Psychopathy: What is it? Can be treated?

Psychopathy is a serious personality disorder that affects 4% of men. This disorder is difficult to treat and requires social support in addition to therapeutic support.

Psychopathy: what is it?

The term psychopathy has disappeared from the classifications of mental disorders but is still used to describe a complex personality disorder, now called antisocial personality disorder. It is not an illness but a pathological personality that is expressed throughout life.

This psychological disorder can interact with and/or accentuate other disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar depression. There are several degrees of the disease, ranging from moderate psychopathy to criminal acts that are dangerous to others.

Psychopathy is said to affect 4% of men but only one in a hundred women. 60% of people in prison are psychopaths. There is a causal link between psychopathic personality and delinquency.

What is a psychopath?

The diagnosis of psychopathy or antisocial personality disorder is based on antisocial behaviour, not necessarily criminal behaviour. The psychopath's life is marked by precariousness and instability, professionally, socially and emotionally.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatry (DSM) IV and 5 defines psychopathy as a pattern of disregard and transgression of the rights of others that has occurred since the age of 15 "associated with at least 3 of the following manifestations:

• inability to conform to laws and social norms
• a tendency to deceive for profit or pleasure (indicated by repeated lying, use of pseudonyms, scams)
• impulsiveness or inability to plan ahead
• irritability or aggressiveness (indicated by repeated fighting or aggression)
• reckless disregard for safety of self or others
• persistent irresponsibility (indicated by inability to hold a steady job or meet financial obligations)
• lack of remorse (indicated by being indifferent or justifying oneself after hurting, abusing or stealing from others)

Profile of the psychopath

According to many authors, this syndrome characterises people who are arrogant, highly manipulative, insensitive, seductive, dominant and fearless. In addition, psychopaths are considered to be impulsive in many areas of their lives. They have no remorse or empathy. Themes of love, horror, and good and evil mean nothing to psychopaths, except in a very superficial way. They are constantly seeking stimulation, display superficial affect, and aspire to control others and their environment. They view those around them as objects to be manipulated at will, maintaining relationships for utilitarian purposes.

Psychopathy is often associated with alcohol, drug or medication abuse. Substance abuse is the most frequently observed comorbidity.

Can psychopathy be treated?

The prognosis for psychopathy is poor. Mortality is high, due to violence and drug use.

Therapeutic treatment of psychopathy is possible. It must be linked to social care. However, the psychopath is never at the initiative of the treatment.

Classical psychoanalysis is generally unsuitable. Cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic therapies, individually or in groups, are of interest.

Medication is used to reduce symptoms temporarily, but the results are rather disappointing: benzodiazepines, neuroleptics for their action on aggressive and impulsive behaviour, antidepressants, antiepileptics, thymoregulators, lithium.

Note: over the age of 40, the symptoms of psychopathy subside.

Do we know the causes of psychopathy?

Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain psychopathic personality disorders: hormonal imbalance, frontal neurological disorders, a defect in emotional regulation, childhood psychological trauma, etc. It would seem that none of these factors alone is sufficient to explain the psychopathic personality disorder. Psychopathy would rather be due to biological disorders linked to heredity, combined with psychological, educational and social factors.

It is known that during childhood and adolescence, non-specific conduct disorders can be observed, which are likely to evolve into psychopathy, and that it is therefore of interest that these children and adolescents receive early individual care.

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What is narcissistic personality disorder?

Hated because they are full of themselves, egotistical, lacking in empathy and condescending; narcissistic people feel superior to others. The one most talked about, as potentially dangerous for his victims, is the narcissistic pervert. But there are other profiles of narcissistic personalities. How do you recognise a narcissistic person? What are the causes of narcissism? How do you deal with a narcissist?

What is narcissistic personality disorder?

"Narcissistic personality disorder is characterised by a constant feeling of superiority (megalomania), a need to be admired and a lack of empathy," reads the MSD Manual, the world's leading source of medical information. Narcissism comes from the Greek character Narcissus, who fell in love with his own image reflected in the water. Narcissists are, by extension, people who love and admire themselves more than they should. The concept of narcissism entered psychiatry thanks to Sigmund Freud.

