath by applying the rules of behavior, they will help to establish communication in a team, smooth out the sharp edges of relations between relatives. The best way out is to avoid the manipulation of feelings, in the interests of the psychopath. The disease psychopathy is usually divided into groups, with the main symptom characterizing a particular type of personality disorder:

    1. Paranoid psychopathy - individuals with this disorder suspect everyone of bad intentions, are extremely observant, meticulous and curious about someone else's life, the manifestation of emotions in others, who are prescribed insidious plans.

    2. Schizoid psychopathy - such people do not like to express emotions and communicate, choosing a profession, they prefer work with minimal human contact.

    3. Hysterical psychopathy - individuals with such a disorder are afraid to be left without attention to their person, creative abilities, they react sharply to criticism.

    4. Excitable psychopathy - such psychopaths are characterized by groundless bouts of anger, jealousy, high demands on others, frequent dysphoria. Excitable psychopaths are rude and boorish, aggressive and easy to beat, prone to committing crimes.

    5. Psychasthenic psychopathy - cowardice and insecurity, these individuals are far from reality - dreamy, prone to unreasonable self-criticism.

    6. Affective psychopathy - characterized by constant mood swings, pronounced dissatisfaction with life, the search for artificial pleasure stimulants - drugs, alcohol.

    7. Unstable psychopathy - lack of willpower, a high degree of suggestibility and obedience from others. Having agreed with the opponent completely, such a person does not fulfill these promises.

    A psychopath in a relationship with a woman

    Playing on the feelings of a partner is a psychopath's favorite thing, Getting away from a psychopath is not easy, he asks for forgiveness in an acting way, with tears in his eyes, makes a promise not to repeat or resorts to threats - a close look at the frightened sacrifice, gives him pleasure. In moments of aggravation of relations, one should not cry and justify one's behavior, insult in response to comments, make promises.

    Wife and children, close relatives suffer emotionally from a psychopath husband. The decision to abandon the psychopathic tyrant must be final. Returning back to the psychopath, the woman in the following scandals will receive an enhanced method of pressure, she will be attacked by the tyrant with particular anger, she will receive psychological trauma that increases the self-esteem of the psychopath aggressor.


    How to deal with a psychopath?

    How to communicate with a psychopath if circumstances require contact? You need to know - he is not interested in someone else's point of view, the psychopath skillfully disguises his own interests behind an affirmative consent, followed by a surge of emotions. It is useless to enter into disputes with such personalities, if possible, listen to the arguments in the affirmative, redirect the conversation to a neutral zone, where the opponent is an ally.


    Psychopathy - treatment

    Personality psychopathy diagnosed by a doctor requires treatment. The initial stage will be explanatory conversations, family psychotherapeutic consultation, and the technique of hypnosis can be used. If after such methods of exposure there is no improvement in the condition, then drug therapy is prescribed. A strict selection of psychotropic drugs is carried out by a psychiatrist.


    Famous psychopaths

    Giftedness or madness of a person that influenced the course of history and the development of science - there is no clear division of the outstanding abilities of a talented person. However, a significant contribution to history was made by people with completely flawed characters, and those who had an unbearable character and a reprehensible reputation. Famous psychopaths who have contributed to the culture and history of mankind.

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