Can psychopaths have alexithymia?

Both psychopathy and ASD have previously been associated with elevated levels of alexithymia (Louth et al., 1998; Lander et al., 2012; Bird and Cook, 2013), and we also observed modest correlations between psychopathic and ASD traits with alexithymia in the present study.

Is alexithymia the same as psychopath?

The prototypical person with alexithymia (i.e., traits that stand out) is anxious, overcontrolled, submissive, boring, ethically consistent, and socially conforming, whereas the prototypical individual with psychopathy is anxiety-free, undercontrolled, dominant, charming, deceitful, and nonconforming.

What is the difference between alexithymia and psychopathy?

Alexithymia describes an inability to use words to express the emotions one feels. Psychopathy involves an inability to experience emotions normally. EDIT: To further clarify, psychopathy is a diagnosis (though, not a DSM-recognized one) while alexithymia is a diagnostic feature.

What is alexithymia and what causes it?

Alexithymia isn’t well understood. There’s a possibility it may be genetic. The condition may also be a result of brain damage to the insula. This part of the brain is known for its role in social skills, empathy, and emotions, with some studies linking insula lesions to apathy and anxiety.

How is alexalexithymia diagnosed?

Alexithymia is diagnosed by a mental health professional. It’s not officially recognized by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Instead, your mental health provider will likely ask you questions and provide a diagnosis based on your answers.

What is the difference between a normal brain and a psychopaths?

Psychopaths have marked brain differences from a neurotypical brain. Our amygdala alone is around eighteen percent smaller, as well the same showing/damage to the orbital cortex, the frontal lobe, and also the insula which is located deep in the cerebral cortex.