Psychopath ( Archived) (62)

Psychopathy is currently defined in psychiatry and clinical psychology as a condition characterized by lack of empathy or conscience, and poor impulse control or manipulative behaviors. It is a term derived from the Greek psyche (soul, breath hence mind) and pathos (to suffer), and was once used to denote any form of mental illness, often being confused with psychosis. The term is often used interchangeably with sociopathy and antisocial personality disorder, but many authorities in the fields have argued that there are important differences among the three.

Though in widespread use, psychopathy has no precise equivalent in either the DSM-IV-TR, where it is most strongly correlated with antisocial personality disorder, or the ICD-10, where it is correlated with dissocial personality disorder. Some experts are working toward listing psychopathy as a unique disorder. However, only a minority of diagnosable psychopaths are violent offenders. The manipulative skills of some of the others are valued for providing audacious leadership. Some have argued that psychopathy is adaptive in a highly competitive environment, because it gets results for both the individual and the corporations they represent. However, these individuals will often cause long-term harm, both to their co-workers and the organization as a whole, due their manipulative, deceitful, abusive, and often fraudulent behaviour.

In current clinical use, psychopathy is most commonly diagnosed using the checklist devised by Emeritus Professor Robert Hare. He describes psychopaths as "intraspecies predators who use charm, manipulation, intimidation, and violence to control others and to satisfy their own selfish needs. Lacking in conscience and in feelings for others, they take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without guilt or remorse". "What is missing, in other words, are the very qualities that allow a human being to live in social harmony."

Have you ever come across one??? I know my ex was one...

I have and hopefully he wont come back...

I have too! just perfect!!!

Where was he from?

"intraspecies predators who use charm, manipulation, intimidation, and violence to control others and to satisfy their own selfish needs. Lacking in conscience and in feelings for others, they take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without guilt or remorse".



Yep, been there, done that, got the t-shirt, and left it a couple of months ago.........

One of my ex's may qualify...he had many traits you noted. He was a professional, was charming, and very abusive-but only in private. That is one relationship that I was lucky to get out of .... It was a vicious cycle...for eight years...

I used to be one but I'm okay now!

I had dealt with one for about 5 years,on and off,its now going on 3 months sinse I heard from him,do you think he will be back even though he is long distance?