History UsefulNotes / LackOfEmpathy

"Empathy" is described as the ability to comprehend the signals other sentient beings (mostly humans, but animals too) use to communicate emotion and being able to understand these emotions from their perspective, which allows a person to experience sympathy and compassion. Think about all the EmotionTropes we use to identify and/or display emotion--PuppyDogEyes, ManlyTears, OhCrap, SomethingElseAlsoRises; (mostly) universal things that make sense even if you're watching a foreign film with no subtitles. Someone who lacks empathy lives in a world completely devoid of these signals. Accordingly, such a person is a FishOutOfWater whenever they are around people... which, of course, is much of the time. They can also come across as a {{Jerkass}} who seems to think [[ItsAllAboutMe It's All About Them]].

A lack of empathy is not uncommon in serial killers, who are commonly diagnosed with ASPD. That being said, your average ASPD sufferer is more than likely to be a petty criminal, or simply a law-abiding {{Jerkass}}. Also, it is important to note that lack of empathy does not ''make you'' a serial killer, or even a {{Jerkass}}; they simply make the person ''more noticeable'' in advance, if they should happen to act out in some way. It does make it more ''likely'' that the person in question will do something mean or exceedingly callous (in other words, act like a {{Jerkass}}), but this isn't automatic; it's just a consequence of failing to consider other people's feelings.\\

Those with autism spectrum disorders (such as UsefulNotes/AspergersSyndrome) have difficulty consciously recognizing nonverbal language, but usually have normal-- sometimes above normal-- empathy for those whose emotions they can discern. In other words, generally when they figure out what others are feeling, they share in others' emotions as easily, if not more easily, than average: particularly, feeling others' pain.\\

Another problem those with Asperger's have is that even when they share in others' emotions, they are still unsure on how they are supposed to react and have problems coming up with an adequate response. They commonly have more-intense emotions than other people as well, though not to the same degree as Borderline personalities.

While people with this disorder are very good at recognizing other people's emotional expressions, their perception of them can be more extreme than it really is and often tend to take said emotions personally, thinking they're directed at them and can be so overwhelmed by their own feelings that they fail to give an appropriate emotional response.

ASPD does not necessarily mean the sufferer has high intelligence, but this assumption was probably gained from their ManipulativeBastard abilities. It is considered almost untreatable by those in the psychiatric profession, as many of them see their doctor as just another person to be manipulated; in many cases, the attempts at treatment actually make them even better at manipulating people and more likely to commit crimes.\\

It's important to note that while schizoids don't have much emotions and don't care about others, they're not dangerous and [[MoralSociopathy can have a strong moral code]]. Unfortunately, quiet, aloof [[LonersAreFreaks loners and asocial people]] in general are often seen with suspicion and accused of being psychopaths or time bombs ready to explode when in reality schizoids (who are the most extreme version of loners) are very cool-headed and also lack motivation, so going out of their way to harm others would be seen as unnecessary work that wouldn't reward them in any way. In fact, [[ExtremeDoormat they care so little about everything, including themselves]], that they're more prone to be a victim than a predator. Also important [[IThoughtItMeant is not to confuse schizoid with schizophrenia, even if they sound similar]], and while SPD is considered to be in the schizophrenia spectrum because they share some of the characteristics mentioned above, schizoids don't suffer from hallucinations, delusions, and the like (see below).

The difference between psychopathy and sociopathy is fuzzier. The term was introduced in 1909, reflecting the new suggestion that psychopathy was largely a product of social factors. It eventually came to be used to describe "secondary" psychopaths -- people who shared many characteristics with "primary" psychopaths, but were a product of severe social maladjustment and were capable of experiencing emotions of depression or fear. However, there is no official diagnosis of sociopathy/secondary psychopathy, and its distinction from psychopathy is more a matter of preference than fact.\\

It's important to note that while schizoids don't have much emotions and don't care about others, they're not dangerous and can have a strong moral code. Unfortunately, quiet, aloof [[LonersAreFreaks loners and asocial people]] in general are often seen with suspicion and accused of being psychopaths or time bombs ready to explode when in reality schizoids (who are the most extreme version of loners) are very cool-headed and also lack motivation, so going out of their way to harm others would be seen as unnecessary work that wouldn't reward them in any way. In fact, [[ExtremeDoormat they care so little about everything, including themselves]], that they're more prone to be a victim than a predator. Also important [[IThoughtItMeant is not to confuse schizoid with schizophrenia, even if they sound similar]], and while SPD is considered to be in the schizophrenia spectrum because they share some of the characteristics mentioned above, schizoids don't suffer from hallucinations, delusions, and the like (see below).

