A Test to see if you have a Psychopath in your Life.

People high in psychopathy show little empathy for others and can wreak havoc with their callous, deceitful behavior. Is someone you know—whether a partner, family member, coworker, or acquaintance—showing signs of psychopathy? Take this test to find out.

Here are 20 Questions

If you can’t circle the most appropriate response, then jot down the relevat number noted here. Answer  answer the questions based on how strongly you agree or disagree with the statement.

1= Strongly Disagree    2= Disagree    3  Neutral       4  Agree   5  Strongly Agree

1. This person was charming when I first met them but has become less so over time.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

2. When this person wants something from me, they’ll say whatever I want to hear.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

3. This person always finds a way to blame others for their mistakes.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

4. I suspect that this person only helps others when they’ll get something out of doing so.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

5. This person appears to fake emotions such as sadness or embarrassment.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

6. This person is a rule follower.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

7. This person can shift from charming to distant from one second to the next.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

8. I suspect that this person lies often.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

9. This person appears to be fearless.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

12. This person sometimes seems like a chameleon: They can adjust their behavior to fit whatever situation they’re in.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

13. This person demands special treatment from everyone in their life.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

14. Confiding in this person backfires because they use others’ vulnerabilities against them.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

15. When this person is angry, they lash out at others.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

16. This person often behaves in ways that are reckless or outright dangerous.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

17.  This person regularly does nice things for me with no expectation that I’ll do something in return.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

18. It can feel like this person is deliberately pitting me against other people

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

19. This person acts as if the rules don’t apply to them.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

20. This person is very skilled at flattery.

Strongly Disagree      Disagree      Neutral         Agree     Strongly Agree

Scoring.

Add up your answers, giving values of 1= Strongly Disagree    2= Disagree    3  Neutral       4  Agree   5  Strongly Agree

The person in your life shows ______ of psychopathy

• 20-35  = No signs
• 36-60  = Few signs
• 61-79  = Some signs

• 80-89 =  Several signs

• 90-100 = Many signs

  If problems with scoring, go here for clarity.

  WHAT TO DO if this person displays possible signs of psychopathy.

Your responses indicate that this person displays some callous or unemotional traits and may struggle to adhere to social norms. While this does not necessarily make them a psychopath, taking steps to distance yourself may be best for your long-term well-being.

1. What you need to Know

• “Psychopath” is not a psychiatric diagnosis; rather, psychopathy is a pathological personality trait that exists on a spectrum. Some people high in psychopathy—but not all—may be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, a related condition.
• A score of 30 or higher on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist, a widely used psychopathy scale, earns someone the label of “psychopath.” However, people who don’t clear that threshold can still behave in antisocial—and harmful—ways.
• The term “psychopath” is thrown around often, particularly on social media, but true psychopaths are rare:
• Psychopaths are widely characterized as violent or even murderous—so if you suspect someone in your life is a psychopath, you may be afraid for your life. However, most psychopaths have no history of violence.
• Psychopaths don’t need to be violent to cause harm, however. Not only are they prone to deception and manipulation but they also often lead parasitic lifestyles, exploiting others’ generosity in service of their own financial or material needs.
• If you suspect someone in your life is a true psychopath, seeking guidance from a therapist—while distancing yourself from the individual as much as possible—can help you recover from any harm they’ve caused and move forward.

2. Make a  Change Now?

Don’t try to outmaneuver them.

A true psychopath may recognize attempts to “beat them at their own game” and redouble their own efforts.

Seek support.

Psychopaths can do lasting damage to victims’ well-being and self-esteem. Staying connected with supportive others can help you start to recover.

Consider therapy.

A therapist can help you safely extricate yourself from an unhealthy dynamic, or set boundaries if ending the relationship isn’t possible.

My latest book, PRIVILEGED KILLERS, is a true story about a half-dozen Dark Triad people in my everyday life - narcissists, manipulators, and psychopaths. Three of 'em murdered people, and one came after my wife and me. Print and e-book versions of this (and CLEFT HEART) available at Amazon and elsewhere online. Also at your local bookstore.