What is psychopathy
In modern medical literature, the term “psychopathy” is not used. It was replaced by the concept of “personality disorder”. It was proposed to abandon the outdated terminology due to the fact that this name is negative.
Psychopaths lack many of the human feelings: empathy, gratitude, sympathy
Psychopathy is a personality abnormality. With this disease, the behavior of the sick person changes depending on the form of the disorder.
With psychopathy, there are no symptoms of brain damage, which indicates that the patient has developed intelligence. Psychopaths are primarily selfish, for whom it is important to be the center of attention. In such individuals, leadership qualities coexist with emotional imbalance.
Experts cannot definitively answer whether personality disorder is a mental illness. They evaluate this state as the line between a pathological state of mind and a healthy one.
But psychologists clearly agree on one thing - this condition requires treatment.
He always has an explanation
A psychopath would rather chew off his own ear than say: yes, I completely screwed up. He is never to blame for anything. Moreover, it is actually your fault. He didn’t write the report because you constantly remind him of this, and this discourages inspiration. He cheated on you, but what could you do - on January 18, 2012, you yourself looked at him somehow unkindly, what kind of guy would put up with that? No matter how crazy the excuse may be, the psychopath will justify it clearly and clearly: experts have calculated that such people use the phrases “because” and “since” several times more often than everyone else.
How to behave as a woman with a psychopathic husband
A person with a personality disorder seeks to emotionally destroy his victim.
In this regard, you need to know how to protect yourself from a psychopath and how to behave correctly with him:
- At the first manifestation of reproaches or nagging from a sick person, it is better for a woman to pretend to be very busy. In moments of exacerbation with such people, it is important to keep a distance.
- Convey information to your loved ones and friends that your “beloved” man has a personality disorder. You definitely need to create your own support group.
- He is wary of any behavior of a man.
- Don't take your psychopathic husband's word for it. All information received from him must be analyzed and verified.
- If a sick person is prone to violence, it is worth coming up with an “exit plan.” Learn the phone numbers of loved ones who can help in an emergency. It won’t hurt to have a spare mobile phone, the existence of which no one will know. Spare house and car keys should always be on hand.
- It is important to maintain financial independence or, secretly from the sick person, open a personal bank account in case of escape.
- When dealing with a psychopath, it is important to remain steadfast. The decision made must be firm and irrevocable.
- Any information should be conveyed to a psychopathic husband in a calm, quiet, but firm voice. He must understand that no manipulation will work.
- In response to the attacks of a psychopath, you should not show irritation and fear. He should see calm and confidence even when a person is very frightened.
- Be careful when sharing information about a breakup. It is better to do this in the presence of a stranger. Typically, the victim's attempts to break off the relationship are perceived by the psychopath with aggression and rage.
4They demonstrate arrogant superiority and contempt for others.
Being boastful by nature, psychopaths tend to overestimate themselves and their abilities. They exalt themselves and believe that the whole world should cherish their ego. They consider themselves “special” and believe that they are the exception to every rule. This form of grandiosity is not just ordinary arrogance, but rather a deep-seated belief that a psychopath has about himself and determines his behavior. No crimes, deceptions or betrayals can go beyond the boundaries of what is acceptable for a psychopath. He has contempt for "mere mortals" who allow moral values or moral standards to get in the way.
Psychopaths believe that they are superior to others, and this belief allows them to break laws, overstep boundaries, and invade other people's lives. For example, a malignant narcissist may feel that his attractive appearance entitles him to have numerous lovers.
They do not accept any reservations, violating the rights of others or going over their heads to meet their goals.
Causes of psychopathy
Statistics indicate that 2% of the world's inhabitants suffer from psychopathy. Of the total number of patients, the male part of the population accounts for 80% of the sick.
If a wife wants to leave her psychopathic partner, she should not succumb to feelings of guilt.
At the same time, people with personality disorders are often very successful and occupy leadership positions. Doctors cannot name the exact cause of the development of the disease.
But risk factors include:
- birth injuries;
- heredity;
- infectious diseases suffered in childhood;
- the occurrence of hypoxia during intrauterine development;
- excessive care of loved ones;
- psychological shock at an early age;
- long stay away from family or upbringing in a government institution;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- lack of attention.
Experts agree that psychopaths often grow up in single-parent families. These reasons are not obligatory factors in the development of a personality disorder. But their presence can give impetus to this.
3They require a high level of stimulation due to the feeling of constant boredom.
Boredom is one of the most striking traits of a psychopath. Not surprisingly, they get the most excitement from deceiving others or getting involved in crime. Their excessive need for stimulation and entertainment, coupled with a lack of regret and remorse, also allows them to engage in numerous sexual relationships. Even if they have a regular partner, they are always on the hunt - in a bar, office, on dating sites.
