Psychopathy is generally considered a though not present in the dsm as itself personality disorder a class of mental illnesses of which one of the characteristics is a tendency for ego syntonicity. Jason dobrow gives us a general consensus as to what characteristics a psychopathic individual can display.

Psychopathy Vs Antisocial Personality Disorder Sociopath

Antisocial manipulative selfish and unemotional dobrow 2016.

Is psychopathy a mental illness. Psychopathy is also sometimes known as psychopathic personality disorder and is considered a mental illness. Psychopathy is a mental disorder according to both the wakefield definition cited in this study and american psychiatric association criteria american psychiatric association 2000. Even though it s commonly used to describe someone who has a mental illness psychopath is not an official diagnosis.

The true definition of a psychopath in psychiatry is antisocial personality. Psychology has long debated as to what defines a psychopathic personality disorder and whether it is a mental illness or not. However the treatment of children with psychopathic traits has shown some promise.

To date the best we can say about psychopathy is that it is an unhealthy conscience lacking in morality and empathy toward others. As with mental illness in general there is no known cure for psychopathy and treatment of adult psychopaths has been shown ineffective. It is sometimes considered synonymous with sociopathy.

More studies of the harm done to family members by psychopathic individuals are needed. Psychopathy is traditionally a personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior impaired empathy and remorse and bold disinhibited and egotistical traits.