The latter distinguishes between primary and secondary narcissism. Primary narcissism is a normal infantile stage during which the child learns to love himself by eroticizing his own body. Secondary narcissism is pathological. It becomes a perversion when an adult is unable to detach himself from himself in order to invest himself with others. It is important to know that a normally developing individual detaches himself from himself in order to reach out to others, while still retaining a certain amount of self-esteem.
According to the DSM-5, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, narcissistic personality disorder manifests itself by at least 5 of these symptoms (they must appear in early adulthood):

1. An overestimation of one's abilities. The narcissist believes that his or her skills and accomplishments are extraordinary. Therefore, he/she must be considered superior to others.
2. The impression of being unique. The narcissist believes that he/she is special and therefore should only communicate with special, high-ranking people.
3. A constant and excessive need to be liked and admired.
4. An obsession with power, success and beauty.
5. A lack of empathy. The narcissist sees only himself or herself and therefore cannot be interested in the needs and feelings of others.
6. Arrogance and a haughty attitude.
7. A need to manipulate others to get their way.
8. A feeling that others envy him/her.
9. A feeling of entitlement.

The different profiles of narcissistic personalities

The American psychologist Theodore Milton, one of the specialists in personality disorders, distinguished several profiles of narcissistic personalities who act differently:

• The manipulative narcissist. He has no qualms about using others to get what he wants.
• The seductive narcissist. They use their irresistible charm to manipulate others. The seduction is physical but also intellectual.
• The passive-aggressive narcissist. He considers others to be less good than he is and constantly complains about his incompetence.
• The elitist narcissist. They love power and domination and show it with a haughty attitude.
• The fanatical narcissist. They think big and always want more than they have because they believe they deserve it.

These different profiles have, however, been discussed on several occasions by specialists because the same narcissistic person can display several profiles at the same time. They would then only be variants of the same disorder. Also, certain characteristics of narcissistic disorder are found in other personality disorders. It is therefore difficult to put a single label on a personality, because of its complexity. We also note that pathological narcissists often suffer from other disorders such as depression (following one or more failures that they have not been able to cope with), anorexia nervosa, a substance abuse disorder or a personality disorder (borderline or paranoid).

Narcissistic personality disorder: what are the risk factors?

There are many possible causes of narcissistic personality disorder. The risk factors are both genetic and environmental:

• Having received a strict upbringing where one always had to excel in order to be rewarded or, conversely, having received an overly lax upbringing where compliments flowed and admiration was boundless.
• A lack of self-esteem that makes one lose the means at the slightest failure. To hide this fragility, narcissists make others believe that they are sure of themselves and good at everything. This lack of esteem is also reflected in the fact that they envy people whom they (secretly) consider to be better than themselves.
• A trauma suffered in the past (abuse, aggression, betrayal). Narcissism is then a defence mechanism to avoid being destroyed again.
• Narcissistic parents who have never taught their children empathy and modesty.

How to act when faced with a narcissist?

There are two schools of thought on this subject: those who advocate opposition and those who favour empathy.

Opposing the narcissist

Narcissistic behaviour, if repeated, is often unbearable for the people who suffer it. It becomes tempting to say "stop! This reaction can be useful to make the narcissistic person understand that his or her behaviour is selfish and that you do not like it: "I would like you to stop talking about yourself so that I can talk to you about what worries or pleases me at the moment. This conversation is an exchange", "You're just putting down other people, but are they as incompetent as you say? The idea is to put them in their place, without being mean. The idea is to put them in their place, without being mean. In a relationship, the narcissist will always want to hold the reins, make them understand that they are not alone and that if they want the relationship to last, they will have to leave you some space.

Being tolerant of the narcissist

To do this, it is useful to understand the origin of the person's narcissism (strict or too flexible upbringing, old trauma, etc.) to better understand them and tolerate their behaviour. To congratulate them on what they have achieved only when it is deserved, but without exaggerating so as not to put them on a pedestal. Since narcissists cannot stand the success of others, it is better to remain discreet about their own successes and privileges so as not to arouse their jealousy and provoke a surge of egocentricity by way of overkill. For the sake of the relationship, and if you can stand his or her behaviour, do not confront him or her, as this could weaken your relationship with this person.

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Emotional dependence and lack of self-confidence

Emotional dependence is characterised by a lack of self-confidence or a clear withdrawal from a love partner. Where does emotional dependence come from? Can we fight against its harmful effects?

What is emotional dependence?

Emotional dependence is the fact of no longer living for oneself but for the other. By completely withdrawing from their partner, the emotional addict gradually sinks into passivity. People who suffer from this type of addiction often have little self-confidence and constantly seek their partner's approval in all their endeavours. They are panic-stricken at the thought of being abandoned and experience the relationship as a daily struggle.

Where does emotional dependency come from?

Most emotional dependents find the origin of their problem in their childhood. They are usually children who received little attention and affection and/or were given too much responsibility at an early age ("leave mum alone, you can see she's tired", "don't make any noise, your brother is sleeping", etc.). These people have therefore got into the habit of putting others before themselves and do not dare to place themselves at the centre of their own attention.

