Today's Thursday • 14 mins read
“Not all psychopaths are in prison – some are in the boardroom.”
— Robert Hare, the leading specialist on Psychopathy
Psychopaths aren’t rare. They form around 1% of the general population, up to 3% of business managers, and up to 25% of the prisoners have psychopathic traits.
Most psychopaths don’t get picked up by law enforcement. They might be scam artists, white-collar criminals, politicians, government leaders, teachers, attorneys, and even police officers. One of them might be at your workplace, gym, or neighborhood.
So, psychopaths are plentiful, like snakes. Only a few snakes will bite you; others mostly slither around unnoticed. So with psychopaths.
“Psychopaths” and “psychopathy” are not recognized terms by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). What comes close is the term “Antisocial Personality Disorder,” describing these people as having a “pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others.”
- One of its hallmark signs is “fear blindness”: these people are just unstoppable with any threat or warning. They often foresee the serious hurt they will cause, but they still do not give a hoot.
- They are insensitive to others’ feelings, don’t respect the rules of a civilized society, and are antisocial by nature and behavior.
- A psychopath can harm you willfully for the pleasure of having control over you.
How To Spot A Psychopath: 20 Defining Signs
Spotting a psychopath early on can help you and your loved ones stay safe.
1. Disdain For Social Norms, Shallow Emotions, & Coldness
The hallmark traits of a psychopath: No rules, no guilt, no shame.
- Have a persistent disregard for social norms and a blatant readiness to violate the rules.
- Known for their cold, callous behavior and lack of guilt when doing the wrong things.
- Have a striking lack of remorse for the repercussions of that behavior.
Psychopaths have a limited range of emotions, appearing detached or indifferent in highly emotional situations. While others are sad, anxious, or excited, the psychopath appears cold and unaffected.
They don’t have a conscience, so watch out for those who don’t feel guilty or regret after they insult a waiter or kick a puppy.
- Research shows psychopathic people can feel bad about their choices, but still do not use these feelings to make better future choices. Even when they know their actions are harmful, they do not use this knowledge to change their behavior (Baskin-Sommers, 2016).
2. Aggressive Tendencies And Criminal Versatility
Not all psychopaths are aggressive, but some may show physical or verbal hostile behavior.
- Pronounced irritability, simmering rage, outbursts, and physical hostile behavior.
- Uses anger to manipulate and control others.
- Repeatedly engages in aggressive acts.
A psychopath can adapt to various situations and use ingenious tactics to trap and harm others. 15% to 25% of prison inmates show psychopathic characteristics (Burton & Saleh, 2020).
- They can’t control their emotions and reactions, which could explain why they cannot self-reflect or understand their own condition.
- The presence of psychopathic traits can predict future aggression and crimes of passion with up to 80% accuracy.
- They have been found involved in some of the most cruel, destructive, and heinous acts in society.
Real-life example: Charles Manson, a notorious social deviant, manipulated his followers into carrying out a series of widely publicized incidents that shocked the public, including cases involving Hollywood figures.
3. Problematic Childhood
Psychopathy is more likely to develop in children who display conduct disorder with callous-unemotional (CU) traits.
- Early signs of psychopathy often manifest in childhood as bad conduct or other antisocial behaviors.
- These children are cruel to animals, bully their peers, steal from others, cheat, and start fights.
Most psychopaths have a history of conduct disorder by the age of 15, and the worst ones may have their first behavioral issues before their 10th birthday.
Real-life example: Serial offender Jeffrey Dahmer showed signs of conduct-related problems in his childhood, including callous behavior toward animals and a fixation on disturbing themes.
4. Failure to Form Genuine Relationships
Psychopaths are dishonest and will deceive without hesitation or fear. Even if their partner warns them after finding their cheating, they will cheat again.
- They have difficulty forming deep emotional connections.
- Their relationships are exploitative and self-serving.
- String of unstable or short-lived relationships.
It is hard to find them in long-term marriages (except in cultures where arranged marriage and life-long partnerships are the norm).
