Although psychopathy is frequently linked to violence in pop culture, it is not the disorder most strongly linked with extreme acts of aggression (20/20)

Marsh went on to explain that people with psychopathy can learn to regulate their behavior such that they would not qualify for a diagnosis of ASPD.

“The most common error people make is assuming that someone with psychopathic traits is committing serious crimes or is very violent. That’s not necessarily true,” Marsh explained. 

“Just like a person with an introverted personality can still learn to socialize more if they are motivated to, a person with psychopathy can learn to behave more prosocially if they are motivated to.”

The doctor stressed that, while genetics may predispose some children to psychopathy, timely, appropriate, and accurate treatment can prevent the worst outcomes, turning someone who may otherwise become a danger to themselves and others into a healthy, functioning adult who can enrich those around them.

“In my experience, that is what individuals and families affected by psychopathy want clinicians to be focusing on, not stigma.”