In general, sociopaths [[BlueAndOrangeMorality experience the world so differently that it can be quite difficult to understand by those with any grasp of empathy]]. They feel anger, but it tends to be short-lived, often lasting only seconds, though the anger is often explosive and uncontrolled. They are very [[{{Narcissist}} egocentric]] and [[ItsAllAboutMe callous]], they do not appreciate the consequences of their actions, and they tend to not feel guilt or remorse. They can be, however, very, very good at ''reading'' other people's emotions and imitating them; this enables them to be highly sociable, and some people live normally with undiagnosed ASPD for years and by extension all their lives, appearing to be a law-abiding and healthy member of society simply by mimicking the law-abiding behaviour of those around them (although they do not grasp ''why'' this is the accepted social standard).\\

In general, sociopaths [[BlueAndOrangeMorality experience the world so differently as to be effectively unperceivable by those with any grasp of empathy]]. They feel anger, but it tends to be short-lived, often lasting only seconds, though the anger is often explosive and uncontrolled. They are very [[{{Narcissist}} egocentric]] and [[ItsAllAboutMe callous]], they do not appreciate the consequences of their actions, and they tend to not feel guilt or remorse. They can be, however, very, very good at ''reading'' other people's emotions and imitating them; this enables them to be highly sociable, and some people live normally with undiagnosed ASPD for years and by extension all their lives, appearing to be a law-abiding and healthy member of society simply by mimicking the law-abiding behaviour of those around them (although they do not grasp ''why'' this is the accepted social standard).\\

* '''[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome Asperger Syndrome]]'''\\

Those with UsefulNotes/AspergersSyndrome and other autism spectrum disorders have difficulty consciously recognizing nonverbal language, but usually have normal-- sometimes above normal-- empathy for those whose emotions they can discern. In other words, generally when they figure out what others are feeling, they share in others' emotions as easily, if not more easily, than average: particularly, feeling others' pain.\\

You know how we said people with ASPD and sociopathy were the same thing? [[ILied That's kinda only true]] FromACertainPointOfView. Publicly, sociopaths, psychopaths, and people with ASPD are thought of as the same thing. Officially, there is a distinction, albeit a very blurry and not entirely consistent one.\\

Several real-world mental disorders are associated with a LackOfEmpathy. The real-world situation informs fiction but neither really mirrors the other.

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which people have [[MoodSwinger mood swings]], but unlike with what is popularly assumed, they go from "normal" to mania to depression with each mood lasting for extended periods of time, commonly weeks or months.\\

The LackOfEmpathy trope refers to this type of empathy.

While sociopaths have a degree of overlap with narcissists and the like, the difference is that the Sociopath won't take it personally if you humiliate him and kick him out. The only reason he'll stay in somebody's life is because that person is gullible (or he classes that person as gullible) and there's no need to reinvent the wheel. For example, while narcissists usually see themselves above other people, when in doubt they [[NotSoAboveItAll want those very "lowly others" to take care of their needs and wants]]. Sociopaths will simply ''take'' what they need or want. Narcissists are still bound by emotional, moral, and conscientious weaknesses, such as love or guilt, and when cornered, are far more easy to [[BreakTheHaughty be punished]]. Sociopaths [[TheUnfettered can easily disregard such weaknesses on the go]], and simple punishment usually does not work on them.

You know how we said people ASPD and sociopathy were the same thing? [[ILied That's kinda only true]] FromACertainPointOfView. Publicly, sociopaths, psychopaths, and people with ASPD are thought of as the same thing. Officially, there is a distinction, albeit a very blurry and not entirely consistent one.\\

ASPD is the DSM's answer to psychopathy and was established out of concern that the diagnostic criteria of the psychopathic personality was too subjective. Because personality characteristics cannot be assessed objectively, ASPD diagnostic criteria disregards most of them and instead is based predominantly on the presence of a consistent, long-lasting pattern of antisocial behavior. As chronic antisocial behavior is not exclusive to a single disposition, this means that the diagnosis of ASPD covers a significantly larger population than that of a psychopathic personality -- most psychopaths fit the criteria for ASPD, but most people with ASPD would not be considered psychopaths according to the PLC-R.\\

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder where people have difficulty distinguishing between what's real and what's not. Obviously, everyone associates this disorder with the always popular symptoms of {{Hallucinations}}, HearingVoices, delusions, [[TheSchizophreniaConspiracy paranoia]], and disorganized thinking and speech. Less known, though, are other emotional symptoms such as flat expression, lack of emotions, motivation, interest in relationships, and empathy. Like schizoids, these characteristics make them incapable to relate but unlike SPD, it's made even harder by the fact that they also lack cognitive empathy, having severe impairments in social cognitive tasks.\\

Schizoids are perfectly capable of reading other people (if bothered) and even able to understand their perspective in a rational way, but is hard for them to feel for others when they don't have much feelings to begin with, which makes them extremely detached from others, including family. Adding to this, they also have an aversion and/or inability to express the feelings they do have, so even when they do care, [[TheStoic they will still appear cold and indifferent]].\\

