Diagnosed Psychopath. AMA.

[AMAatall]

I have antisocial personality disorder. This is a spectrum. I fall to one extreme of the spectrum which is referred to as psychopathy. I am a 33 year old woman with a professional career. AMA.

Can you give some examples of what that means? What kind of behaviour do you exhibit that is out of the ordinary?

Do you find it hard to relate to other people - form/maintain friendships/relationships?

What led you to a diagnosis?

Do you have any empathy

Following

How were you diagnosed? Have you told anyone in real life?

How were you diagnosed?

How does this make you feel?

What led to the diagnosis?

Surely not!

Did you show signs of psychopathy as a child?

How did you come to be diagnosed

What are the pros and the cons of having this diagnosis /as in being like this (not having the label)

What's your career?

Are you in the medical profession?

Have you committed crimes?

Does your psychopathy help in your career?

Do you have children? If so, how do you cope with their needs?

Do you manipulate people to get what you want ?

Have you had any therapy? What form did it take?

Whaaaaaat? I thought all psychopaths thought they were perfect and wouldn't be keen on seeing a psychiatrist as they believe themselves to be superior to everyone else. Isn't that why much of the research is based on the psychopath prisoners whom have been interviewed whilst incarcerated?

Do you have children?

Do you have a partner?

To answer everyone so far- I am unable to relate to others.

LTGreggs There are no overt behaviours that are out of the ordinary but I knew that something was “off” with me. I always feel like a spectator to life rather than being involved. If you met me once you would probably get on with me but for those that know me, socially I become hard work as I am unable to maintain the pretence of being socially aware and “in the moment. I don’t want to do something, I absolutely won’t. Even if it would make a social situation awkward- I won’t go along with a pretence if it doesn’t make sense. My family think that I lack patience.

Wentto I am unable to maintain a relationship or friendships. I am better at relationships because it’s one-on-one. Friendships require more social effort. I have had relationships with men but they never last. I cannot relate to others at all even if I try. It can be frustrating.

Believeit I have always known something wasn’t quite right and as a student at university I attempted suicide on several occasions. I was prescribed medication, took it for a very short period of time (not long enough for it to take effect) and then stopped. I then had some experiences including being raped and being assaulted and didn’t tell anyone. Years later I began to realise that me not being as bothered by this as I should was not normal based on other people’s reactions to similar incidents involving themselves or in the media. Through my work, we were all assigned counsellors based on the nature of of our work. Through conversations and subsequent sessions, I was diagnosed with APD.

MrMag I don’t know if I have empathy like others would explain it. I do have a sense of what is right and wrong. For example- my elderly neighbour was missing for a couple of days. When his light starts were back on in his house I went round with a parcel I had taken in to check he was ok. Also I have pets who I love. I can’t stand animal cruelty. But if someone cries because their relationship is over or gets upset because of something or other, I find it very difficult to understand and feel like an outsider.

Do you find yourself 'faking' emotions day to day?

Have you told people you're a psychopath or has anyone ever guessed?