Have you noticed that the series are literally Packed with characters with breakdowns in the psyche? And it's not about the villains, but about the main, quite nice to us heroes. Why do we love psychopaths and what they are in everyday life?
We know for a fact that Dexter and Rodion Meglin of Method are serial killers. So what? We like both. The extravagant Holmes, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, says without a trace of embarrassment: “I Am not a psychopath, but a highly active sociopath.” And yet he has a sea of fans.
Below we delve into the terms (many psychiatrists would say, by the way, that Holmes sins overdiagnosis). However, it's hard not to notice the similarities listed comrades. They are prone to risk beyond measure like to manipulate others, not particularly sensitive, and their conscience works – if, of course, at all – very selectively. These are the traits possessed by citizens with antisocial personality disorder.
Such breed
Even at the end of the century before last, European doctors identified a group of people who, with complete preservation of intelligence and outrageous — in the clinical sense — normality completely absent respect for social norms and compassion. At first, they were nicknamed “moral madmen”, then renamed psychopaths, and in the 1930s dubbed sociopaths, stressing that society suffers from them. Now in the course of both terms, and both informal. Some experts believe that psychopathy is a severe congenital disorder, and sociopathy is a milder version of it, which is not formed from a good life in childhood. However, the manifestations are almost identical, and both cases fit into the diagnosis of "antisocial personality disorder".
For psychopaths, the world is one big temptation, and people are nothing more than objects from which something can be obtained, lured or simply taken away. And the objects are almost inanimate. The “moral lunatics” is extremely narrow emotional range, and other people's feelings for them an empty phrase. And no moral law them, not decree, because morality, in their understanding of, for wimps. But they are allowed to live by special rules. More accurately, on one-the only — " I so want."
And they can want different things. One would think to Rob a Bank, the other likes marriage scams. The third will take a large sum and not think to give, and then get it for free, writing a story about a terrible disease. The fourth climbs to the top of the ladder on the heads of friends (we take this word in quotes because friendship psychopaths unknown). And the fifth just has to sleep with that blonde-he just keeps count of blond mistresses, nothing personal.
Scientific approach
Increased aggressiveness of psychopaths may be associated with a special variation of the gene that controls the synthesis of the enzyme monoamine oxidase A. In addition, in antisocials:
• a higher threshold of arousal and this means that it is vital for them to break the rules and walk on the edge;
* less active part of the amygdala, responsible for the reaction of fright, that is, they are largely devoid of fear;
* more dopamine is released in response to a positive stimulus. That's why they operate on the principle of "I see the goal — I see no obstacles." And that's why getting in their way is dangerous;
* areas of the frontal and temporal frontal lobes that are responsible for empathy and self-control have low activity. No comment.
You to me, I to myself
Here is what should be remembered: described comrades not capable on sustainable relations, based on mutual respect, responsibility and/or love. Never under any circumstances. Such a person can be around for a while if he needs something specific-protection, money, connections, housing, sex — and you regularly meet these needs. But as soon as the pot stops cooking, the citizen releases you from his presence without any " sorry, love." And that's lucky, even if the family diamonds disappear with it.
About other possible twists, Aoyama say short: 20% all prisoners in prisons as times clinical psychopaths.
But let me tell you, no one in their right mind would let such a monster near them. And make a mistake. The thing is, most of them don't look like monsters. The intelligence of a psychopath can be high, and the methods of influence-perfect. Psychologists from nature and ingenious observers (still would, after all, emotions not divert), they Polish skills manipulation years, reading their victims as if open books and can be utterly charming. So much so that you instantly think: I met a soul mate and even the love of my life.
Many believe in the educational power of the senses. So, with all responsibility: antisocial personality disorder is not treated by love, or a kind word, or sincere faith in your man (friend, colleague, boss). Start a joint business, communicate, meet, and even more so to live with a clinical psychopath-a more expensive.
Heroes of our time
Attention, question: why the same unfit for family life and friendship, false, harmful, and the and simply dangerous man became the main character rating serials? Are there more psychopaths among us?
Fortunately not. The number of people with antisocial disorder ranges from 1-3%. It means that in your Institute stream or firm though one psychopath Yes there will be, but in General, their number seriously doesn't change. Perhaps the thing is that being a psychopath-in the Lite version, just a little bit today in the trend. Yes. Psychologist from Oxford Kevin Dutton says: a set of personal qualities of "moral madman" almost exactly repeats the list of traits that, according to the assurances of business coaches, lead to success. The only question is, from what angle to look at the case. A person spits on the needs and feelings of others? No, he's making a point. Irresponsibly embroiled in dangerous adventures? Not at all, just willing to take risks and believes in himself. It controls everything and everyone a bully? Oh, come on, effective leader. Dutton names the areas in which psychopaths honey smeared: civil service, law enforcement, law enforcement, big business (among the bosses of large companies, according to the pundit, about 4% of people for whom the diagnosis cries).
Love at a distance
Do not think that all successful people are insidious and dangerous. In psychology, there is such a thing — accentuation. It means a bright feature of the character, still not up to the level of disorder. Many of those who have reached the heights are, shall we say, very moderate, socialized psychopaths who use the personality warehouse for their own benefit. High self-esteem, lack of torment “do I have the right”, the belief that the end justifies the means, helped them to get ahead. Here is an ambiguous hero receives more superficial treatment, endowed with psychopathic traits, often it turns out those the only, who deals stalemate situation. Sharp mind, fearlessness and, what is there, incredible sexuality-agree, the hearts of the audience have something to beat more often.
In addition, becoming more literate psychologically, we no longer believe in perfect heroes. We're more interested in watching real people whose heads will find a brood of cockroaches. So that let their will many-bad, good, different, but love to them will remain all—??? safe-on distance on a screen.