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The Psychopath
Posted: 14 May 2012 06:56 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 276 ]
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Psychopaths,  as contrasted with sociopaths, appear to be a result of particular genetic combination, one that seems to be expressed regardless of ethnicity, SES, or gender.  Male Pd are by far the most common reported.  At this point, there’s no treatment identified.  It is a lifelong pattern.  Maybe 20% of incarcerated people are Pd, but they’re the ones who got caught.  1% has been proposed as the general rate, but that’s as much a guess as anything.

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Posted: 14 May 2012 07:41 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 277 ]
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I recall seeing a recent article that reported research on brain imaging of psychopaths that showed there was much less grey matter in areas of the brain relating to empathy.

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Posted: 14 May 2012 07:45 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 278 ]
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burt - 14 May 2012 07:41 AM

I recall seeing a recent article that reported research on brain imaging of psychopaths that showed there was much less grey matter in areas of the brain relating to empathy.

Not familiar with that, but recall one n=1 study where the Pd showed significantly less activity in response to arousing sexual stimuli than normal brain.  Consistent with “cold blooded.”

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Posted: 14 May 2012 07:47 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 279 ]
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burt - 14 May 2012 07:41 AM

I recall seeing a recent article that reported research on brain imaging of psychopaths that showed there was much less grey matter in areas of the brain relating to empathy.

I recall this as well, but thought it was general emotion not specific to empathy. Do you remember the particular neuro scan used? Do you know, DC?

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Posted: 14 May 2012 07:50 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 280 ]
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jobyrne8989 - 14 May 2012 07:47 AM
burt - 14 May 2012 07:41 AM

I recall seeing a recent article that reported research on brain imaging of psychopaths that showed there was much less grey matter in areas of the brain relating to empathy.

I recall this as well, but thought it was general emotion not specific to empathy. Do you remember the particular neuro scan used? Do you know, DC?

As I remember they were measuring blood flow and/or thermo imaging, inferring from that less activity.  I was in a 3-day workshop with Hare he mentioned it.  Long time back now.

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Posted: 14 May 2012 08:01 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 281 ]
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Dennis Campbell - 14 May 2012 07:50 AM
jobyrne8989 - 14 May 2012 07:47 AM
burt - 14 May 2012 07:41 AM

I recall seeing a recent article that reported research on brain imaging of psychopaths that showed there was much less grey matter in areas of the brain relating to empathy.

I recall this as well, but thought it was general emotion not specific to empathy. Do you remember the particular neuro scan used? Do you know, DC?

As I remember they were measuring blood flow and/or thermo imaging, inferring from that less activity.  I was in a 3-day workshop with Hare he mentioned it.  Long time back now.

The only study I’m aware of spoke about the Subgenual region of the anterior cingulate cortex, which is primarily referenced regarding depression. A functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI Or FMRI, whatever) scan emits certain images in this region of the brain when patients experience rejection. The study concluded that while normal people experience a heightened sensitivity to peer rejection, psychopaths experience much less (often none) as exhibited by the FMRI.

I don’t know how they controlled for rejection. I wonder though.

[ Edited: 14 May 2012 08:05 AM by jobyrne8989 ]
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Posted: 14 May 2012 08:08 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 282 ]
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Both seem consistent with some basic neurophysiological differences in functioning.  Lots more research needed and I’m not up to dAte

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Posted: 14 May 2012 08:16 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 283 ]
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Dennis Campbell - 14 May 2012 08:08 AM

Both seem consistent with some basic neurophysiological differences in functioning.  Lots more research needed and I’m not up to dAte

Remember that you’re on notice about saying things like ” a long time back” and “I’m not up to date.” I’ll let it slide this time because it was within the natural context of the convo, but you and Andrew better watch the old timer stuff. I’m watching you.

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Posted: 14 May 2012 08:31 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 284 ]
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jobyrne8989 - 14 May 2012 08:16 AM
Dennis Campbell - 14 May 2012 08:08 AM

Both seem consistent with some basic neurophysiological differences in functioning.  Lots more research needed and I’m not up to dAte

Remember that you’re on notice about saying things like ” a long time back” and “I’m not up to date.” I’ll let it slide this time because it was within the natural context of the convo, but you and Andrew better watch the old timer stuff. I’m watching you.

Just stating the fact that I’ve not kept myself current on Pd research; once I retired from DOC and retired my license as a psychologist, I’d no great interest or need to keep up to date.  Some of what I knew 10-15 years ago has long since been eclipsed by newer research.

