Ever met a Psychopath or do you know one ?

I've always thought it would interesting to hear the side of the people who've been labeled sociopathic or narcissistic by someone else.

 

superlative ?

 

The latest episode of Dexter mentions psychopaths as being a positive influence in society. The most successful CEOs and the most effective politicians have psychopathic traits, and mankind would not exist today without psychopaths.

 

Roamy, It's a grammar term -part of the English language - it describes the degree in which the adjective surpasses all others...

I use swear words for superlatives fairly often...like:

"That was the f'ing biggest black dog I've ever seen."

but

"That was the biggest black dog I've ever seen." is more than a sufficient example of using a superlative.

legitimate was the superlative

 

I think there's a lot of exaggerating going around as concerns psychopaths influence of humanity. Especially since it is an extraordinarily difficult thing to diagnose and so much of the hypothesis is based on assumptions regarding who is and who is not, in fact, a psychopath.

 

There are no diagnosis's even made before age 18. It's a biggie.

 

Indeed. Teenagers especially demonstrate many psychopathic traits, mainly because it is a confusing time for them when their bodies are changing and they are attempting to find their place in society.

 

Aerianne already explained this one for Me. =)

 

What if you're actually dealing with a compulsive liar, though?

 

It could also be argued that the most successful CEOs and effective politicians are not a positive influence on society.

 

Does sympathy, empathy, mercy, and justice (fairness) make us weak and/or effete?

I think that it all boils down to balance, Myself.

 

Or the environment, for that matter.

Question authority . . . think for yourself.

 

I think thats partly down to the 'spectrum' we all on,theres no obvious fixed point that once crossed clinches it-unless the subject is a serial killer,ect. The most key feature of psychopathy is lack of emotional or 'normal' emotional responses; fearlessness,lack of remorse,cold calculating opportunism,callousness,inability to empathise. But then these can be faked !

Also ,I think that society glorifies psychopathic values to a degree. James Bond is a classic good guy psychopath. The 'Greed is Good-Greed Works' mentality of modern capitalism idealises selfishness. Shows like 'The Apprentice' try to make ruthlesness,the 'me first',winner takes all attributes sexy & enteraining. Look at some of the popular video/x box stuff.

I agree though,much of what is claimed as psychopathic is also long been seen as the 'Type A' (or Alpha) personality.

 

roamys right. 'Psychopathy is a personality disorder...Psychopaths are without conscience and incapable of empathy,guilt or loyalty to anyone but themselves.
Sociopathy is not a formal psychiatric condition. It refers to patterns of attitudes and behaviors that are considered anti social and criminal by society at large but are seen as normal or necessary by the subculture or social environmentin which they developed.
Sociopaths may have a well developed conscience and a normal capacity for empathy,guilt and loyalty but there sense of right and wrong is based on the norms and expectations of their subculture or group. Many criminals might be described as sociopaths'

Source ; 'Snakes in Suits' by Paul Babiak,Ph.D & Robert D Hare,Ph.D

Babiak & Hare go onto to say that AntiSocial Personality disorder (APD) is a broad diagnostic catagory . APD is similar to sociopathy in that antisocial and criminal behaviors play a part in its definition. Some of those with APD are psychopaths ,many are not.

 

thanks for explaining that to me aery.i understand now.your a good teacher cos you explain things simple thats easy ta understand.:love:x

 

I agree with the concept and ideas of the op's video, but completely dislike the very loaded and biased presentation.

By using images of known characters without any specific references to why they are shown, it forces the viewer to a perception of the disorder based on what they know/perceive about the people shown in the images.

I would prefer if they either used specific historical examples with an explanation of why they are considered to fit the criteria, or use nameless characters in the video.

I almost feel as if I have been subliminally fed someones personal opinion about certain characters in the guise of an educational video.
It feels more like propaganda than education.

 

I'm a bit of a sociopath.

 

Thanks for replies. I only realised that his behaviour wasn't ok in the last few years (had lots of people try and warn me but he brought me up from when I was an infant so it was difficult for me to see it for what it was) ... before that it did get really really bad.

But now I'm cool - and very far removed from the poor old git.

That's a really useful description of the differences. Ta.

Yeah, it was like a radio lecture put to a series of random pictures. There were some links to better vids though.

 

thats good ned that your far away from it now.

 

Yes. My fiance had a foster sister for a couple of months. She was brought into the home for the wrong reasons, so at first I tried to have sympathy and defend her actions. After awhile I found out she was lying to me about everything and would willing cause harm to everyone who wanted to help her. She abused/killed animals and would put on the water works to apologize, but it just wasn't quite there....