The terms “psychotic” and “psychopath” are used regularly in popular culture, sometimes synonymously. However, they seek advice from two different mental health issues, each serious.
When someone is psychotic (or affected by what doctors call psychosis), their mind loses touch with reality. A psychopath is someone who lacks compassion for others and will behave recklessly and antisocially.
Psychosis is usually a symptom of one other disorder, while psychopathy is a personality trait. It is believed that lower than 1% of individuals are psychopaths. Most of those are men, but it may possibly also occur in women.
This happens when something affects the best way your brain understands the world around you. It is typically called a psychotic episode.
- Psychosis could make it difficult to think or speak in a way that is sensible to others. It may cause you to see, hear, or feel things that are usually not there (a hallucination).
- These might be delusions, meaning that you simply consider something that will not be true, even when all of the facts suggest the other. For example, you could be convinced that somebody is attempting to hurt you or that another person is controlling your thoughts.
- If you’re having a psychotic episode, you could be depressed, anxious, or have trouble sleeping. It can even cause you to feel anxious, withdraw from others, or stop caring for yourself.
Approximately 3 in 100 people will experience a psychotic episode during their lifetime. These might be frightening and confusing, but prompt medical attention might help prevent further problems.
The most well-known causes of psychosis are mental illnesses corresponding to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, but several other things can even trigger a psychotic episode or increase the likelihood of 1:
- Diseases that attack your brain and nerves, corresponding to: B. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease or epilepsy
- Traumatic events corresponding to a violent attack
- Some drugs, including marijuana, LSD or amphetamines
- Going without sleep for a very long time
People who’re psychopaths don’t live in keeping with social rules or expectations. For example, you possibly can:
- Lie often
- Have an inflated view of yourself
- They are unable to manage their impulses
- Don't feel guilty or regret actions that hurt others
- Try to govern other people
Psychopaths often appear charming and fascinating at first, but can then develop into demanding or physically aggressive. Some have behavioral problems or commit violent crimes at an early age.
Researchers aren't sure what causes psychopathy.