Childhood Links to Psychopathy

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Recommended: Essay Annotated Bibliography Criminal and Non-Criminal Psychopathy

One key question is whether psychopathy is stable throughout one’s lifespan. Some characteristics that have been found in adults are now being found in children thanks to advances in medical instruments. Although research of psychopath in young people is limited, a number of medical instruments have been designed to measure just how bad it is (Mairead 1.) First a little terminology history, so it may clear up any “sociopath”/”psychopath” confusion. In the early days, doctors who worked with mental patients started to notice that some patients who appeared outwardly fine had what the doctors called a “moral depravity” or “moral insanity,” in that they seemed to have no sense of ethics or the feelings of other people. The “psychopath” term was first given to these people around 1900. The word changed to “sociopath” around the 1930’s to emphasize the affliction they do to society (Hirstein 1.) The study of the psychopath shows someone who is incapable of feeling guilt, remorse or empathy for what they do. They are generally cunning, manipulative and know what is right or wrong but dismisses it as applying to them. Such individuals are incapable of what some would call normal emotions such as love; generally react without thinking about the consequences of their actions and show extreme egotistical and narcissistic behavior. Some of the common characteristics among psychopaths are as follows: superficial charm and an average intelligence, unreliability, untruthfulness and insincerity, lack of shame, antisocial behavior, loss of insight, suicide threats rarely carried out, poverty in major affective reactions, no nervousness or neurotic manifestations, sex life trivial and poorly integrated, and failure to follow any life plan (Berko... ... middle of paper ... ...or of 'Snakes in Suits,' describes evidence of psychopathy among some financiers and business people; he suspects Bernie Madoff of falling into that category) (Kass 1.)” Harris turned legal age just 11 days before the shootings that left 15 dead (including themselves). He was technically an adult, but might be the most well known juvenile psychopath (Kass 1.) Works Cited Berkowitz, David. "Common Characteristics of Psychopathic Personalities." About.com Crime / Punishment. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2014. Dolan, Mairead. "Psychopathic Personality in Young People." The Royal College of Psychiatrists, n.d. Web. 12 May 2014. Kass, Jeff. "Was Columbine Psychopath Born That Way?" Examiner.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2014. William, Hirstein. "What Is a Psychopath?" Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist. William Hirstein, PhD., n.d. Web. 13 May 2014.

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