WE tend to think of psychopaths as evil, or social outcasts.
There are an estimated 300-400,000 of them living in Britain, but they are not all criminals.
GettyPsychopaths live among us, as friends, colleagues and even partners[/caption]
A test can help reveal how psychopathic you really are and how you compare to the average person.
Like other personality disorders, psychopathy is thought to exist on a spectrum and range in severity: from occasional bullying to committing several murders.
Psychopaths live among us, as friends, colleagues and even partners.
The research-based test asks 27 questions on how you interact with others and the world around you.
Psychopaths are typically manipulative, deceitful and reckless, and will not care for other people’s feelings.
Based off your results, the test will show whether you are more psychopathic or sociopathic.
Both conditions are anti-social disorders, but unlike psychopaths, sociopaths have a conscience and will often justify something they know to be wrong.
Meanwhile, psychopaths believe that their actions are justified and feel no remorse for any harm done.
Psychopaths are also considered to be more impulsive than sociopaths, meaning they are prone to violent outbursts, making them more dangerous.
Both conditions tend to affect more men than women, the NHS says.
What are the common signs of an anti-social personality disorder?
Antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed after rigorous detailed psychological assessment.
According to the NHS a person with antisocial personality disorder may:
exploit, manipulate or violate the rights of otherslack concern, regret or remorse about other people’s distressbehave irresponsibly and show disregard for normal social behaviourhave difficulty sustaining long-term relationshipsbe unable to control their angerlack guilt, or not learn from their mistakesblame others for problems in their livesrepeatedly break the law
How do you treat an antisocial personality disorder and is there a cure?
Experts used to believe antisocial personality disorders were life-long conditions. But now, some believe they can be treated and even cured.
According to the NHS, evidence suggests behaviour can improve over time with therapy, even if core characteristics such as lack of empathy remain.
Talking therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are sometimes used to treat antisocial personality disorder.
Community-based programmes can be an effective long-term treatment method for people with antisocial personality disorders, medics state.
The social therapy addresses the person’s risk of offending and works to meet their emotional and psychological needs.
There’s little evidence to suggest the use of drugs for treating antisocial personality disorder.
But certain antipsychotic and antidepressant medicines can be helpful in some cases.
If you are worried about any of your symptoms you should see a GP.
In the event of an emergency, always call 999 or visit your nearest A&E department.