They think that they will only be loved if they are discreet and live mainly through the eyes of others. Finally, emotional addicts often express a real fear of disagreement, they find it difficult to refuse a service and avoid conflict as much as possible. However, their behaviour is often at the origin of it since, against their will, they are in permanent demand of affection and recognition. In the end, emotional addicts do not know what they need and are unable to express their desires or anxieties.

Couple et dépendance affective

Comment faire la différence entre la passion amoureuse et la dépendance affective ? Il n’est pas toujours évident de comprendre où se trouvent les limites. En couple, le dépendant affectif est en attente permanente, il n’est jamais satisfait de ce que son partenaire lui donne et ce, quels que soient les efforts de ce dernier. Le dépendant attend en effet de recevoir autant qu’il donne mais ce besoin n’est jamais assouvi. Il peut se montrer extrêmement jaloux ou demander une attention particulière à son partenaire à tout moment.

Difficile en effet de passer au second plan lorsque l’on souffre de dépendance affective car chaque absence de l’être aimé est vécue comme une souffrance extrême. Le seul fait d’imaginer que son partenaire puisse s’amuser et prendre du plaisir sans lui semble insurmontable. Dans ce genre de cas, le dépendant affectif peut se montrer désagréable voire méchant, ce qui peut dérouter son partenaire ou le faire fuir.

Is it possible to get out of emotional dependency?

Fortunately, it is quite possible to get out of emotional dependency. It should be noted, however, that most of those who suffer from it are unaware of their condition. It is often during a consultation with a psychologist that they understand their emotional handicap.

Emotional addicts generally complain about the poor quality of their social relationships, they have difficulty making friends, get along badly with their colleagues and have difficulty managing their romantic relationships. These profiles can indeed be annoying, as they seem to give of themselves with ulterior motives: they expect something in return. They think (more or less unconsciously) that they can only be appreciated if they meet the expectations of others and sometimes do "too much".

How can emotional dependency be overcome?

Emotional dependency can be overcome through personal development work and possibly psychotherapy. The main problem of the emotional addict is his or her lack of self-confidence: he or she wrongly thinks that he or she cannot be loved for what he or she is and that he or she must live through the other. The addict must succeed in integrating the fact that one must first love oneself in order to succeed in living a healthy love relationship. The fear of being alone must be overcome by a few simple exercises such as going to the cinema alone, going to a restaurant, etc. By overcoming self-imposed limits, the person suffering from emotional dependence will be able to understand that there are a number of things he or she can do without the approval of others. Sport, artistic expression or meditation are all activities that can help him/her to get to know him/herself better and thus gain confidence.

Emotional dependence is not irreversible, but to overcome it, it is absolutely necessary to recognise and accept it. An affective addict who refuses to qualify as such will not be able to live serenely, despite the good will of those close to him.

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London markets. Information about London

London markets

The culture of street markets is deeply rooted in London's population, so it's not surprising that London's streets are often lined with street markets. In London's most popular markets you can find new and second-hand clothes, antiques, books, souvenirs, fruit, vegetables, food and just about anything else you can think of.

Here are the details of London's best known and most visited markets:

Camden Market (Camden Town)

Camden Market is made up of several markets located along Chalk Farm Road and Camden High Street. It is one of the most famous and busiest markets in London. Its main peculiarity is that you can see very extravagant people, according to many of the stalls and shops where they sell quirky clothes and weird objects.

If you are looking for a market where you can find almost anything, this is the place for you. Many tourists flock to this market as, apart from wandering the streets of this quirky area and finding a bargain, they take the opportunity to eat outdoors and buy something from one of the many stalls and food stalls.

The shops are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5:30pm and the street stalls at weekends from 8:00am to 6:00pm. To get to the market you can take the underground from Camden Town station.

Portobello Market

This market, although the most popular in London, is also the most expensive. Located in the famous Notting Hill neighbourhood, the market stretches along Portobello Rd, the street from which it takes its name. The market's speciality is antiques, but there are also souvenir, vegetable and food shops. Portobello Market's biggest day is Saturday, when hundreds of street stalls are set up.

You can take advantage of your visit to this market to buy some food in one of the shops and stalls and eat while you stroll through the streets, contemplating the peculiar coloured houses.

The shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00h to 17:00h and the street stalls on Saturday mornings. To get to the market you can take the underground from Notthing Hill Gate station.

Spitalfields Market

This covered market, located in the East End, is noted for its organic and quality food shops, especially on Sundays when it sells exclusively organic produce, such as organic fruit and vegetables and a range of herbs with a multitude of properties. It is also known for its fashionable clothes shops at more or less affordable prices. Antiques, books and records stalls have their place, although they are in the minority at this market.

An original feature of Spitalfields Market is the chess tournaments that are organised here. It is open every day from 11:00h to 15:00h. The Organic Market is open on Sundays from 9:30am to 5:30pm.

