Psychopathy A Review for the Pharmacist

Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a profound deficit of empathy and conscience. These deficits result in a number of negative interpersonal and societal behaviors, such as pathological lying, lack of remorse, impulsivity, and poor behavior control. Psychopathy may have a genetic basis (primary psychopathy) or may be caused by early trauma or other sensitization forces (secondary psychopathy). Unlike primary psychopathy, secondary psychopathy generally includes the presence of neurosis. Psychopaths rarely seek treatment. Data are conflicting regarding the efficacy of counseling, and no proposed pharmacologic therapies show evidence of efficacy.