How to Recognize a Psychopath

“I don’t feel guilty for anything. I feel sorry for people who feel guilt.” – Ted Bundy We’re all familiar with the famous villains in movies and TV such as Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs,” Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller, “Psycho,” Dexter Morgan in the Showtime series “Dexter.” In real life, we’ve read about the horrific murders committed by the likes of two executed serial killers from the 1970s: Theodore (Ted) Bundy, killer, rapist and necrophile, and John Wayne Gacy, Jr., who murdered 33 boys. What these characters and individuals all have in common is that they’re psychopaths. Most people don’t have to deal with a psychopath on an everyday basis, although some of us have the unfortunate experience of having had to do so. From a personal perspective, and drawing on a wealth of psychological insight from experts, here’s how to recognize a psychopath. Psychopaths are extraordinarily manipulative. Think about the psychopaths you’ve seen and read about. While normal people wonder how anyone can come under the sway of such heinous individuals, the sad truth is the common psychopathic characteristic of manipulation. Psychopaths are extraordinarily manipulative. Quick to read others well, they’re always ready to exploit any weaknesses. Sizing you up in an instant, often upon first meeting, psychopaths will then quickly exploit any weakness or vulnerability they’ve found. Indeed, psychopaths have a la...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Abuse Anger Bullying Ethics & Morality Narcissism Neuroscience Personal Stories Trauma Violence & Aggression Source Type: news