3 ms·
Why is it that when we are talking about a "functioning" psychopath, we use the term "sociopath" but reserve the word "psychopath" for "crazy guy who kills with
by hvs 13y ago
Why is it that when we are talking about a "functioning" psychopath, we use the term "sociopath" but reserve the word "psychopath" for "crazy guy who kills without remorse"? Sugar coating by using a term (that is generally not used in the research world) confuses the issue even more than it already is in the diagnostic criteria.
Hopefully we'll get some better diagnostic criteria in the future so that we can get away from these pop-culture articles that attribute "sociopathy" to everyone who just happens to be a dick.
- methehack 13y agoI'm not sure about diagnostic criteria, but I thought those were just different words in plain English. A sociopath is calculated and in control without a conscience -- they know the rules and choose to actively subvert them. A psychopath is out of control and probably violent -- as in "psycho".
- DanBC 13y agoThey are also technical words with specific meanings. Unfortunately the words "psycho" & "psychopath" are close to "psychotic", but very different forms of illness. Most people with psychotic illnesses pose little or no risk to others. This happens a lot with psychiatric terms. Addiction and *aholic are often used for "really liking something"; schizophrenic is a really nice word for 'in two minds' and a lousy word for the illness; and many examples.
- wololo 13y agoIncentives. If she wants that label (which has become really popular over the past few years), she can shop around until she finds a psychologist willing to give her the diagnosis she wants. Of course she pays them for their time. (Not to mention, antisocial behavior + narcicissm = not a stretch.) It's not like her publisher or news organizations are going to show any skepticism.