what is a psychopath...and why would a guidance counsellor call your child that?

Answer 1

The word "psychopath" is actually a somewhat outmoded psychological term. Nowadays we'd use a term like "antisocial personality" or "sociopath" to describe someone who might have been called a "psychopath" in the past.

This terminology refers to someone suffering from an antisocial personality disorder. People with this kind of disorder typically are more or less devoid of the ability to experience normal emotions such as empathy for others. They are typically impulsive, shallow in their emotions, and completely self-centered. Most "serial killers" would fall into the category of sociopaths or antisocial personalities. There is no "cure" for this condition, and it is poorly understood, but biopsychology research is moving towards identifying brain abnormalities that may play a role in this condition.

The term "psychopath" is one that unfortunately is commonly used by people to describe anyone who acts "strange" or is annoying or difficult to handle. Most people who use this term (including school guidance counselors) have little or no training in Medicine or Psychology and don't have any idea what the terminology actually means. To use a word like this to describe a child who presents behavior problems or is a handful in the classroom is very unprofessional. Even if the person is not speaking out of annoyance, and is trying to provide information, only a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose someone with a personality disorder or any other psychological condition, so it would be COMPLETELY inappropriate for a teacher or counselor to use such a word in describing a child. When you say "guidance counselor," I'm assuming you mean a counselor in a junior high or high school, but what I am saying would apply to a social worker or a low-level therapist also. Unless the counselor is a psychiatrist or a doctoral-level psychologist, they are NOT qualified to make a diagnosis and should NEVER use a word like this in speaking about the child.

If there is some legitimate question as to whether a child needs a mental health evaluation and treatment, then this is what the counselor should say, and this is ALL he/she should say, and they should recommend that you take the child to a doctor, and that's IT. If they don't suggest this, but simply refer to your child as a "psychopath" in the course of a normal counseling session or parent/counselor meeting, you have grounds to make a formal complaint with the school board. This would be an example of extremely unprofessional behavior, and the counselor's supervisors should know about it.

Answer 2

What is a psychopath?
A psychopath has no concern for the feelings of others and a complete disregard for any sense of social obligation. They seem egocentric and lack insight of any sense of responsibility or consequence. Their emotions are thought to be superficial and shallow, if they exist at all. They are considered callous, manipulative, and incapable of forming lasting relationships, let alone showing any kind of meaningful love. They typically never perform any action unless they determine it can be beneficial for themselves.

Since psychopaths cause harm through their actions, it is assumed that they are not emotionally attached to the people they harm; however, according to the PCL-R Checklist, psychopaths are also careless in the way they treat themselves. They frequently fail to alter their behavior in a way that would prevent them from enduring future discomfort. Dr. Joseph Newman contends that the behavior displayed by psychopaths is the result of "an inability to process contextual cues." [23]

It is thought that any emotions which the primary psychopath exhibits are the fruits of watching and mimicking other people's emotions. They show poor impulse control and a low tolerance for frustration and aggression. They have no empathy, remorse, anxiety or guilt in relation to their behavior. In short, they truly are devoid of conscience. However, they understand that society expects them to behave in a conscientious manner, and therefore they mimic this behavior when it suits their needs.

Most studies of psychopaths have taken place among prison populations. This remains a limitation on its applicability to a general population but that has not prevented fiction writers from popularizing psychopaths in the movies.


Why would a Counselor call a child this? Was the counselor calling the child this as a name calling, or was he being diagnosed as this? If he is getting name calling, I would put a stop to it no matter who they are or why they said it. Sounselors should not call kids names. If it is a diagnosis, say from a counselor or doctor, I would defintately find out what it is that has been used to make the diagnosis. Just like any other illness a child might have, you need to educate yourself.

Answer 3

A psychopath is a human being with absolutely no regard for others whatsoever in their pursuit of instant gratification. Mentally ill and unstable with a distorted perception of reality. Criminals and murders are often psychopaths. "Psychopath" is not a term to be used freely. A guidance counselor needs to be more careful with words. Apparently your child came across that way either by their actions or personality. But, unless the professional is a qualified school psychologist they have no authority to make that unsolicited diagnosis. Please speak to the principal immediately.

Answer 4

You don't say how old your child is. But the guidance counselor may have been telling you that your child is a spoiled brat in a mean way.


A psychopath has no concern for the feelings of others and a complete disregard for any sense of social obligation. They seem egocentric and lack insight of any sense of responsibility or consequence. Their emotions are thought to be superficial and shallow, if they exist at all. They are considered callous, manipulative, and incapable of forming lasting relationships, let alone showing any kind of meaningful love. They typically never perform any action unless they determine it can be beneficial for themselves.

Answer 5

True psychopaths are very rare and I doubt your child is one.

psychopaths are not able to bond or relate to others and do not process emotions even remotely like other people, They don't have any empathy for others and don't understand guilt or love.

your guidance counselor sounds like and incompetent jerk

To diagnosis someone as a psychopath would involves very sophisticated testing and evaluation that involves specialist training. Even then a competent therapist would advise more observation and let you know that this diagnosis is very hard to make.

find a better guidance counselor and let them know what this jerk told you.

Good Luck

Answer 6

A psychopath is some one who is crazy...no questions asked. If a guidance counsellor calls your kid that, I suggest you get a new counsellor.

Answer 7

psy·cho·path (sk-pth) KEY

NOUN:
A person with an antisocial personality disorder, manifested in aggressive, perverted, criminal, or amoral behavior without empathy or remorse.

That is a REALLY CRAPPY thing to say about your child.

I'm guessing the guidance counselor wants to hear from you, your attorney, or the school principal.

Answer 8

Woah, maybe because the guidance counselor is a psychopath.
That is insane

Answer 9

Someone mentally unstable. And if someone is calling your child that i suggest you report them because, they are doing the exact opposite of what they are supposed to be doing and that is encouraging and aiding.

Answer 10

because the counselor is trying to get your serious attention?