Psychopaths tend to dominate their relationships, making their long-term partners feel caged and dependent on them.
Usually, they may frequently jump from one relationship to another, discarding partners when they no longer serve a purpose.
Their trail of broken relationships can be traced to their emotional coldness, lack of empathy, cheating nature, and ability to use and hurt people guiltlessly.
5. Manipulation And Exploitation
Psychopaths are skilled manipulators who take advantage of others for personal gain without remorse.
- Skilled at manipulating others for personal gain.
- Uses charm, deceit, and intimidation to achieve goals.
- Exploits all their relationships and takes advantage of trust.
They can use charms, lies, or moral obligation to trap you. Ted Bundy lured many of his victims by simulating a physical injury or disability, asking for help to get close to them.
They are pathological liars and trust abusers, always ready to pounce on other people’s vulnerabilities and weaknesses.
Real-life example: Bernie Madoff, a convicted financial fraudster, manipulated and exploited investors for years, resulting in one of the largest financial scandals in history.
6. Lack of Empathy
Psychopaths lack emotional empathy and compassion.
- Lack of guilt, remorse, or shame.
- Mimics emotions to blend in with others.
- Difficulty understanding and feeling emotions.
This lack of empathy makes them resistant to caring about others’ feelings or well-being.
It also keeps them from feeling bad about hurting others. A psychopath may not feel any sorrow or regret after betraying a close friend or family member.
They are, however, good at mimicking empathy, compassion, and kindness to get things done. They can even fake remorse and regret.
Real-life example: Frank Abagnale, portrayed in the film “Catch Me If You Can,” was a master of deception and impersonation, mimicking his way into many high-profile positions.
7. Lack of Guilt or Remorse
Psychopaths do not experience guilt or remorse for their actions, even when they harm others.
- Blames others and makes excuses.
- Rarely takes responsibility for actions.
- Lack of morals, conscience, and empathy.
They have a low capacity for introspection and self-evaluation.
This could be due to their inherent callous and detached nature, which stops them from controlling their destructive behavior even if they understand the after-effects of their actions.
They lack conscientiousness, and this makes them lie and cheat guilt-free.
Even when a psychopath harms someone, they are often unaffected by what happens to them because of their actions. When cornered, they will rather try to escape, assault, or plot revenge.
They will repeat what they have done before (called recidivism or return to crime) whether they receive a pardon or punishment. This makes them highly dangerous.
8. Need For Control & Authority
Psychopaths often crave power, control, and dominance, seeking positions of authority to manipulate and exploit others.
- Seeks positions of power and authority
- Hunger for power and control over others
- Overlap with narcissism and Machiavellianism
They are skilled in self-image management. They curate a charismatic persona with alluring mannerisms, most noted in women psychopaths.
They are experts at social smiles, fake concerns, empty empathy, and flowery flattery. Unfortunately, all this activity is the best part of their controlling game.
9. Impulsivity, High-Risk Behavior, No Fear of Consequences
Psychopaths may act impulsively and recklessly, disregarding potential consequences or the well-being of others.
- Engages in dangerous or harmful behavior
- Poor impulse control and decision-making
- May act on a whim without considering the consequences
They are prone to thrill-seeking and risky behaviors, including criminal activity, substance abuse, and licentious promiscuity.
They do not fear that they might be caught in their act.
This “fear-blindness” is mostly because the areas of their brains linked to fear responses, impulse control, and righteous decision-making do not function as well as in normal people.
Real-life example: Andrew Cunanan, often cited as a spree offender, showed pronounced impulsivity, becoming associated with several widely reported incidents over a short span of time, including Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace and Chicago real estate developer Lee Miglin.
10. Mean Streak of Behavior
Of course, they are unreliable and irresponsible. They do not keep their promises and commitments. Worse is their meanness.
- Their sadistic streak can be sensual or non-sensual.
- Sadistic enjoyment of the pain and suffering of others.
