Psychopaths The term "psychopath" is used to describe a mental illness. In 1952, the American Psychiatric Association suggested using the term "sociopath" as a more acceptable alternative. The term sociopath is used to describe an individual who habitually violates known norms and laws. Sociopath is used to describe behavioral patterns, rather than a mental disease. The terms have been used interchangeably. In 1968, the American Psychiatric Association merged these two concepts together and labeled them as Antisocial …showed first 75 words of 828 total…

…showed last 75 words of 828 total…the deviant behavior of a secondary psychopath. There are several differences between primary and secondary psychopaths. True psychopaths are much more capable of functioning within society. They do not pose such a threat to other individuals. Rather than commit serious acts of violence, primary psychopaths simply try to indulge their need for thrill seeking. On the other hand, secondary psychopaths, display much more serious emotional instability which allows for their behaviors to be more violent.