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Posted: 14 May 2012 02:01 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 285 ]
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I was, and am, a “behavioral” psychologist.  That means a lot of things, some of which I agree with, others not.  Behavioral psychologists tend to focus on expressed behavior and associated antecedent and consequent variables.  That is dull in the extreme, perhaps, but all three are objectifiable, and tend not to permit abstract precepts that allow for much rhetoric and minimal evidence.  Again, dull.  One weakness of my professional position is a tendency to ignore or slight possible causes that’re not immediately evident, such as genetics.  “Causes” such as “god,” or some poorly defined “supernatural” forces are usually ignored.  No apologies.

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Posted: 14 May 2012 10:37 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 286 ]
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Dennis Campbell - 14 May 2012 02:01 PM

I was, and am, a “behavioral” psychologist.  That means a lot of things, some of which I agree with, others not.  Behavioral psychologists tend to focus on expressed behavior and associated antecedent and consequent variables.  That is dull in the extreme, perhaps, but all three are objectifiable, and tend not to permit abstract precepts that allow for much rhetoric and minimal evidence.  Again, dull.  One weakness of my professional position is a tendency to ignore or slight possible causes that’re not immediately evident, such as genetics.  “Causes” such as “god,” or some poorly defined “supernatural” forces are usually ignored.  No apologies.

I don’t think it’s that dull Dennis, I spend much of my time working with other Health Professionals on Behavioural Support Plans, understanding antecedent variables, triggers and how to avoid and distract from problematic situations, it can make a real difference to the lives of clients and make life so much easier not having to wrestle folk to the floor every five minutes.

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All right, no one is to stone ANYONE until I blow this whistle! Even… and let me make this absolutely clear… even if they do say “Jehovah”!

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Posted: 17 May 2012 01:07 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 287 ]
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I don’t think it’s that dull Dennis, I spend much of my time working with other Health Professionals on Behavioural Support Plans, understanding antecedent variables, triggers and how to avoid and distract from problematic situations, it can make a real difference to the lives of clients and make life so much easier not having to wrestle folk to the floor every five minutes.

Dull in the sense it tends to be dirt dry, not “sexy,” and closely bound, maybe too closely, to observed behavior. Something like fractional anticipatory goal responses don’t exactly elicit a “wow!” reaction.

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Posted: 17 May 2012 01:38 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 288 ]
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A well-considered behavior plan might seem like dry reading to most people, but to parents and teachers, each page is a thrill.

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Posted: 17 May 2012 02:06 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 289 ]
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nv - 17 May 2012 01:38 PM

A well-considered behavior plan might seem like dry reading to most people, but to parents and teachers, each page is a thrill.

My experience with behavior mod has been the parents consistently challenge the directive instead of molding and adapting it to their life styles. fucking parents, man.

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Posted: 17 May 2012 03:06 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 290 ]
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jobyrne8989 - 17 May 2012 02:06 PM
nv - 17 May 2012 01:38 PM

A well-considered behavior plan might seem like dry reading to most people, but to parents and teachers, each page is a thrill.

My experience with behavior mod has been the parents consistently challenge the directive instead of molding and adapting it to their life styles. fucking parents, man.

One thing to make such a plan, quite another to execute it. One of the reasons I’m quite glad to be retired.

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Posted: 17 May 2012 08:08 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 291 ]
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That’s discouraging news, guys. As a foster parent and adoptive parent, I’ve relied on the wisdom and thoroughness of cognitive-behavioral psychologists. I’ve taken in six kids since 1998, about half of them with violent and/or criminal histories and I’d not have been able to function without the assistance of cognitive-behavioral psychologists. Maybe if I’d been a bio-parent, I’d have been too subjectively caught up in the mess of things to appreciate what you’re able to offer, but I hope not.

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Posted: 17 May 2012 11:45 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 292 ]
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Dennis Campbell - 17 May 2012 01:07 PM

I don’t think it’s that dull Dennis, I spend much of my time working with other Health Professionals on Behavioural Support Plans, understanding antecedent variables, triggers and how to avoid and distract from problematic situations, it can make a real difference to the lives of clients and make life so much easier not having to wrestle folk to the floor every five minutes.

Dull in the sense it tends to be dirt dry, not “sexy,” and closely bound, maybe too closely, to observed behavior. Something like fractional anticipatory goal responses don’t exactly elicit a “wow!” reaction.

