Can Child Psychopathy Be Treated? Expert Debunks Myths After 9-Year-Old's Shocking 23 Animal Attack (19/20)

“There is a lot of overlap between the two. Most people with a diagnosis of ASPD will also have high levels of psychopathic traits,” the doctor stated. “But a diagnosis of ASPD focuses more on behavior, like engaging in criminal activities, aggression, and deceit. Psychopathy is a personality disorder.”

Marsh stressed the importance of not jumping to conclusions when labeling people who act violently or cruelly, especially when they are children.

When analyzing the case of the 9-year-old who brutally murdered 23 animals, the doctor explained that there is more than one kind of psychological disorder that can increase the risk of violence.

“For example, people with schizophrenia are seventeen times more likely to commit homicide than a typical person, which is one reason it is so vital to provide support and treatment to reduce their symptoms,” she explained.