What is Psychopathy?

This video answers the question: What is psychopathy? When we talk about psychopathy, a lot of times we think of the diagnosis that we see in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual: antisocial personality disorder. These two constructs, psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder, are similar and some would argue the really the same thing, but I usually think of them as distinct. I think the research supports this perspective fairly well. We could think of psychopathy as having all the characteristics we would expect to see with antisocial personality plus characteristics from other domains, specifically interpersonal and affective domains. To understand antisocial personality disorder we look in the DSM and we see that there are seven symptom criteria and then three other criteria. Of the seven symptom criteria, three would have to be met for a diagnosis. The seven symptom criteria are violating social norms, lying, impulsivity, irritability and aggression, disregarding others’ safety, irresponsibility, and lack of remorse. Those symptoms would have to be present since the age of 15. Then we have the other criteria. An individual has to be 18 years or older, evidence of conduct disorder would have had to have been present before the age of 15, and the symptoms of antisocial personality disorder can't occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. We can see from this definition of antisocial personality it would be hard to conceptualize a presentation of psychopathy that didn't also qualify as antisocial personality disorder, and in fact this is how we usually think of it. We think of psychopathy as a subset of antisocial personality disorder, so that almost all of individuals who had psychopathy would qualify for antisocial personality disorder and a number of individuals with antisocial personality disorder would qualify for psychopathy, but not all of them. A number of the studies on antisocial personality and psychopathy look at male criminal offenders in the prison population. Here we see that around 70 – 80 % percent of those individuals qualify for a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, but only about 15-25% could be classified as having psychopathy.

[ad]

This is better than some 'phychology' channels which makes videos about 'signs of your crush likes you'

[paristonhill]

Would it be possible to put links in the description of some of the research papers that you read to make the video? Not that I dont trust you, but I think people (like me) would like to read up on these topics. Thanks and love the videos.

[qiuwbr]

Dr. Grande- You have led me into understanding humans in ways I didn’t believe I wanted. That’s why I didn’t, until now. 😌

[rw]

I wanted to thank you Dr. Grande. I've been watching your videos after I found your channel about a year ago.

I was diagnosed in a forensic setting with comorbid cluster b personality disorders. I really didn't appreciate what it all meant at the time.

Your videos have been an invaluable resource. Quite literally, I don't know what I would have done without them... or I'd still be lost in the fog. Clinical insight and expertise is rare and not easily accessible, as you're aware.

I want to thank you for what you do and for what it's worth I'll always appreciate it. I don't defend my character and I don't think I'm someone you would have a beer with. Having said that, you've helped me find real stability and I'm sure this is and will be true for many others like me who find your channel.

As seriously as I can say it, thank you sir. You're offering a light in the darkness.

[SK_TorON]

Having relevant text items appearing as you speak is an excellent idea. With that text synchronized with the precise verbal presentation, the whole video feels like an effective teaching tool. And how you manage to pack all that info into just under 9 minutes, and without any perceived haste - that really beats me! A question that has bugged me about the topic of psychopaths is that most of the study subjects are sampled from prison population. The reason for that is obvious: ease of finding the relevant study subjects. But doesn't using inmates as for these studies result in some incompleteness of the picture of a psychopath most of us are likely to meet?

[visassess]

I definitely presented a lot of these traits from a very young age but it's more like it just subconsciously happened. Once I became aware of the fact that it doesn't fit in with society then I consciously changed my behavior. I still have those lack of feelings and remorse but I try and appear a certain way that's more "normal".

I really don't understand what exactly is different about me and I'm definitely not trying to diagnose myself with anything but I just found the connection noteworthy. Then again I have been told after the fact that I sometimes still act in those certain ways.

[alexisjuillard]

You are the most professional person i've ever seen it's just mindblowing. And I mean that in a good way, you almost make me want to fall sick so you can treat me^^ Seriously though keep up the spread of well reaserched unbiased (as much as can be) info. You are a fine gourmet in a world of gluttonous pigs Dr Grande. Peace

[TheAtuocool]

Dear Dr. Grande,

Can psychopathic individuals love? Are they moved by music, poetry or a sentimental movie? Could they have a spiritual experience?

[SandyRiverBlue]

I would also love to see your assessment of Sherlock Holmes as portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch. This Sherlock Holmes claims several times to be a high-functioning sociopath but I think that he fits Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder much better.

[nataliyahall]

Dr.Grande, thank you so much for an outstanding channel! Very informative and easy to understand.
I have a question: Do psychopaths, Sociopaths and people with Narcissistic personality disorder have sense of humor?
Thank you!

[HospitalForSouls.X]

I'm a psychopath with comorbid borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. In my teen years I was the poster girl for recklessness, but I have since learned to manage myself. I still like to have fun but its certainly not as often.

[kevinsommerfield]

I was surprised you didn't talk about factor 1 vs factor 2 psychopathy in this video like you usually do. Is there a reason for this?
Anyway, thanks for the video!

[Mimi-upro]

I'm interested in not the fancy term of "Psychopathy", nor the movie influenced definition of it, but pure categorization of it and how their mind works. When I think of "Psychopathy" I also think of "social norm" and what measurement is "right" to diagnose one as "Psychopath".

[kylesmothers]

In all of the videos on psychopathy i have ever watched, there is never any account for things like methamphetamine abuse. Methamphetamine abuse can take a relatively normal and empathetic person and turn them into something even more dangerous than the garden variety psychopath. I do not have any science to back up my opinion, I have simply seen it in real life.

[mariaborren]

Hello it's very good and information that you are giving😊 I had a daughter had a lot of problems and I need it to find answers thank you😊

[Dtella]

Wow interesting explains my ex narc which was my diagnosis of course studied Psychology and knew he was a psychopath/covert narcissist...so interpersonal, lifestyle and add super secretive/dangerous combo...called him out on his bs run Forest Run but quietly...one step ahead because he thought everyone had no sense but him...sick!

[BlackjackArmyCaptain]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge my friend

[moniquetammenga]

Dr. Todd Grande! Thank you for this explanation. 🦊

[addapavan]

Sir, please describe hare' psychopathic checklist revised. Sir please explain all 20 items meaning & describe with 2 examples for each.

[TjHarris]

Haven’t watched a later video, but my first instinct is to comment on the volume of the video. Might want to heighten it a little. 😬