Quote:
Originally Posted by meme_uk
Hi... I'm curious about ASPD. For no really good reason, its just I hear about it in the media and TV all the time, but I don't really understand it.
I've heard that people with ASPD don't experience empathy or guilt, is this true?
Surely people with ASPD can't be totally emotionless, so what emotions do you feel?
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Hello. I'm Michael, the resident psychopath and a person of antisocial personality. Pleasure.
Antisocial personality disorder is basically a wastebasket term for habitual criminals. There is much dispute over the diagnosis of ASPD because it covers a wide variety of different mindsets, from heartless monsters such as myself to individuals who grew up in a troubled home and fell into the "wrong crowd". (Seeming) Lack of remorse is one of the criteria for ASPD, but it's one of seven and only three are necessary for the diagnosis. The rest are as follows:
A) There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three or more of the following:
- failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest;
- deception, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure;
- impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead;
- irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults;
- reckless disregard for safety of self or others;
- consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations;
- lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another;
B) The individual is at least age 18 years. C) There is evidence of
conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years. D) The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of
schizophrenia or a
manic episode. (Courtesy of the DSM-IV as quoted from Wikipedia.)
Antisocials are capable of feeling the full spectrum of human emotion. They are typically individuals who were socialized to be criminals, although genetics may be a factor. Children who are exposed to criminal, violent, and/or otherwise antisocial behaviour tend to model that behaviour. They are capable of feeling guilt, but they usually rationalize criminal acts. They believe that their target deserved having been harmed because they "fell for it" and "it's survival of the fittest" or any other such whimsical notion. On the other hand, they do feel guilty for harming one of their friends or family. Gangs are a good example of this. Other antisocials may have been able to feel guilt and empathy, but it was never developed during those essential early years of childhood. This is usually due to abusive or negligent parents. It's more that they can't develop healthy relationships in which trust and empathy can flourish than truly not feeling guilt or empathy.
And then there are the psychopaths... These are the sort that don't feel empathy or remorse at all for anyone. It's a brain abnormality. Primary psychopaths can feel certain emotions to a far lesser degree than most people, and what emotions we do feel are usually fleeting. Complex emotions we're completely oblivious to. For example, I'll jump at loud noises, feel irritated by annoying company, content, interested, etc ... But I'll never understand empathy, horror, selfless love, compassion, etc.
I read a book which stated that secondary psychopaths feel guilt constantly. During childhood, secondary psychopaths were punished regardless of what they did, which lead to high guilt and anxiety that was never associated with a bad deed. It was an interesting concept, but I can't seem to find the book at the moment. If I do, I'll be sure to post bits of it.