To get to the market you can take the underground from Shoreditch High Street or Liverpool Street.

Petticoat Lane Market

This long-established market is located on Middlesex Street and Wentworth Street, although it extends to other nearby streets.

Here you can find good value goods, especially clothes, but you can also find household goods, electronics, jewellery, books, etc....

It is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00, while on Sundays, the busiest shopping day, it is open from 09:00 to 14:00.

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• Information about London. Demographics of London
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• Trafalgar Square, London
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Covent Garden, London. Information about London

Covent Garden is one of the most touristy and picturesque corners of London. It is known for its many outdoor cafes, shops, stalls, markets and street performers who try to make the walk more pleasant for passers-by.

History

Originally, the land on which Covent Garden stands was known as the Convent Garden, a farmland where vegetables were harvested to feed the monks of nearby St Peter's Convent. In 1540 the land was confiscated by King Henry VIII and given to the first Earl of Bedford, John Baron Russell. In 1632 the fourth Earl of Bedford began to build London's first modern public square here, surrounding it with luxury buildings for the wealthier population.

During the year of the Great Fire of London many merchants whose businesses were destroyed moved to Covent Garden, occupying almost the entire square. In 1830 a building was constructed in the centre to house a market. Decades later the Flower Market was added.

Activity

Today, despite major changes, Covent Garden has become one of London's most popular entertainment centres. It has a large number of shops, most of them located along Floral Street. There are also lively restaurants, pubs and bars where you can eat or have a drink.

Museum-lovers will find the London Transport Museum here, while theatre-goers are in luck, as Covent Garden is also home to the London Theatre Museum and the Royal Opera House.

Location: 41 Covent Garden Piazza.

Underground with a stop at Covent Garden station.

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British Museum, London. Information about London

The British Museum is the largest museum in the United Kingdom and one of the most important in the world. Since its opening in 1759, it has amassed a collection of more than 7 million objects from every continent.

The building where the British Museum is currently housed is an imposing neoclassical building designed by Robert Smirkey and completed in 1857.

Over the decades the museum has undergone several extensions, which were necessary to accommodate its large art collections.

For space reasons, all of the more than seven million pieces are not on display at the same time, but some are rotated so that visitors can see other collections on subsequent visits. The rest are in the process of study and reconstruction.

The collections are perfectly divided according to their origin. Among the different departments are the Roman and Greek antiquities department; the ethnography department with objects from different indigenous peoples of the world; the Oriental antiquities department; the West Asian antiquities department with objects from 5,000 BC; and the Egyptian antiquities department, which is the most popular and has the most objects, including sarcophagi, mummies, papyrus and the famous Rosetta Stone.

The British Museum also has the so-called Reading Room, the former location of the British Library before it moved to another building nearby, which now holds over 40,000 volumes, a tiny part of the museum's collection of over 150 million books, maps, and a wealth of written documentation.

The best thing about the British Museum is that, unlike other museums, admission is free, which is an advantage if you want to visit over several days.

Location: Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG.

Underground stops at Tottenham Court Road and Holborn.

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• Information about London. Demographics of London
• Districts of London. Information about London.
• City Hall, London. Information about London
• London markets
• Covent Garden, London
• Buckingham Palace, London. Information about London
• National Gallery, London
• Trafalgar Square, London
• Westminster Abbey, London
• Piccadilly Circus, London. Information about London
• Hyde Park, London.
• Soho, London.
• Chinatown, London. Information about London
• Palace of Westminster
• London Eye
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• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
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• How can I obtain a NIN (National Insurance Number)?
• What documentation should I bring with me to the UK?
• Brexit FAQ - Frequently asked questions Brexit
• History of the flag of the United Kingdom
• Where to do language exchange in London
• How should I write the CV? - Practical advice on the CV
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You can do it - Stories for Reflection

Recursos Educativos en Inglés - Stories in English - Cuentos en inglés

You can do it - Stories to Think About

If you think you're beaten,
you are.
If you think you don't dare,
you won't.
If you think you'd like to win but you can't,
you won't.
If you think you will lose,
you have already lost.

Because in the world you will find
that success begins
in the will of man
It's all in the state of mind.
For many a race has been lost
Before they have been run.

And many a coward has failed
Before they have begun their work.

Think big
and your achievements will be realised.
Think small
and you will be left behind.
If you think you are ahead,
you already are.

You have to be sure of yourself
before you try to win a prize.
Put your mind and your will
in a positive attitude.

The battle of life,
is not always won
the strongest man
or the lightest.

Because sooner or later
the man who wins
is the one who
THINKS HE CAN DO IT

C. Barnard

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