Menopause hormone treatment may cause psychopathy! 6 ways to spot a psychopath.

Psychopathy is a distinctive combination of personality traits such as deceitfulness, lack of empathy and guilt, impulsivity, and antisocial behaviour. In most literature, psychopathy is typically viewed as a pathology — a disorder associated with various biological deficits and environmental risk factors. Nevertheless, when viewed through an evolutionary lens, psychopathy could potentially be seen differently, rather than god given traits, recent studies have defined psychopathy as an adaptive strategy[1].

An adaptive strategy is based on the concept of seeking short-term advantages. In environments that are unpredictable and unchangeable, the focus is on continual experimentation and immediate adjustments rather than long-term planning and analysis.

Psychopathy is complex and can lead to various combinations of traits (referred to as subtypes or variants) falling under the broader category of psychopathy.  These trait combinations or 'psychopathy variants' are also dimensional and vary in intensity[2].

Psychopaths are often seen as manipulative, charming, and exploitative, engaging in impulsive and risky behaviours. They are viewed as lacking a sense of conscience or guilt and avoiding accountability for their actions. Despite such strong characteristics they can be incredibly difficult for the average person to identify. Here are 6 tips to help you spot a psychopath.

One: Ask them how they are feeling

The general emotional deficit perspective posits a diminished capacity to experience and process emotions across the spectrum. Conversely, the specific emotional deficit perspective associates psychopathy with the abnormal experience of only certain emotions [3].

Once, during a car ride with my friend Cammi, we had an argument. I shared my feelings of being undervalued, anxious, and disconnected. Cammi perceived this as aggression. She struggled to articulate her emotions and, in an attempt to mask this, she could only deflect by blaming me.

After years of friendship, it became clear to me in that moment that Cammi's inability to express her emotions was due to psychopathy. Her emotional range was confined to "contentment," "anger," and "sadness." Incapable of understanding how she had upset me, Cammi turned to deflection, lacking the emotional depth to grasp the situation. Post-argument, Cammi was overwhelmed with sadness, crying for hours, yet unable to identify or express the root of her distress, confined to her narrow emotional spectrum.

Two: Are they going through menopause?

Peer-reviewed scientific research has identified that artificial estrogen introduced into a person's system could lead to the development of psychopathy. Thus, an individual who was once considered "normal" could potentially become a psychopath due to their medication [4].

A leading theory posits that primary psychopathic traits may arise from increased hormonal activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This study broadens the current theoretical and empirical understanding of neurobiological models of psychopathy by providing additional evidence for the interaction and connection between the hypothalamic-pituitary and hypothalamic-gonadal axes in youths exhibiting primary psychopathic traits. Notably, this study supports the inclusion of estradiol in contemporary theories of psychopathy, such as the triple balance model of emotion [4].

Consequently, psychopathic traits are linked to Estradiol, an artificial form of estrogen introduced into the system. Similar outcomes have been observed with other steroids, including testosterone.

Two: Analyse their other friendships

Identifying psychopaths can be challenging, as they often seem sociable with many friendships. However, these relationships usually do not last; they frequently move between social groups instead of developing enduring friendships.

It's often found that their friendships were established around the same time as yours, typically centered on work, particularly if the psychopath is in a managerial position. They tend to prefer the admiration of subordinates to the companionship of equals. This behavior usually becomes apparent after a major setback in their life, which leads them to start over: a new life, new friends, a new persona.

In contrast, most people build friendships and relationships over time. Individuals in their 30s and 40s often have strong connections with family, childhood friends, college mates, former colleagues, and friends made through other friends. They can pick up where they left off, even if they haven't been in regular touch.

Psychopaths, however, do not have this web of long-standing friendships. They may speak of many former acquaintances, but these recollections are often negative and critical.

Three: Get them to try something new, something that they may not be a natural at

Psychopaths are usually very smart; however, they tend to only engage in activities where they excel naturally. When faced with difficulty, they may unravel.

Imagine asking someone exceptionally intelligent for some help doing something simple like drafting social media posts for a yoghurt or milk brand. With a decent amount of time spent explaining the task and the minimal expectations you feel confident in their abilities, and you assume they would excel. However, once they find the task challenging or begin and struggle to generate new ideas or matching the creative of others, they start to doubt their skills to the point of an emotional breakdown, crying and declaring themselves inadequate. Overwhelmed by the situation, they can't complete the task.

Such emotional responses are typical of psychopaths: they experience a meltdown when unable to perform well in tasks they believe they're skilled at. This explains why psychopaths can be successful CEOs or remain as waitresses in unskilled roles—they either have confidence to venture into new areas or they don't, preferring to stay where they know that they shine.

Four: How do they speak about others?

Most people speak highly of their friends and the people in their lives. Psychopaths, however, often expend much of their energy comparing themselves to others. If they perceive someone as ranking or rating higher than themselves, they may attempt to undermine that person until they feel superior.

For example, asked about a former best friend from a previous chapter in her life, "Mary", a psychopath will recount a dreadful tale about a woman and refer to her as "Crazy Humming Mary" or something equally cruel. The Psychopath seizes every chance to disparage "Mary" because she either ranks or rates herself as inferior to her. However, by contrasting herself with "Crazy Humming Mary", she can find comfort and relief.

Generally, it's common for individuals to speak favorably of friends, family, and significant others from their past. It's typical for people to reminisce positively about those who have had an important impact on their lives.

Five: Get them to watch Marley and Me

"Marley and Me" is often regarded as one of the most touching movies ever made. Those with a deep capacity for emotion will likely find themselves moved. It's nearly impossible to remain unaffected, unless one lacks empathy entirely (or hates dogs). If it's the dogs, try "When a man loves a woman", "Beaches" or "The Notebook". No tears = psychopath.

Six: Check for tears if / when they cry

Psychopaths may imitate others' emotions, yet their crying often lacks authenticity. It is quite rare for them to convincingly replicate the genuine act of crying. Should they feign tears during emotional scenes, such as in 'Marley and Me,' the presence of actual tears would be telling.

Glenn Hall is a former advertising executive turned freelance communications consultant. Glenn has a fresh perspective on topical issues and a unique way of viewing the world.   With diverse interests, no topic is out of reach and Glenn will be sure to challenge your thinking.  

REFERENCES

[1] Glenn, A. L., Kurzban, R., & Raine, A. (2011). Evolutionary theory and psychopathy. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 16(5), 371–380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2011.03.009

[2] Sellbom, M., & Drislane, L. E. (2021). The classification of psychopathy. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 59, 101473-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2020.101473

[3] Brook, M., Brieman, C. L., & Kosson, D. S. (2013). Emotion processing in Psychopathy Checklist — assessed psychopathy: A review of the literature. Clinical Psychology Review, 33(8), 979–995. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2013.07.008

[4] Harrison, N. A., Earley, R. L., & Salekin, R. T. (2021). Reconsidering the role of sex hormones in psychopathy development: Estrogen and psychopathy among male justice‐involved youth. Psychophysiology, 58(1), e13694-n/a. https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.13694