True Dennis, not sexy…your right. No “Wows” either.
Still interesting for me though, it’s comforting more than sexy to get the response your expecting, to find that specific stimulation, aimed towards the right goal and driven correctly, can provide an improvement in managing overall behaviour. Dry..not sexy…but comforting..

Shit I need to get out more…

We have all just had a week of training in the use of Non Aggressive Psychological and Physical Intervention….Now if you want “DRY”, try a week of this… confused

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All right, no one is to stone ANYONE until I blow this whistle! Even… and let me make this absolutely clear… even if they do say “Jehovah”!

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Posted: 18 May 2012 06:31 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 293 ]
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It may be possible to design a behavior modification paradigm that maximizes the expression of desired behaviors and/or cognitions, but the problem also lies in the implementation of that paradigm.  It is one issue in a controlled and closed environment with managers willing and able to apply those contingencies on the subject people, it is quite another in a typical family with parents being ego-involved.  I’ve known for a number of years that my brother’s youngest son was headed for a developmental disaster by the way he’d been grossly over-protected, mostly by his mother, and now he’s 25 going on 12 with no useful skill-sets, minimal persistence and tolerance for frustration; does not think past the next few days; a passive-avoidant response to challenges; all predicted many years ago.  So he’s now on the streets, unemployed and virtually unemployable0, with a rapidly diminishing trust fund that had been intended for college (dropped out twice), and no retreat available to return back to his bedroom at home in which he was cared for and protected from bothersome jobs, tasks, or risk-taking while being fed, watered and housed with no conditions. 

This is not rocket science, but many behavior psychologists have ignored the difficult challenge of getting other adult parents to “get on board,” and control their own immediate emotional needs.  The kid of course needs to be raised so that they function in a reasonably conflict-free manner at home, but they also need to be raised so as to be able one day to function in an independent and competitive manner outside of the family of origin.

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Posted: 27 May 2012 05:31 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 294 ]
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Ecurb Noselrub - 18 March 2012 07:14 PM

It’s my understanding that about 4% of the population qualifies as being labeled “psychopaths,” or as having an extreme antisocial personality disorder. Dennis can correct me if I’m wrong. From an evolutionary standpoint, wouldn’t it be beneficial to have had a few psychopaths in the tribe?  You needed some ruthless people to survive. As long as they could be kept together in a gang (a primitive military force) and out on the battle field engaging the enemy, they were probably beneficial to the clan/tribe.  It’s only when we get to modern peaceful democracies that they don’t really fit in. They are part of our ruthless past, perhaps. What saith thou?

It’s hard for me to see the value in naked face eaters but perhaps I’m missing something.

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/05/26/miami-police-confrontation-men-leaves-1-dead-1-hurt/

Updated: May 27, 2012, 4:56 p.m.

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami police are still tight-lipped about the man they shot and killed on the MacArthur Causeway Saturday afternoon, but new details back claims they had no choice: the naked man they shot was trying to chew the face off another naked man, and refused to obey police orders to stop his grisly meal, which one source now claims included his victim’s nose and eyeballs.

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Man would like to be an egoist and cannot. This is the most striking characteristic of his wretchedness and the source of his greatness.” Simone Weil….Gravity and Grace

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Posted: 27 May 2012 05:46 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 295 ]
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Nick_A - 27 May 2012 05:31 PM

It’s hard for me to see the value in naked face eaters but perhaps I’m missing something.

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/05/26/miami-police-confrontation-men-leaves-1-dead-1-hurt/

Updated: May 27, 2012, 4:56 p.m.

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami police are still tight-lipped about the man they shot and killed on the MacArthur Causeway Saturday afternoon, but new details back claims they had no choice: the naked man they shot was trying to chew the face off another naked man, and refused to obey police orders to stop his grisly meal, which one source now claims included his victim’s nose and eyeballs.

It’s sort of like buzzards and road kill. Somebody has to remove the carrion. Besides, I understand “head cheese” can be quite tasty.

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Posted: 27 May 2012 05:50 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 296 ]
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Nick_A - 27 May 2012 05:31 PM
Ecurb Noselrub - 18 March 2012 07:14 PM

It’s my understanding that about 4% of the population qualifies as being labeled “psychopaths,” or as having an extreme antisocial personality disorder. Dennis can correct me if I’m wrong. From an evolutionary standpoint, wouldn’t it be beneficial to have had a few psychopaths in the tribe?  You needed some ruthless people to survive. As long as they could be kept together in a gang (a primitive military force) and out on the battle field engaging the enemy, they were probably beneficial to the clan/tribe.  It’s only when we get to modern peaceful democracies that they don’t really fit in. They are part of our ruthless past, perhaps. What saith thou?

