The answer to this question depends on who exactly can be considered a psychopath. According to some studies, about 30% of the population exhibits psychopathy traits to one degree or another. But we do not call every third person a psychopath, in fact, by this term we mean only people with very pronounced symptoms, which are no more than 1%. Such people are distinguished primarily by inadequate self-esteem, egocentrism and emotional superficiality. They are ready to deceive and manipulate others without remorse, and tend to act antisocially.
Such people find it difficult to understand what empathy and compassion are, they are irresponsible and insensitive to punishment. At the same time, psychopaths can have a special charm and, if desired, be very attractive to potential romantic partners. Psychopathy is a serious personality disorder. Interestingly, about 30% of people with sociopathy also show signs of psychopathy, so some experts consider these two concepts to be inextricably linked, and some even identical.
Symptoms and Signs of Psychopathy
Inappropriately high self-esteem
Pathological tendency to deception
Manipulative behavior
Absence of guilt/remorse
Superficial emotions
Lack of empathy
Indiscriminate sexual behavior
Lack of long-term, realistic goals
Parasitic lifestyle
Irresponsibility
Psychopathy Symptoms Test
With this test, it will be easier to understand whether you have a tendency to this disorder. You can also take the test "from another person", for example, if you suspect that you are in a romantic relationship with a psychopath. In this case, you should know the person well enough to get the most reliable result.
Instructions:
There are 12 statements in this test. You need to apply all the statements to yourself. Please rate each of them, according to the scale (1) strongly disagree (2) disagree (3) neither agree nor disagree (4) agree (5) totally agree. You will need approximately 3 minutes for this test.
This test has 12 statements. You need to apply all the statements to yourself and evaluate how much you agree or disagree with each of them. This test will take you about 3 minutes.
Disclaimer
The results of this test do not constitute a medical opinion, are not intended for clinical diagnosis, and serve solely for self-analysis and a general understanding of individual characteristics. Only a specialist can provide or rule out a diagnosis of psychopathy and related disorders based on a clinical interview.
People usually describe me as both charming and careless - to turn on and turn off my charm like a tap is easy for me.
I do what I want and when I want, no matter what others want. This happens unexpectedly when «a flash of lightning» strikes me.
I’m never to blame - even when things are not going the way I want or something turns out badly.
I used to have problems with law or crime (not just for speeding or parking) when I was a teenager.
I am always the best at what I do. No one will ever surpass me.
I always do whatever I want, and I don’t care what others think, even if it’s illegal.
Why pity other people? I do not want to help others. It's a dog eat dog world out there.
Lying to me is not a problem if I need to achieve the goal.
I live the «Seize the moment» slogan. Learning from one’s past is a pointless exercise. The future is in the balance.
No remorse, shame or guilt for what I have said or done, whatever it is.
Can an online test accurately determine if I am a psychopath?
No. Such a diagnosis requires extensive clinical interviews with a specialist and a detailed life history analysis. The test only indicates the presence of traits characteristic of this personality profile and serves as a self-discovery tool.
Are psychopaths born or made?
Modern science views it as a combination of genetics (specifically amygdala function) and environment (upbringing, trauma). Psychopathy is considered more biologically determined than sociopathy, which is often a result of environmental factors.
Are all psychopaths dangerous or prone to crime?
No. There is a concept of "high-functioning psychopaths." These individuals often become successful executives, lawyers, or surgeons. Their composure and lack of emotional involvement help them make tough decisions in extreme situations.
Can psychopathy be cured?
Psychopathy is considered a stable personality structure. While not "curable" with medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals adapt to social norms and interact with the world constructively.