Psychopathy (sigh-COP-athy) is an antisocial personality disorder where one lacks empathy for others. In May of last year, I observed “Conservatives tend to have larger amygdalae than liberals or libertarians, startle more easily and are more discomfited by unfamiliar odors or situations. They are uncomfortable in chaotic circumstances and try to avoid them. They experience more cognitive dissonance (where instincts of fight and flight are equal). They have deference to authority, in-group loyalty and sanctity.” They also have smaller prefrontal lobes. Psychopaths, on the other hand, have small amygdala.
The lateral amygdala are side-by side, almond size and shape organelles behind and slightly below the prefrontal cortex. They are among the most complex subsystems in the brain. Together they receive inputs from the senses and are used to process emotions such as fear and pleasure. The amygdala is part of the limbic system. This sits at the center of the brain and assesses and responds to emotions, generating various electrochemical signals sent to the nervous system.
The amygdala of a psychopath does not register fear in another person. The Psychopathy Checklist — Revised is a 40-point scale scored using interviews and background files. In the United States, adults scoring 30 points or higher is considered a psychopath. The scale reflects six characteristics of the psychopath.
1. Manipulates Other People’s Emotions: May be witty, charming and subject to flattery; Intentionally manipulates others for personal gain or pleasure. May struggle to maintain long-term relationships, both platonic and romantic.
2. Repeatedly Breaks the Law: Struggles to conform to social norms and societal laws. Abusively confronts and disregards the safety of others; Has no reservations about violating another’s physical rights.
3. Shows No Remorse After Hurting Other: Tries to rationalize what he/she did. Fails to learn from these experiences and the costs that result.
4. Repeatedly Lies: According to Psych Central this is indicated by “repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.” “They tend to turn on their charm and wit, in order to mask their manipulative behavior from the people they are trying to exploit. They may also display arrogance, thinking that they will never be caught or exposed.”
5. Acts Irresponsibly: Doesn’t complete tasks; Has financial difficulties; Blames others for his/her mistakes.
6. Shows Dangerous Behavior: Place himself/herself and others in peril; Careless preparation for decisions; Disregards outcomes; May commit arson, rape, robbery or murder.
If you want more information about psychopathy and how data was gathered and analyzed, I recommend “The Fear Factor: How one emotion connects altruists, psychopaths & everyone in-between,” by Abigail Marsh, Basic Books, 2017.
Next, we will examine these characteristics in our President. He tries to be witty and charming and fails miserably. He certainly loves flattery. Melania is his third wife and how many are suing him for extra-marital cranky spanky? He consistently ignores the law. He is an habitual liar, telling Parkland students he will strengthen gun checks, ban bump stocks; tells NRA “More guns are more fun.” He blames others when he is caught. His bankruptcies are legion. He has cheated subcontractors and hired illegal aliens. He rarely prepares for anything, doesn’t read much, and ignores advice. Real news sources have hundreds of verified examples.
It seems news items on Donald Trump being a psychopath are true. This makes him dangerous. All the China in the White House has been smashed but the bull hasn’t stopped. Trump is a perpetual liar. Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels supposedly said: “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” Rational Americans no longer believe der Fuhrer. This follows a WSJ editorial advising such.
Nobel Peace Prize? Not for a psychopath!
Ed Fisher is a Morning Sun columnist.