It’s hard for me to see the value in naked face eaters but perhaps I’m missing something.

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/05/26/miami-police-confrontation-men-leaves-1-dead-1-hurt/

Updated: May 27, 2012, 4:56 p.m.

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami police are still tight-lipped about the man they shot and killed on the MacArthur Causeway Saturday afternoon, but new details back claims they had no choice: the naked man they shot was trying to chew the face off another naked man, and refused to obey police orders to stop his grisly meal, which one source now claims included his victim’s nose and eyeballs.

You have no idea what you’re talking/posting about. None.  That man was not most likely a psychopath, but perhaps an agitated schizophrenic, not at all sure based on reports.

Why are you here on this thread when you obviously have nothing to offer?

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Posted: 27 May 2012 06:01 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 297 ]
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Dennis Campbell - 27 May 2012 05:50 PM

You have no idea what you’re talking/posting about. None.  That man was not most likely a psychopath, but perhaps an agitated schizophrenic, not at all sure based on reports.

Why are you here on this thread when you obviously have nothing to offer?

Dennis, this is a teachable moment. He doesn’t understand the difference between “psychopath” and “psychotic.” This is your opportunity to shine, to teach, to enlighten.

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Posted: 27 May 2012 06:09 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 298 ]
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Ecurb Noselrub - 27 May 2012 06:01 PM
Dennis Campbell - 27 May 2012 05:50 PM

You have no idea what you’re talking/posting about. None.  That man was not most likely a psychopath, but perhaps an agitated schizophrenic, not at all sure based on reports.

Why are you here on this thread when you obviously have nothing to offer?

Dennis, this is a teachable moment. He doesn’t understand the difference between “psychopath” and “psychotic.” This is your opportunity to shine, to teach, to enlighten.

I’d be happy to do so, if he approached this topic with questions.  Judging by 100+ pages on another thread, that’s not what he’s here for.  IOW, he’s just wasting my time.  Sorry, being cranky again.  No, come to reconsider it, not sorry at all.

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Posted: 27 May 2012 06:10 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 299 ]
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Dennis Campbell - 27 May 2012 05:50 PM
Nick_A - 27 May 2012 05:31 PM
Ecurb Noselrub - 18 March 2012 07:14 PM

It’s my understanding that about 4% of the population qualifies as being labeled “psychopaths,” or as having an extreme antisocial personality disorder. Dennis can correct me if I’m wrong. From an evolutionary standpoint, wouldn’t it be beneficial to have had a few psychopaths in the tribe?  You needed some ruthless people to survive. As long as they could be kept together in a gang (a primitive military force) and out on the battle field engaging the enemy, they were probably beneficial to the clan/tribe.  It’s only when we get to modern peaceful democracies that they don’t really fit in. They are part of our ruthless past, perhaps. What saith thou?

It’s hard for me to see the value in naked face eaters but perhaps I’m missing something.

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/05/26/miami-police-confrontation-men-leaves-1-dead-1-hurt/

Updated: May 27, 2012, 4:56 p.m.

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami police are still tight-lipped about the man they shot and killed on the MacArthur Causeway Saturday afternoon, but new details back claims they had no choice: the naked man they shot was trying to chew the face off another naked man, and refused to obey police orders to stop his grisly meal, which one source now claims included his victim’s nose and eyeballs.

You have no idea what you’re talking/posting about. None.  That man was not most likely a psychopath, but perhaps an agitated schizophrenic, not at all sure based on reports.

Why are you here on this thread when you obviously have nothing to offer?


http://www.cassiopaea.com/cassiopaea/psychopath_2.htm

What is A Psychopath?
Psychopaths cannot be understood in terms of antisocial rearing or development. They are simply morally depraved individuals who represent the “monsters” in our society. They are unstoppable and untreatable predators whose violence is planned, purposeful and emotionless. The violence continues until it reaches a plateau at age 50 or so, then tapers off.

We’ll have to determine if the guys getting naked and indulging in face eating is antisocial behavior. Could this behavior be considered morally depraved individuals or indicating the direction of human evolution.  Was it planned or just eroticism going off the deep end?

Not so simple.

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Posted: 27 May 2012 06:15 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 300 ]
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Nick_A - 27 May 2012 06:10 PM

Not so simple.

Yes it is. This is where you say “please explain to me exactly what a psychopath is” and then listen to someone who actually has more experience in that area than just looking up definitions on the internet.

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