The term psychopath is used to describe individuals who lack empathy, exhibit impulsive behavior, and tend to manipulate others for their own ends. Typically, psychopathy is thought to be a personality trait that is present from childhood and persists throughout a person’s life. However, recent research has been exploring the possibility that individuals who are not naturally predisposed to psychopathy can develop these traits later in life. In this article, we examine the science behind psychopathy and explore the possibilities of whether someone can develop into a psychopath.
Understanding Psychopathy
Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, and a tendency to engage in impulsive and dangerous activities. Individuals who are diagnosed with psychopathy tend to have a callous disregard for other people’s feelings and often break social norms without remorse. According to the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, a person must exhibit at least three of the following traits to be diagnosed as a psychopath:
- Glibness and superficial charm
- Grandiose sense of self-worth
- Lack of empathy
- Manipulative behavior
- Impulsive behavior
- Poor behavioral control
- Irresponsible behavior
- Difficulty in forming meaningful relationships
- Callous disregard for others
- Failure to learn from experience
While these traits are typically thought to be part of a person’s inherent personality, recent research has been exploring the possibility that factors such as trauma, environmental influences, and brain injuries may lead to the development of psychopathic traits later in life.
Can Someone Develop Psychopathic Traits?
While opinions are divided, recent studies suggest that it may be possible for someone to develop psychopathic traits later in life. Dutch forensic psychologist André de Zutter conducted a study on 24 convicted psychopaths who were incarcerated for violent offenses. His research showed that traumatic events experienced in adulthood, such as losing a job, divorce, or a traumatic injury, could lead to the development of psychopathic traits.
In addition to traumatic events, environmental influences such as childhood abuse, neglect, or lack of socialization can play a role in the development of psychopathy. A study conducted by the University of Montreal examined brain scans of violent offenders and found that those who experienced childhood abuse were more likely to have reduced connectivity in the part of the brain responsible for emotional processing.
Does Brain Injury Play a Role?
Brain injuries have been linked to the development of psychopathy in some cases. A study from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center studied the brains of violent offenders and found that those with psychopathic traits had a tendency to have an underactive prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control. Traumatic brain injuries can also damage the prefrontal cortex, leading to the development of psychopathic traits.
The Role of Genetics
While environmental factors may play a role in the development of psychopathic traits, genetics also plays a significant role. A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that genetic factors accounted for approximately half of the variation in psychopathic traits in individuals. This suggests that individuals who have a family history of psychopathy may be more likely to develop these traits later in life.
Is There a Treatment for Psychopathy?
Currently, there is no known cure for psychopathy. Treatment typically focuses on managing the symptoms of the disorder and reducing the likelihood of violent behavior. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been found to be effective in reducing impulsive behavior and improving social skills in individuals with psychopathy.
Medications such as anti-psychotics and anti-anxiety medications have also been used to manage symptoms such as aggression and impulsivity. However, medication is typically not considered a long-term treatment option for psychopathy.
Conclusion
The question of whether someone can develop into a psychopath is a complex one. While research suggests that factors such as trauma, environmental influences, and brain injuries may play a role in the development of psychopathy, genetics also plays a significant role. While treatment options are limited, early intervention and management of symptoms can reduce the likelihood of violent behavior in individuals with psychopathy.
Most Common Questions and Their Answers Related to Can You Turn into a Psychopath
- Can someone develop psychopathy later in life?
- Is there a cure for psychopathy?
- What are the symptoms of psychopathy?
- Is psychopathy inherited?
Yes, recent studies suggest that traumatic events, environmental influences, and brain injuries may lead to the development of psychopathic traits later in life.
No, currently there is no known cure for psychopathy. Treatment typically focuses on managing the symptoms of the disorder and reducing the likelihood of violent behavior.
Psychopathy is characterized by a lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, impulsive behavior, and a tendency to engage in dangerous activities.
A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that genetic factors accounted for approximately half of the variation in psychopathic traits in individuals. This suggests that individuals who have a family history of psychopathy may be more likely to develop these traits later in life.
References
- de Zutter, A., Desmet, M., & Bogaerts, S. (2017). Adult-onset psychopathy and violence during psychosis. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 28(3), 369-383.
- Neumann, C. S., & Hare, R. D. (2008). Psychopathic traits in a large community sample: links to violence, alcohol use, and intelligence. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 76(5), 893–899.
- Kiehl, K. A., & Hoffman, M. B. (2011). The criminal psychopath: history, neuroscience, treatment, and economics. Jurimetrics, 51(4), 355–397.
- Puri, C., & Hall, J. (2015). What is the evidence base for treatments for psychopathy?. Current psychiatry reports, 17(3), 563.