- Kurt W. Eller is a clinical psychologist and associate professor in Washington, DC.
- He explained that psychopaths can be found in communities across the country.
- Ella shared how to 'limit negative encounters' with someone suspected of being a psychopath
Psychologists have revealed what to do if you suspect your neighbor is a psychopath – and the chances are higher than you think.
In an article published by psychology todayKurt W. Eala explained that psychopaths exist in communities across the country, some more than others, but it's not a cause for concern that “oversleeps.”
The associate professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine lives in Washington, DC. Highest prevalence of psychosis In the continental United States.
“The important thing to remember to sleep better is that these people are not necessarily violent,” he wrote.
Eller pointed out that psychopathy is not a psychiatric diagnosis, and that experts like him rely instead on the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).
Mental health conditions characterized by a consistent disregard for the rights and feelings of others are both psychopathic and sociopathic in nature.
Symptoms of ASPD include disregard for right and wrong, lying, aggression, reckless behavior, lack of remorse or empathy, manipulation, difficulty forming meaningful emotional attachments, and trouble with the law.
Ella acknowledged that people with personality disorders may “not make great neighbors”, but they aren't all crazy serial killers like in the movies.
Experts explained that most psychopaths are: Attracted to careers such as CEO, lawyer, surgeon, civil servant, etc.and other positions that “require a strong degree of detachment.”
Approximately 1.2 percent of men and 0.3 to 0.7 percent of women in the United States are thought to have clinically significant levels of psychopathic traits. American Psychological Association (APA)).
Eller said the estimates suggest that, depending on size and location, “there is a very good chance that there are anywhere from a few to many psychopaths in your neighborhood or city.”
If you come into contact with someone suspected of being a psychopath, there are ways to “limit negative encounters,” he said.
First, the psychologist advised people to “trust their instincts” and look for warning signs that they are interacting with someone with antisocial traits.
He said they may ask for “further favors or special treatment” without giving anything in return or show “little interest in you or your life.”
“You might just feel uncomfortable around them without knowing why,” he added. “If you experience these feelings, you probably want to distance yourself.”
Ella explained that you also need to “set boundaries” with your partner to let them know that “they can't manipulate you or take advantage of you.”
He said people should refrain from sharing “overly personal information” with them that could be used against them in the future.
Finally, he cautioned that people with ASPD “can be impulsive and vindictive” and should “avoid confrontation” at all costs.
“If they feel like they're being treated unfairly or challenged, things can escalate quickly,” he says. “And their actions can be dangerous because they are less concerned about social repercussions and feel no remorse.”
