One percent of the population is a Psychopath. This percentage doubles or quadruples in high power positions such as lawyers, business leaders or surgeons. Because it is a spectrum disorder it can vary considerably from one individual to the next. But how do you identify a Psychopath?
Psychopathy has qualities of the two other personality types in ‘the dark triad’. Machiavellianism and Narcissism together with Psychopathy make up the triad.
One of the key shared conditions amongst all three personality types is a lack of empathy. There is also the absence of remorse and of guilt. If they pity it is for those who show kindness or compassion. To them, such feelings are a sign of weakness.
Another Psychopathy trait is low impulse control and can see them engage in violent and risky behavior. Extreme situations may occur where the Psychopath will dispatch or kill someone on impulse. The phrase ‘act now, think later’ is scarily appropriate in regards the Psychopathy personality.
Psychopathy can be seen as having two separate models. There exists a primary or factor one type and a secondary, factor two type. ‘Act now and think later’ describes the impulsive inclination tied up with factor two Psychopathy. The manipulation, power jostling character of psychopaths describes primary Psychopathy where calculation and cunning are used against competition.
A lot has been written on Psychopathy and it is popular subject material in fiction and the movies. Hannibal Lecter immediately comes to mind. What is not commonly understood is the nuanced condition of Psychopathy, how it is part of ’the dark triad’ and how certain traits are shared with both Machiavellianism and Narcissism. In short, malevolence may vary from one individual to the next. And because Psychopathy is a spectrum disorder it may not be at all obvious. It could be your friended person on social media, your neighbour down the street or even a member of your family.
scribblesdotbiz 
This is a fascinating article. I’m surprised by the statistic that one percent of the population is a psychopath. It’s really interesting to learn about the traits associated with psychopathy and how it is related to the other two personality types in the dark triad. It’s scary to think about how these traits can lead to impulsive and violent behavior. Thanks for bringing this important topic to light!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jane
Yes, these personalities while of the dark triad are still amongst us
LikeLike
Very informative. It is, nonetheless, important that we do not confuse evil w/ mental illness. I do not mean to suggest that you have done that. Much of society, however, does.
Psychopaths, narcissists, and machiavellians w/o qualms choose to inflict harm on others for their own ends. Their motives and intentions are often disguised. But they are fully capable of grasping reality, and distinguishing right from wrong.
If you’re interested, Cynthia Bayley-Rug https://cynthiabaileyrug.wordpress.com/ writes a helpful blog about the methods employed by narcissists, and the impact on their victims.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for the link
Yes, I found a good deal of information on the internet appeared simplistic almost to the point of caricature
Being a trait on the spectrum it can manifest in numerous ways depending on the individual and circumstances (Psychopath)
Still bloody scary though 😧
LikeLiked by 1 person