What Are The Signs Of A Psychopath?

The word “psychopath” has previously been used to refer to the broader mental condition of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). This condition includes psychopathy and sociopathy in the clinical diagnostic criteria as sub-categories. However, the terms “sociopath” and “psychopath” are now considered outdated and stigmatizing outside of a clinical context, and using them to refer to someone with a personality disorder can contribute to the stereotyping of people living with mental illness. Instead, referring to these individuals as “someone with ASPD” may be more inclusive.

It is estimated that one-third of people with antisocial personality disorder exhibit traits of psychopathy. The term “sociopath” was introduced in the 1930s to highlight the effects that an individual’s behavior can have on others and to differentiate between psychosis and psychopathy. However, the term “sociopath” is no longer used in popular culture to refer to someone with ASPD due to its connotations and contribution to stigma against people with personality disorders.

Is there a difference between sociopathy and psychopathy?

Marked differences between sociopathy and psychopathy can be observed based on the diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Psychopathy, per the DSM-5, causes an individual to lack empathy and remorse for their actions. People with sociopathic traits may understand their actions are harmful or unconventional and may experience more emotional challenges than those experiencing the psychopathic traits listed in the DSM-5 category for antisocial personality disorder.

People with ASPD experiencing sociopathic traits may lack empathy but reject social norms and conventions and partake in criminal behavior due to their own rejection of rules. They may not be considered “charming” or “social” with others. People with ASPD exhibiting psychopathic traits may have a desire to harm others or get away with criminal activities and may have a “charming” demeanor. 

Another possible indication of psychopathic traits in ASPD is "blame externalization." People with this trait may have a tendency to blame others for their actions. They may admit to the behavior when called out but feel no shame.

Another potential sign of psychopathic traits based on clinical criteria is a lack of physical response to a stimulus that might otherwise be unsettling. For instance, if you know you're about to get into a car accident, your heart may race, your breathing might quicken, and your sweat glands might activate. People with ASPD and psychopathic traits may not respond this way, and their nervous system may remain stable as they witness difficult events.

Other potential characteristics of these traits may include superficial charm, pathological lying, a grandiose sense of self-worth (overconfidence), selfishness, and difficulty making and following long-term goals. In more extreme cases, violent tendencies may be present. A person with antisocial personality disorder may engage in (or instigate) fights and assaults due to increased irritability and aggressiveness. However, not all people with ASPD are violent, and many people with this condition can live proactive lives and value the mental health of themselves and others.

Psychopathic traits in children

Psychopathic traits in children have long been a source of fascination, as represented in films like Children of the Corn and The Omen. By their nature, children are often considered vulnerable and innocent, and they may feel emotions more intensely than adults do. The idea of a child being manipulative and cold-hearted may be disturbing to some people because it goes against the social expectations of how children “should” think and behave.

However, children are impacted by genetics and their environments. Therefore, signs of antisocial personality disorder may start to show in children. While it may be unsettling to try to detect signs of ASPD in a child, parents can prioritize finding mental health support while they’re young to prevent the condition from worsening over time or progressing into additional disorders associated with more hazardous outcomes. Behaviors in children, such as torturing animals or bullying other children, can be warning signs of a condition like conduct disorder, which is often diagnosed in children instead of ASPD. These factors can be addressed before the situation escalates, as children with these traits may grow into adults with violent behaviors.

If a parent seeks help for a child with these symptoms, a doctor or therapist may observe the child over time and develop a treatment plan based on their traits and diagnosis. In addition to the Hare Psychopathy Checklist, Robert D. Hare created a two-factor model for evaluating psychopathic traits, which includes manipulation, superficial charm, and a lack of empathy as factor one, and impulsivity, criminality, and the inability to show remorse as factor two. Providers may use this model to evaluate children and adults for conduct disorder and ASPD.

Children who present these characteristics before age three can develop significant behavioral problems. However, a child's personality differs from their behavior. It can be normal for a child to misbehave in some circumstances. To understand the difference between symptoms of mental illness and typical behavior, parents might ask themselves the following questions: 

• Does the child in question feel guilty after doing wrong?
• Do they modify their behavior after receiving a punishment?
• Are they open to sharing?
• Have they ever stolen or vandalized items?
• Do they lie often?
• Have they harmed animals or other people?

Parents or caregivers can also discuss concerns regarding these questions and related behaviors with a mental health professional.

Psychopathic traits tests for teenagers

Another test, the PCL: YV, is an alternate version of the PCL-R that was developed for evaluating teenagers aged 12 to 18. Another alternative to the PCL-R is the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD), which is geared toward children ages six to 13. Youth who receive high scores on either of these tests may be more likely to engage in violence and criminality. These tests must be administered by a doctor or mental health professional, as diagnoses of mental illnesses like conduct disorder and ASPD are complex and multi-faceted.

Juvenile psychopathic traits are typically associated more with negative emotions like anger, anxiety, and depression. Psychopathic traits in young people tend to fall into one of three categories: a callous or unemotional state of mind, narcissism, or a tendency to act impulsively and irresponsibly.

Recent studies have found, however, that such tests are less accurate than they were previously thought to be at predicting whether young people grow up to become adult offenders. Even with the models that have been developed and the abundance of research conducted since the early 1900s, there remains much to be learned about ASPD and psychopathic traits. 

Support options

It can be challenging to maintain a healthy relationship with someone who behaves in harmful ways, whether with a parent, sibling, or significant other. If you or a loved one have ASPD or showcase traits like those above, you may find therapy a helpful way to cope. If you face barriers to in-person therapy, you may also consider online therapy platforms like BetterHelp.  

Online platforms match clients with a licensed therapist and offer the option of phone, video, or live chat sessions. Individuals can also reach out to a therapist via in-app messaging, and they will respond as soon as possible. 

Research shows that online therapy is effective for treating multiple conditions. One review showed that people participating in online therapy saw a 50% improvement in symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression and that online treatment significantly decreased the impacts of chronic fatigue and stress.