Am i a psychopath? iin?

I have an issue that is bothering me.
For the past 3 months I just felt like shit. I mean, mentally, not physically. I went to to a shrink (I still see her, on a bi weekly basis). I had all sorts of fears of different mental conditions. Firstly bipolar disorder, then scizhophrenia (For no real reason), then psychopathy. The problem is I can't really let go of the thought that I might be a psychopath.
My main question is this: Could I become a psychopath without really having the background for it? Both my parents are alive and aren't psychopaths and have always treated me well, I wasn't abused as a child, I never harmed small animals or people as a child, but I feel as though I lack empathy. I sometimes have random urges of hurting people but they're more like mental images than real urges, and I understand that's pretty normal.
Also, I have a high functioning autistic older brother, I don't know if that matters.
I just feel like all the nice things I do are just because I don't mind doing them. I don't mind helping people or doing whatever people ask me to do because I don't really have any urges of my own. Ther'es nothing I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to do. I let go of things easily. I feel like once I'll have something I really want and wouldn't want to give up on it I'd do whatever it takes to get it. But that's not the case right now.
I feel like I'm never being myself and keep emulating other people, it's just that lately I'm more self-aware of it.
I've heard before that being worried about being a psychopath is a good sign of not being a psychopath, but I'm not even sure if I'm worried or just curious.
Please answer truthfully.

Voting Results
65% Normal
Based on 43 votes (28 yes)
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Comments ( 14 )
  • The fact that you are questioning it shows that you aren't one.
    I have done quite a lot of things that people say is "Psychpathy" or something sociopaths do, but ofcourse I never told them it was me doing such things.

    I have done plenty of things that come under the "Psychopath" or "Sociopath" list, had life experiences that would make me being such things possible. I have even been called those things on here from time to time, but that doesn't mean I am one.

    My point being is that you can come under these things that psychopaths and sociopaths do, that doesn't mean you are one.

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  • Considering you receive help and have not been told you are one or the counsellor/therapist hasn't mentioned it, then no, you're not.

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  • Frosties

    Being worried about being a sociopath is a good sign you're not a sociopath. I don't know if the same applies to psychopathy, though. I've never really met one so I don't know much about it.

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  • lylalylalyla

    I really don't think you are a psychopath, but I do thing you've got some abnormal issues, maybe another psychopathology that is psychopathic. But the thing is, everyone can become a sociopath, so you better get help right now, not later... NOW!

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  • 800imawesome

    Phsycopathy is basically a mental illness where one does not care for anothers suffering. It is simalar to sadism, a mental illness where one enjoys the suffering of others.

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  • dillin

    I have too much empathy.

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  • missy25

    Oh and yes there is evidence of a criminal gene, which can possibly bypass a generation. Typically a behavioral (genetic) and environmental interaction is considered the best theory.

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  • missy25

    Two key elements to being diagnosed as a psychopath is a lack of empathy (which you say you have) and an abnormal response to things. For example some find looking at kittens sexually arousing. If you were a psychopath, you would not be questioning it.

    Additionally, typically psychopaths only enjoy killing and violence as they are unable to generate normal arousal feelings being happiness sex etc. so essentially if u find happiness in something, find ur morals coincide with the majority of society, then ur prob not a psychopath.

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  • lufa

    The hallmark of a sociopath (psychopath is an older designation that is no longer really in use in the field of psychology) is that you lack empathy for others-of course there are many other characteristics which define this disorder but that's a key one.

    Most sociopaths are generally harmless apart from causing difficulties in their relationships because of their inability to relate, care for or empathize with others. Only a small percent actually become violent, sadistic killers that we're used to seeing in Hollywood movies.

    I'd recommend reading psychology books and do a self-analysis. I've done that when I was concerned about my own thoughts/feelings. Fortunately I think I'm pretty normal.

    We all get random violent thoughts on the odd occasion-they don't mean anything unless you feel very compelled to act on them. In that case, you definitely need to have a therapist to help you out.

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  • thinkingaboutit

    sounds like you have very strong feelings; your not a psychopath.

    besides being obsessed with the fact that you have a mental defect, uh you sound average.

    You do sound anxious, which is often a symptom involved with self-hatred. Do you think you are normal?

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  • tbiM20

    Yno, you're probably not a psychopath. However, there is a legitimate disorder in which you're constantly convinced that something is wrong with you.

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    • Jweezee

      Yeah, sounds more like mental hypochondriasis than psychopathy

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    • Austalien

      Hahaha that's the real disorder.

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    • tbiM20

      & its probably a lack of motivation, rather than a lack of empathy. Good luck with the sessions!

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