- It is a strong predictor of future destructiveness and crimes of passion.
When you need their help, psychopaths can not just abandon you but also kick you down the hole.
Once they know they have charmed you, or they get over your “usability,” they will treat you to growing degrees of cruelty. They may fiercely degrade and humiliate their victims in public.
Real-life example: Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, widely known for their involvement in the Moors cases, deceived young people under false pretenses and showed a disturbing pattern of callous behavior, severe boundary violations, and extreme disregard for human well-being.
11. Narcissistic Tendencies
Psychopaths see no flaws in themselves. They have a strong sense of entitlement, believing they deserve special treatment from others.
Their narcissistic tendencies include:
- A bloated sense of self-importance
- A belief that they are superior to others
- A constant need for praise and attention
They often coerce their victims to praise them. Some may even punish the victim for refusing to give in to their fantasies and whims.
When they are invited, they demand the finest treatment (which is narcissistic entitlement), and if they are not, they will start a spate of acts and fights without regard for anyone else (psychopathic callousness).
They also often have a grandiose sense of self-worth (grandiosity), believing they are superior to others and entitled to special privileges, much like narcissists.
Real-life example: Joseph Stalin, former Soviet leader, had many psychopathic traits, including a lack of empathy and a ruthless approach to power. He decimated his perceived enemies and ordered the misery and annihilation of millions of people.
12. Social Deviance And Abnormal Thinking
Psychopaths are known to engage in antisocial and deviant behavior, such as crime, vandalism, and other acts that violate societal norms.
- Repeatedly engages in acts that violate social norms
- Poor anger management and impulse control
- Acts against the well-being of others
Their brains are seemingly wired in such a way that they can find it funny or joyful to treat others with utmost cruelty.
Even their threats and criticism can have a satanic nature. They can tell you things like, “I will burn you in your grave.”
13. Superficial Charm & Appeal
Psychopaths are often charming and persuasive, using their charisma to manipulate others.
- Highly persuasive and engaging
- Skilled at faking prosocial behaviors
- Charm eventually wears off, revealing coldness or cruelty
They excel at mimicking empathy, kindness, and concern, but this facade usually fades over time, revealing their true, colder nature.
Real-life example: Serial offender Ted Bundy was known for gaining the trust of his victims with his charm and good looks.
14. Parasitic Lifestyle
Psychopaths may rely on others for financial support or resources, exploiting their generosity and kindness.
- Relies on others for financial support or resources
- Exploits others’ generosity and kindness
- Unwilling to contribute or reciprocate
Real-life example: Maury Travis, who offed between 12 and 20 women, lived in his mother Sandra Travis’s basement, using it as his correctional facility.
15. Lack of Commitments & Attachments
Psychopaths struggle to form deep, meaningful connections with others, often maintaining superficial relationships based on manipulation and deceit.
- Unreliable and unpredictable
- Fears being tied down or restricted
- Avoids long-term relationships and obligations
A psychopath may avoid committing to a job, romantic relationship, or friendship due to a fear of being controlled or losing their freedom.
16. Frequent Job Changes or Unemployment
A psychopathic individual may change jobs frequently or struggle to hold down a job due to their inability to form genuine relationships and their need for control.
- Difficulty maintaining stable employment
- Frequent job changes or periods of unemployment
- Often works in positions of power or control
17. Hostile & Antagonistic
Psychopaths often have a hidden aggressive side.
- Can pretend to be friendly, kind, and charming temporarily
- Tend to hold intolerant, chauvinist, or misogynistic views
- Treat people in hostile or unkind ways
They are often argumentative and combative, frequently seeking dispute and confrontation.
18. Lack of Long-Term Goals
Psychopaths may lack clear, long-term goals or plans, instead focusing on immediate gratification and short-term gains.
They have trouble planning for the future and following through on duties and commitments. Their inability to form stable connections or pursue long-term objectives contributes to their erratic and destructive behavior.
