ABSTRACT

A PSYCHOPATH IS DEFINED as a person without morals, and who displays a lack of empathy, remorse and respect for societal rules along with extreme egocentrism. “Psychopathy,” “sociopathy” and “antisocial personality disorder” are in general equivalent terms for the same condition. However, in clinical psychiatry, the term “antisocial personality disorder” is preferred. According to psychiatry’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the symptoms of this type of personality disorder include a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others with at least three of the following behaviors: a failure to conform to social norms, deception as indicated by repeatedly lying or conning others, impulsivity, aggression, consistent irresponsibility and lack of remorse. Th e person must be at least eighteen years old but evidence of a history of these behaviors in childhood or adolescence is required for the diagnosis.