Psychopathy: An Extreme Form of Dissocial Personality Disorder
Psychopathy is considered an extreme form of Dissocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), though the distinction between the two is not clearly defined scientifically. There are many overlaps between the two conditions. Both psychopaths and individuals with ASPD exhibit dissocial behavior. However, psychiatrists and psychologists believe that psychopaths are more severely emotionally impaired. For instance, they use aggression without inhibition to control others and achieve their goals.
In everyday life, people with psychopathy are often indistinguishable from others. However, they can be very dangerous to society because they lack the ability to empathize with others. They do not feel guilt when behaving antisocially or unlawfully. The rate of psychopaths in prisons is very high.
Key Characteristics and Implications:
- Severe Emotional Impairment:
Psychopaths exhibit more severe emotional deficits compared to those with ASPD, including a lack of empathy and remorse. - Aggressive Control:
They often employ unrestrained aggression to exert control over others and achieve their objectives. - Lack of Empathy:
Their inability to empathize with others makes them potentially dangerous, as they do not experience guilt for antisocial or illegal actions. - High Incarceration Rates:
Psychopaths are frequently found in prisons due to their criminal behaviors.
#survivor of a psychopath
