Psychopathy

Medically reviewed by Paige Henry, LMSW, J.D.

The word psychopath comes from two Greek words: psyche (ψυχή) and pathos (πάθος). Psyche means “soul” while pathos means “suffering” or “feeling.” Therefore, the term psychopath directly translates into “soul suffering.” 

Individuals displaying psychopathic tendencies may live with different personality disorders or mental health conditions. They might look unassuming and often appear completely normal, blending in with the rest of society. However, because psychopathy is marked by traits like impulsiveness, lack of empathy, and disregard for the law and others’ well-being, individuals with this disorder differ from the average person.

Adults with psychopathic tendencies tend to be difficult to treat, even with therapy and/or medication. Still, research has shown that these individuals can be successfully treated to varying extents with the right interventions and support. Keep reading to learn more about the complexity of psychopathy and how online therapy can promote safety and healing for those affected by this disorder.

The Spectrum Of Psychopathy 

Psychopathy can run on a spectrum, with some people having more severe symptoms and difficulties with functioning than others. Some psychopaths are violent, and some commit criminal behaviors, whereas others are not violent and don’t engage in criminal activity. 

There are notable differences between a psychopath's brain and the brain of a person who is not a psychopath. In clinical settings, psychopathy is detected using a checklist of traits. Psychopathy is often misunderstood, and it can be a challenging concept for many people to grasp.

Psychopaths Vs. Sociopaths

Though both are frequently diagnosed under the same umbrella of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), the term “psychopath” differs from the term “sociopath.” A sociopath is a person who experiences little-to-no empathy and generally lacks remorse. These individuals are usually a result of their environment. A sociopath may have grown up in a chaotic or traumatic environment that led them to develop ASPD. 

The critical difference between a sociopath and a psychopath is that a psychopath is born that way, while a sociopath develops their condition from their environment. Sociopaths and psychopaths both have traits of ASPD, but a psychopath's condition is usually more severe.

Are Psychopaths Evil?

Although Hollywood tends to portray psychopaths as criminals and generally bad people, not all people with psychopathic tendencies set out to cause harm. While many of these individuals may not have the wisest moral decision-making skills, that doesn’t necessarily make them evil. 

People tend to think of psychopaths as villains in movies, but psychopathy affects real human beings and is attributed to differences in both the structure and function of the brain. Some psychopaths may hurt or damage people, whereas others are innocent and don’t intend to manipulate or harm anyone. Still, those who do choose to harm others must be held accountable for their actions, as having a mental illness is not an excuse for poor behavior. 

It can be important not to group all psychopaths together, as every person thinks, feels, and behaves in a unique manner. The stereotypes and stigmas surrounding psychopathy can make it harder for people with these traits to seek help. With the advances made in the field of mental health, people with psychopathic tendencies may have more access to support and treatment than ever.

Understanding Psychopathy With Online Therapy

If you know someone with psychopathic traits or who has been diagnosed with psychopathy, you may need guidance in learning how to interact with them in a way that safeguards your mental well-being. Whether you have a family member who is a psychopath or you’re in a relationship with someone with these tendencies, it can be crucial to set healthy boundaries and practice self-care.

To receive convenient and readily accessible support, you might consider signing up on an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, With online therapy, you can pick between phone calls, video chats, or in-app messaging to speak with a therapist. Because you can connect with your provider from anywhere, you can choose a safe, comfortable location to meet with them at a time that’s convenient for you. 

Psychopathy is often associated with other mental health conditions and concerns like personality disorders, which research has shown can be addressed with online therapy. In a comprehensive analysis of multiple studies, researchers found that individuals participating in internet-delivered therapy interventions experienced significant decreases in their symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Participants also rated their satisfaction with the interventions as moderate to high. There were no reported adverse effects and researchers concluded that online therapy could be useful in expanding the number of effective treatment methods for personality disorders.

Takeaway

Psychopathy can be a complex disorder to understand. It tends to run on a spectrum, with some people displaying more severe traits than others. Because not all people with psychopathy are the same, it can be important to treat them as individuals with unique characteristics and intentions. To explore more about psychopathy, you can read through the different articles in this section. If you’re concerned about psychopathic traits in yourself or someone you know or love, you might benefit from connecting with a therapist. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can provide you with the support you deserve with ease and convenience.