This diagnosis is not simple, but it does not mean that there is no treatment.
What is psychopathy? First of all, it is important to say that this definition is complex, even for doctors, as described in a recent report on the site Science live.
According to neuroscientist Katarina Howner, from the Karolinksa Institute, in Sweden, it is a personality disorder with very close links to antisocial and criminal behavior.
Like other personality disorders, the condition is identified by psychiatrists after life history interviews. Those affected are at high risk of committing violent crimes and repeating them after leaving prison.
Is there a certain degree of empathy?
Psychopaths are focused on themselves and their own needs, lack empathy, and feel no shame or guilt for their actions. They also have a sense of grandiosity and impulsiveness, which leads them to act without considering the consequences.
But that doesn’t mean these people can’t have some level of empathy. Experts explain that this complex emotion has subcategories and a psychopath can, for example, perceive the emotions of others, so much so that he often uses them to manipulate others.
Studies have shown that people with psychopathy have the ability to feel empathy under certain conditions. According to psychologist Arielle Baskin-Sommers of Yale University, if you show photos of people with different emotions too quickly or mix the images and show them to a psychopath, they may have difficulty reading those emotions.
Is there a way to teach empathy?
But is it possible to teach someone empathy? He believes there are reasons to believe this. The fact that a psychopath demonstrates the ability to empathize depending on the situation is a promising sign, for her.
How do you become a psychopath? This is not an easy answer. Some studies indicate that this occurs due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Although the exact cause is unknown, its effects on the brain are well known. Evidence shows that psychopaths have profound differences both in the structure of their brains and in how different parts of the brain communicate.
Baskin-Sommers says the structure and functions of the amygdala, a region important for processing emotions, are actually different in individuals with psychopathy. There are also changes in the structures of the prefrontal cortex, which are involved in controlling behavior. This means that these people do not process emotions in the same way as non-psychopathic individuals, and this physical disparity is difficult to overcome.
How is psychopathy treated?
Treatments recommended today combine different approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medications, but there is no simple cure to help psychopaths feel empathy. Strategies focused on rewarding positive behaviors have shown some success in some ways, and this tends to be the focus of interventions.
The psychologist states that, according to recent data, psychopathy is no more or less treatable than any other psychiatric disease. “Unfortunately, there is a narrative around psychopathy that these people are fundamentally bad, but society needs to realize that this is a condition that deserves support and requires treatment,” he concludes.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
