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Essay / Psychopath and mental illness - 978
The term “psychopath” is often associated with “sociopath” and “antisocial personality disorder”. Due to the confusion surrounding the definitions of these terms, psychologists have struggled to find common ground on the diagnosis and treatment of these illnesses. The consensus for a psychopath is that they are antisocial, lacking in empathy, and exhibiting daring behavior (Cullen, 241). Studies show that 80% of psychopaths are men. Although professionals don't know why, they believe that psychopaths are born with a powerful predisposition to be psychopaths. This predisposition may increase over time, but in most cases there is no abuse or neglect in the home. Among the many characteristics of psychopaths, two stand out: contempt for others and the ability to hide it (240). Psychopaths enjoy manipulating others and take extreme pride in this trait. They view themselves as superior to those around them. Psychopaths do not use morality because it hinders their ability to get what they see as their needs. They have no remorse or empathy. A psychopath is generally presented as a person without conscience (Langman, Why). Psychopaths have difficulty feeling most emotions. The emotions they have the most difficulty feeling are fear and anxiety. Although they learn to imitate them extremely well, they do not really feel or understand them. Because psychopaths have difficulty achieving this, they often seek thrills or adventures to experience emotions like fear and excitement – roller coasters, skydiving, etc. The emotions felt by psychopaths are very strong. The strongest feelings experienced are often anger, frustration, and rage (Cullen, 240). To better understand the mind and emotions of a psychopath, Dr. Robert Hare developed EEG scans showing the middle of a sheet of paper. .. Therapy only makes things worse, because it offers psychopaths the opportunity to further develop their manipulative abilities (Chan, Amanda L.). Although there is no cure, psychologists are beginning to help psychopaths adapt and develop. By convincing psychopaths that it is in their best interest, a self-management strategy can help reduce the amount and extent of violence and cruelty (Cullen, 246). Works Cited Chan, Amanda L. “Psychopaths’ Lack of Empathy Has a Neurological Basis, Study Finds.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, September 24, 2013. Web. May 13, 2014. Cullen, David. "Psychopath." Columbine. New York: Twelve, 2009. 239-46. Print. Langman, Peter. “Rampage School Shooters: a typology. » Lee Salk Research Center, 2001. Web. May 7, 2014. Langman, Peter. Why Children Kill: Inside the Minds of School Shooters. New York: Palgrove Macmillan, 2009. Print.