This does not mean that the psychopath is unhappy with his family life or career. The novelty of sensations is what captivates them. They quickly get bored with their current activities and go in search of something “more interesting.”
Types, forms and types of psychopathy
The world medical community has established a classification of psychopathy. There are 5 main types of disorders. Each type is endowed with characteristic features.
Hysterical psychopath
A person with hysterical disorder strives for recognition of himself as an individual and, in connection with this, demonstrates to others his superiority and importance.
Such people introduce notes of theatricality into their behavior: they gesticulate strongly, sob uncontrollably, and enthusiastically hug.
They are also characterized by a pathological form of lying. Psychopaths of this type are extremely infantile and strive to be the center of attention. A striking example of this type is the comic book character Harvey Dent.
Schizoid psychopath
A distinctive feature of this “category” of people is vulnerability. At the same time, patients with schizoid disorder are despotic. They have a pronounced pedantry.
They are hostile to their social environment. They have a complete lack of empathy. Dr. Mengele was a schizoid psychopath who experimented on people in Auschwitz.
Paranoid psychopath
Paranoid people set super-goals for themselves.
A distinctive feature of a schizoid psychopath is vulnerability
Their distinctive features:
- high egocentrism;
- limited interests;
- narrowness of thinking;
- high self-esteem;
- excessive suspicion;
- intense jealousy.
Patients with paranoid disorder constantly invent ill-wishers for themselves. An outstanding representative of this form of psychopathy is Adolf Hitler.
Asthenic psychopath
Individuals with this type of disorder experience:
- increased anxiety;
- sensitivity;
- maladjustment;
- timidity;
- uncertainty.
Asthenics’ life plans are divorced from reality. They constantly exhibit obsessions and a passion for self-examination.
Dissocial psychopath
The patient exhibits persistent antisocial behavior, which manifests itself:
- impulsiveness;
- lack of guilt;
- inability to maintain long-term close relationships;
- aggressiveness;
- lack of pitchfork strength.
After publishing the article “5 phrases of psychopaths that cause us irreparable harm,” I received so many responses and letters that, of course, I decided to continue the topic!
The fact is that communicating with such people really causes us emotional trauma - they are masters of shifting responsibility for what is happening to someone else. As a result, for the “other”, that is, for you and me, if we, unfortunately, had the imprudence to enter into a relationship with them or, by the will of fate, found ourselves in blood ties with them, connected by work or any other obligations, we have a probability of 99 .9% will develop an overwhelming feeling of guilt!
The impact guilt has on our beauty is already clear. Firstly, the root of many incurable diseases is psychosomatics and guilt. And secondly, this is a colossal decrease in energy, which directly affects the hormonal system and beauty. Serotonin, the basis of radiance, is not produced, the state is depressed.
And against this background, a drug or alcohol addiction can develop!!! :( And, by the way, it’s very easy. Just the other day I read the book “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins, and I want to tell you that this is the best illustration of a relationship with a psychopath and the "wonderful" effect they have on our beauty, health and psyche, and how easily an addiction can happen if an unwary girl finds herself in its clutches. I will not dwell on the literary value of the book, but from a psychological point of view, this is a super useful guide - warning and exposing the essence of psychopaths.
In short, as you understand, the topic touches my heartstrings, so I again asked our wonderful editor Diana to translate it! Thank you, Dianochka! :)
“Psychopaths make up about 4% of the total population, and many of them are not serial killers.
Psychopaths look just like you and me, but there is one big difference: they have no conscience. They can harm others with absolutely no guilt or remorse. They spend their lives imitating normal human emotions, but don't actually experience any feelings. Compassion, love, trust and forgiveness are simply convenient tools to exploit.
Psychopaths glide through life unnoticed. They are cute, friendly and charming. But anyone who gets close to the psychopath will be in for a nightmare. What begins as a fairy tale slowly turns into a confusing mixture of mind games and chaos.
Here are 10 warning signs that you are dealing with a psychopath:
1. They idealize you and shower you with love and flattery.
When you first meet a psychopath, things happen very quickly. They tell you how much you have in common, how you are perfect for them. Like a chameleon, they reflect your hopes, dreams and insecurities to form an immediate bond of trust and excitement. They constantly initiate communication and seem to be attracted to you.
2. They play with your emotions using pity and pity-inducing stories.
At first glance, they often appear sweet and innocent. They will probably mention an abusive ex who is still in love with them. They say all they ever wanted was a little peace and quiet. They hate drama, and yet, you will soon notice more drama around them than the rest of your friends.
