Neuroscientist Advocates for Greater Kindness Towards Individuals with Mental Illness

When you think of a psychopath, you might envision a dangerous individual whose ruthless self-interest harms others while benefiting themselves. Surprisingly, psychopathy is more prevalent than most realize; approximately 1 percent of the general population exhibits psychopathic traits, equating to about 1 in 5 men. This is evident in both prison populations and links to corporate leadership where psychopathic traits can often be found.

While interacting with a psychopath can be distressing, living with psychopathy is equally challenging. According to Abigail Marsh, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Georgetown University, many individuals with psychopathic traits lead ordinary lives—but are often reluctant to embrace those traits.

Though the exact definition of psychopathy remains under study, it is generally characterized by traits such as insensitivity, lack of empathy, charismatic charm, and impulsivity. Screening tools often assess behaviors including pathological lying, grandiosity, manipulative tendencies, and a constant need for stimulation.

Research has shown that psychopaths may focus excessively on their own goals, failing to understand other perspectives. A study led by scientists, including Marsh, found that structurally, the brains of those with psychopathy differ significantly.

Marsh’s research examines individuals with high psychopathy scores from the general population rather than from prisons. In a groundbreaking study published last year, her team quantitatively measured how individuals with psychopathic traits perceive the well-being of others. She shared insights with New Scientist about these surprising findings and the nuances of psychopathy in relation to compassion.

Sabrina Weiss: How do psychopaths experience life?
Abigail Marsh: Generally, they report an inability to feel strong emotions such as fear, guilt, remorse, or love. While some may believe life would be simpler without these feelings, it often leads to greater challenges. Many individuals spend their lives concealing their true selves for various reasons—either to manipulate or to facilitate social interaction.

There is significant stigma surrounding psychopathy, often regarded as a permanent moral failing rather than a mental disorder rooted in genetics and life experiences. Understanding that psychopathy stems from treatable biological processes is crucial.

What do we know about the brains of psychopaths?
Although diagnosing psychopathy through brain scans alone is impossible, research has highlighted consistent differences. One notable difference is found in the amygdala, which tends to be smaller in individuals with psychopathy. Studies show that individuals with smaller amygdalae often exhibit more severe psychopathic traits over time, and these brain regions show reduced responsiveness to social cues indicating fear or danger.

Additionally, researchers have noted anatomical or functional variations in other brain areas, including the striatum, which influences our responses to potential rewards, and other regions in the prefrontal cortex, which are critical for decision-making and behavioral regulation.

How can mental illness be treated?
Research indicates that years of therapy can assist individuals with psychopathy in managing their symptoms. However, accessible public health resources tailored for personality disorders, particularly those involving antisocial behaviors, are scarce. Society often neglects the needs of psychopaths, which is tragic, as these individuals deserve appropriate care akin to those with other mental disorders. It’s vital to recognize that some people actively seek out improvement methods.

Can a psychopath change?
Some individuals report using strategies like behavior modification to foster long-term changes. For instance, one person shared that by “faking it” as a good individual, he gradually developed a genuine sense of empathy. Clinical psychologists often advocate for practicing desired behaviors until they become habitual, which reflects the experiences shared by those striving for self-improvement amidst their psychopathic traits.

What moral codes do they develop?
An interesting case involved someone with aggressive tendencies who decided to channel those impulses towards social justice causes. He would confront people making offensive comments, but generally managed to control his actions through the personal principles he established.

How common is the desire for change among psychopaths?
While quantifying this interest is challenging, many interviewees expressed dissatisfaction with their lives and recognized their destructive behaviors. Although they desire change, they often grapple with a lack of effective remedies.

It’s significant to note that individuals contacted us after screening tests on our organization’s website; thus, we have preliminary insights into their perceptions. Research across various neurological and personality disorders indicates that many individuals may lack awareness of their conditions, a phenomenon referred to as agnosia.

Why avoid using the term “psychopath”? Referring to individuals as “mentally insane”?
Evolving clinical psychology seeks to adopt a more person-centered approach that refrains from labeling individuals by their disorders. Today, we prefer to describe people as having depression or schizophrenia instead of defining them solely by these conditions. Sadly, this perspective has not permeated societal views on personality disorders, where terms like “psychopath” or “narcissist” remain prevalent.

What motivated you to study psychopathy?
My journey began with a fascination about what drives people to care for one another. Part of my research involves highly altruistic individuals. A personal experience—a stranger helping me after a serious car accident—shaped my perspective on humanity.

However, a subsequent negative experience—being assaulted by a stranger—testified to the darker side of human behavior, igniting my curiosity about psychopathy and its implications.

Beyond screening tests, how do you recruit participants for your research?
My latest study successfully engaged over 700 individuals, including 288 with significant psychopathy scores from the Aggressive Disorder Prevention Association. Those scoring highly are invited to participate through website pop-ups.

In lab-based studies, we employ flyers with engaging phrases to attract participants, akin to an advertising campaign from the 1970s aimed at recruiting individuals with psychopathy.

In your recent study, you assessed how individuals with psychopathic traits evaluate the well-being of others. Why is this significant?
Antisocial behavior often derives from self-serving motives at the expense of others. Common forms include theft and dangerous driving. While most people may evaluate rewards based on proximity, those exhibiting psychopathy demonstrate a drastic valuation drop regarding strangers’ welfare compared to their own.

Were there any surprising results?
The findings were even more pronounced than anticipated. Our “social discounting task” evaluated how individuals value rewards based on their recipients. Most people don’t significantly reduce the value of a reward when a close one receives it. However, among participants with psychopathy, I observed an alarming rapid decline in the value they assigned to others’ welfare.

How does psychopathy impact daily life?
Many of us may unknowingly interact with individuals exhibiting psychopathic traits. Given that about 1 in 100 people are estimated to have clinically meaningful psychopathic traits, it is plausible that someone in your circle could be harmful or manipulative without being recognized as a threat.

What should you do if you suspect someone has a mental disorder?
It’s crucial to understand that psychopathy is indeed a genuine mental illness that can be effectively treated. Individuals with psychopathy often experience detrimental impacts on their health, relationships, employment, and overall quality of life. However, through knowledgeable therapy, behavioral improvements are achievable. For resources and information, individuals can visit the Aggressive Disorder Association website.