- Tendency to live in the present moment, disregarding future consequences
- Inability to maintain stable employment or relationships
- Frequent changes in residence or personal circumstances
Real-life example: Andrew Cunanan, who was linked to a widely reported incident involving fashion designer Gianni Versace. He led a transient lifestyle, frequently relocating and forming short-term relationships.
19. Poor Behavioral Controls
Psychopaths may struggle to control their behavior, often lashing out in anger, frustration, or hostile behavior.
They struggle to adhere to social norms and expectations, and find it hard to put up good behavior for long periods of time.
- Difficulty managing anger and frustration
- Impulsive and reckless decision-making
- Frequent outbursts of hostile behavior or physical force intended to hurt
20. Promiscuous Behavior
Psychopaths often engage in reckless and impulsive licentious acts, often being promiscuous, and disregarding the feelings and well-being of their partners.
- Tendency to have multiple partners
- Manipulate others for personal gratification
- May engage in high-risk physical behaviors
Real-life example: Ted Bundy, the world’s most infamous serial offender, was known for his promiscuity and manipulation of women. He used his charm and good looks to lure victims. He was suspected of being involved in incidents involving at least 30 young women in the 1970s.
Origin of Psychopaths
1. In Their Genes
- Psychopaths may have different brains. The areas linked to emotion control, morality, and decision-making show low activity in their brains.
- Individuals from otherwise stable backgrounds who later engaged in severe behaviors showed reduced functioning in the right orbitofrontal cortex by approximately 14.2%. Reduced activity in this region has been linked to impaired fear learning and personality and emotional traits that resemble psychopathy, sometimes referred to as “acquired sociopathy” (Baker & Bezdjian. 2006).
- Around 49% of the variance in psychopathy is due to genetic factors, while the remaining 51% is attributed to non-shared environmental influences (Beaver & Rowland, 2011).
- Among various genetic influences, certain structural and functional derangements in the brain have been found to contribute to psychopathy (Thompson & Ramos, 2014).
2. From Their Environment
- Problematic parenting, childhood trauma, and harsh living conditions may contribute to psychopathy (Burton & Saleh, 2020)
- Children who experience harsh, inconsistent discipline or a lack of parental warmth are at a higher risk of developing psychopathic traits.
- Exposure to traumatic events during childhood, such as abuse or neglect, can contribute to the onset of psychopathic behaviors.
- High-risk environments with unsupportive communities and deviant peers may increase a person’s susceptibility to psychopathy (Junewicz & Billick, 2021).
3. Related Mental Illnesses
High-functioning psychopaths may have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and substance use disorders.
Treating Psychopaths
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help with the emotional and behavioral issues of psychopathy.
Medicines may be prescribed for their co-existing mental health issues:
- Mood stabilizers to reduce mood swings in bipolar disorder.
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) to reduce symptoms of OCD.
- Antipsychotics to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
How To Protect Yourself from Psychopaths
- Awareness: Know their warning signs: emotional coldness, lack of conscience, compulsive lying, fearlessness, mental toughness, and antisocial impulses.
- Set boundaries: Don’t let them get too close to you. Don’t share any details (or give out only the bare minimum) of your personal life. Keep your past secret. Don’t trust them easily.
- Learn self-defense skills: Learn self-defense (verbal and physical) techniques to protect yourself. Avoid “telling them their true nature.”
- Inform others: Share the psychopath’s details with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Report concerns: Reach out to authorities if they threaten or bully you.
Final Words
Psychopaths exist among us, unknown to us.
- They might not hate you, but they might not love you the way you want to be loved.
- Before they assault you, homicidal psychopaths may seem like fun people to be with.
- The most dangerous part is that they don’t fear consequences or feel any remorse. They can make you sit on a faulty rollercoaster and then shrug their shoulders when you fall.
Former FBI profiler Joe Navarro says, “To live among predators, one must know and respect them.”
√ Also Read: Do Psychopaths Know They Are Psychopaths?
√ Please spread the word if you found this helpful.
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