How to spot a psychopath at work?
Psychopathy is among the most difficult mental disorders to diagnose and detect, most are indistinguishable from ordinary people and are even often perceived as charming people.
Psychopathy is among the most difficult mental disorders to diagnose and detect, most are indistinguishable from ordinary people and are even often perceived as charming. The main characteristics of those who suffer from this pathology reside in the lack of empathy, manipulation, volatility in behaviour, disrespect for laws and social customs, absence of remorse or guilt, tendency towards violent behaviour and sometimes the practice of criminal acts.
Psychopathy is largely impervious to treatment and is manifested by an inability to form emotional bonds or empathize with others, although psychopaths generally have seductive personalities or are seen as charming people. Psychopaths are extremely manipulative and easily gain the trust of those around them. They learn to imitate emotions, in the inability to feel them, and are often well educated, hold steady jobs and are well integrated into society. It is usual if you maintain families or long-term relationships that those around you do not suspect your true nature.
Psychopaths are often confused with sociopaths but the pathologies are distinct with some commonalities and the origin of these disorders generates some differences in personalities. Both suffer from Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and the distinction between the two lies in how they develop the illness.
Psychopathy is considered an innate condition of the individual, that is, the person is born with the disorder, and its origin results from a genetic failure that impairs the development of parts of the brain related to emotions, impulse control, empathy and morality. On the contrary, sociopathy is developed during life, through education, social relationships or trauma. Although one of the hallmarks of ASPD is impulsiveness, psychopaths tend to be more cautious and risk-averse. It is common for their crimes to be premeditated. On the other hand, sociopaths are more impulsive and their outbreaks of violence tend to be unplanned and easier to detect.