Psychopathy: An overview

Abstract

PSYCHOPATHY is a disorder characterised by callousness, shallow affect, lack of guilt, antisocial behaviour and impulsivity. Since the early characterisation of the disorder, psychopathy has intrigued medical professionals and the general public alike. Understanding the mechanisms that underpin psychopathy is critical: these individuals commit a disproportionate amount of crime and are more likely to reoffend than criminals without psychopathic traits. Indeed, with the cost of antisocial behaviour in the UK an estimated £3.4 billion (www.police-foundation.org.uk), delineating the mechanisms of psychopathy could help to develop treatments and potentially reduce the burden of antisocial behaviour. This discussion paper will give a brief overview of research on the development of psychopathy, how psychopathy is measured and diagnosed, and studies examining the behavioural and neural profile associated with psychopathy.