People tend to throw around the term "psychopath" without really understanding its true meaning. It's often used to describe someone who is self-centered, lacks empathy, and has a disregard for others. However, it's important to note that being a psychopath is not an official mental health diagnosis. Instead, these behaviors are often associated with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).
Now, let's take a look at the top ten traits commonly found in psychopaths.
Manipulative and deceitful behavior is a psychopath’s part of everyday life, and lying is one of their most common tactics. They may lie to gain power, control, or attention, or to avoid punishment or negative consequences. In case you call a psychopath out on their lies, they may accuse you of misunderstanding them and try to shift the blame on others.
Psychopaths have a unique ability to effortlessly captivate those around them with their charming and friendly demeanor. They exude confidence and charisma, making them appear incredibly attractive and magnetic. Therefore, they can easily gain trust and exploit the vulnerabilities of those around them, using their charm to mask their true intentions.
Psychopaths find it difficult to comprehend the emotions of others such as fear, sadness, or anxiety. Even in the presence of loved ones or close friends, psychopaths maintain an unsettling indifference towards their suffering. This inability to comprehend emotions can lead psychopaths to engage in manipulative and exploitative behaviors.
A psychopath couldn't care less about how their actions impact others. They might conveniently forget about hurting someone or brush off others' hurt feelings as an overreaction. Ultimately, psychopaths feel no guilt for causing pain to others. In fact, they often find ways to justify their behavior and shift the blame onto others.
Psychopaths act solely based on their emotions, without considering the potential consequences. They prioritize instant gratification over considering the risks and rewards of their decisions. For example, they might abruptly quit a job, terminate a relationship, relocate to a different city, or impulsively purchase a new car.
Psychopaths have a grandiose sense of self-importance. They often see themselves as superior to others and believe that they are above the rules and regulations that govern society. They have a strong desire for power, status, and recognition, and they will go to great lengths to achieve these goals.
A psychopath doesn't get bored just because of a dull day at work or a weekend spent at home. Instead, they feel a constant sense of boredom in all aspects of their life. Their nervous system is wired in such a way that they require constant stimulation to feel normal and achieve a regular level of excitement.
Psychopaths often display behavioral issues from a young age, such as cheating, vandalism, substance abuse, and violence. Their lack of empathy and remorse can make them more prone to engaging in violent acts, which can escalate in severity as they grow older. These behaviors tend to worsen over time and are typically more severe than those of their peers.
Psychopaths’ disregard for others often leads them to cheat on their partners. They might indulge in risky encounters with strangers or manipulate sex to fulfill their desires. For a psychopath, sex is devoid of emotions and instead serves as a means to assert dominance or boost their own ego.
Psychopaths have a tendency to see rules as mere suggestions, and they often perceive laws as limitations that hinder their progress. The range of criminal activities they engage in can be quite diverse. From driving offenses and financial misconduct to acts of violence, psychopaths are capable of committing a wide array of crimes.
Due to the severity of psychopathic traits and the lack of positive response to treatment, it is generally advisable to minimize your interactions with psychopaths to prevent enduring their abuse. Being aware of the indicators and symptoms of a psychopath can help in identifying someone with these harmful characteristics while seeking out a therapist who specializes in ASPD can provide guidance on how to handle and recover from such encounters.