3. They include you in their own version of “love triangles.”
They surround themselves with ex-lovers, potential partners, and anyone who gives them extra attention, including people who the psychopath may have previously judged and put you above them. This makes you feel confused and makes it seem like the psychopath is in high demand by everyone.
4. They constantly rewrite reality and exhibit crazy behavior.
They blatantly deny their own manipulative behavior and ignore evidence. They become dismissive and critical if you try to refute their fabrications with facts. Instead of admitting your inappropriate behavior, you will always be accused of being “sensitive” and “crazy.” Toxic people make you believe that it is not the abuse that is the problem, but your reactions to their abuse.
5. You feel the emotions they are intentionally provoking.
They call you jealous after openly flirting with your ex - often done through social media for the whole world to see. They call you whiners after deliberately ignoring you for days on end. They use your reactions to gain sympathy from others, trying to prove how "hysterical" you have become. You probably once thought of yourself as an exceptionally calm person, but meeting a psychopath will turn that idea on its head.
6. Have you noticed that they pathologically lie and make excuses.
They make up lies before you ask questions. They constantly blame others, they are never to blame. They spend more time rationalizing their behavior than improving it. Even when caught in a lie, they show no remorse or embarrassment.
7. They provoke jealousy and rivalry while maintaining an expression of innocence.
They once put all their attention on you and when they start focusing on other people it becomes confusing. They do things that constantly make you question where you stand in their heart. If they are active on social media, they will start communicating with exes they criticized, and will visit "competition" pages and ignore you.
8. They hold your attention and undermine your self-esteem.
At first they shower you with non-stop attention and admiration, then suddenly they become bored with you. They remain silent and become very annoyed that you are interested in continuing the passionate relationship they started. You start to feel like a "random project" for them.
9. They exhibit selfishness and a morbid thirst for attention.
They drain your energy and consume your entire life. They have an insatiable need for adoration. You thought that you were the only one who could make them happy, but the truth is that no one can fill the emptiness in the soul of a psychopath.
10. You don't recognize your own feelings.
Your natural love and compassion are transformed into suppressed panic and anxiety. You apologize and cry more than you ever have in your life. You barely sleep and wake up every morning feeling anxious and frustrated. You have no idea what happened to your old relaxed, cheerful, good-natured attitude. After an encounter with a psychopath, you will feel frantic, exhausted, exhausted, shocked and empty.
This relationship will leave a deep mark, and you will be left with feelings and doubts that you will never be good enough. Psychopaths ignore your best qualities and provoke insecurity until your entire personality changes beyond recognition.
Fortunately, there is always hope for healing. The first step is to exclude all contacts (including emails and even Facebook and instant messengers). It's difficult at first, but it gets easier over time. Your mental health will slowly return and the chaos will disappear. Ultimately, this experience will be an incredible opportunity to discover your sense of self-worth and create healthy boundaries that will serve you for the rest of your life.”
Thanks: https://www.psychopathfree.com/articles/10-warning-signs-that-youre-dealing-with-a-sociopath-narcissist-or-psychopath.340/
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Treatment of psychopathy
When the disorder is detected early (in adolescence), psychiatrists prescribe “treatment” in the form of social influence, paying special attention to family relationships and education at school.
Self-confidence is good, but the main thing here is the ability to soberly assess your qualities
Psychopathic men are hired in accordance with their mental make-up and level of intelligence.
Psychotherapeutic methods of treatment are simultaneously applied to the patient:
- meditation;
- frequent conversations;
- auto-training;
- hypnosis;
- family therapy.
If necessary, patients are prescribed drug therapy.
The choice of medication depends on the form of psychopathy.
- Hysterical individuals are recommended to take antidepressants and tranquilizers. Persons with weak emotional instability are prescribed herbal preparations (motherwort, valerian, St. John's wort).
- Schizoid psychopaths are treated primarily with cognitive therapy. Drug correction makes no sense. They are recommended to take only sedatives.
- Paranoid psychopaths are treated with tranquilizers and antipsychotics.
- When treating dissocial psychopaths, it is recommended to take psychotropic drugs that relieve attacks of hysteria and aggression.
- Asthenic psychopaths are prescribed antipsychotics , which help reduce the severity of obsessions.
Specialists resort to drug treatment only in exceptional cases. First of all, they try to cope with the personality disorder through psychotherapy.
Why psychopaths are considered consummate lovers
Men with personality disorders do not have feelings for women. But they can demonstrate them masterfully, showing fearlessness and self-confidence.
An ideal man appears before a woman, with whom she feels comfortable. The psychopathic partner, unlike his normal “brothers,” cannot stand time.
He closes the distance with lightning speed and immediately gets down to business. This behavior is perceived by a woman as proof of love.