It's important to note that while schizoids don't have much emotions and don't care about others, they're not dangerous and can have a strong moral code. Unfortunately, quiet, aloof [[LonersAreFreaks loners and asocial people]] in general are often seen with suspicion and accused of being psychopaths or time bombs ready to explode when in reality schizoids (who are the most extreme version of loners) are very cool-headed and also lack motivation, so going out of their way to harm others would be seen as unnecessary work that wouldn't reward them in any way. In fact, [[ExtremeDoormat they care so little about everything, including themselves]], that they're more prone to be a victim than a predator. In short, even in the cases when a Schizoid patient may be perfectly able to '''feel''' emotions, they are often unable to pin down '''which''' emotion(s) they're feeling at a particular time, and be unable to put it into words (a symptom known clinically as ''alexithymia''. The initial A is a prefix, and the 'lexi' part is from the same root as that of the word "lexicon") and not know how to '''express''' what they are feeling, be it verbally or nonverbally. Also important [[IThoughtItMeant is not to confuse schizoid with schizophrenia, even if they sound similar]], and while SPD is considered to be in the schizophrenia spectrum because they share some of the characteristics mentioned above, schizoids don't suffer from hallucinations, delusions, and the like (see below).

Those with UsefulNotes/AspergersSyndrome and other autism spectrum disorders have difficulty consciously recognizing nonverbal language, but usually have compassionate empathy. Meaning that they share in others' emotions as easily, if not moreso, than average, in particular, feeling pain.\\

Another problem is that even when they share in others' emotions, they are still unsure on how they are supposed to react and have problems coming up with an adequate response. They commonly have more-intense emotions than normal people as well, though not to the same degree as Borderline personalities.

Those with UsefulNotes/AspergersSyndrome and other autism spectrum disorders have difficulty consciously recognizing nonverbal language, but usually have compassionate empathy. Meaning that they share in others' emotions as easily, if not moreso, than average. In particular, feeling pain.\\

Another problem is that even when they share in others' emotions, they are still unsure on how they are supposed to react and have problems coming up with an adequate response.

It's important to note that while schizoids don't have much emotions and don't care about others, they're not dangerous and can have a strong moral code. Unfortunately, quiet, aloof [[LonersAreFreaks loners and asocial people]] in general are often seen with suspicion and accused of being psychopaths or time bombs ready to explode when in reality schizoids (who are the most extreme version of loners) are very cool-headed and also lack motivation, so going out of their way to harm others would be seen as unnecessary work that wouldn't reward them in any way. In fact, [[ExtremeDoormat they care so little about everything, including themselves]], that they're more prone to be a victim than a predator. In short, even in the cases when a Schizoid patient may be perfectly able to '''feel''' emotions, they are often unable to pin down '''which''' emotion(s) they're feeling at a particular time, and be unable to put it into words (a symptom known clinically as ''alexithymia'') and not know how to '''express''' what they are feeling, be it verbally or nonverbally. The initial A is a prefix, and the 'lexi' part is from the same root as that of the word "lexicon") Also important [[IThoughtItMeant is not to confuse schizoid with schizophrenia, even if they sound similar]], and while SPD is considered to be in the schizophrenia spectrum because they share some of the characteristics mentioned above, schizoids don't suffer from hallucinations, delusions, and the like (see below).

It's important to note that while schizoids don't have much emotions and don't care about others, they're not dangerous and can have a strong moral code. Unfortunately, quiet, aloof [[LonersAreFreaks loners and asocial people]] in general are often seen with suspicion and accused of being psychopaths or time bombs ready to explode when in reality schizoids (who are the most extreme version of loners) are very cool-headed and also lack motivation, so going out of their way to harm others would be seen as unnecessary work that wouldn't reward them in any way. In fact, [[ExtremeDoormat they care so little about everything, including themselves]], that they're more prone to be a victim than a predator. Also important [[IThoughtItMeant is not to confuse schizoid with schizophrenia, even if they sound similar]], and while SPD is considered to be in the schizophrenia spectrum because they share some of the characteristics mentioned above, schizoids don't suffer from hallucinations, delusions, and the like (see below).

''Please note that there seems to be very little consensus on what the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath actually IS. Don't be suprised if you run into a definition that contradicts what has been said here. (And then something else that contradicts THAT definition. ect. ect.)''

Despite the criminal justice system's treatment of premeditated murder in favor of crimes of passion, it is important to note that all people without emotions are ''not'' serial killers (they might in fact be more likely to be schizoid (see below), which in fact are for the most part harmless, and are more in danger of being alone their whole lives than going on a murdering spree). The average person avoids the unshaven type, [[http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/tick/1b.html but a serial murderer is actually more likely to be handsome, charming, and seemingly normal]].

''Please note that there seems to be very little consensus on what the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath actually IS. Don't be suprised if you run into a definition that contradicts what has been said here. (And then something else that contradicts THAT definition. ect. ect.)''

The difference between psychopathy and sociopathy is fuzzier. The term was introduced in 1909, reflecting the new suggestion that psychopathy was largely a product of social factors. It eventually came to be used to describe "secondary" psychopaths -- people who shared many characteristics with "primary" psychopaths, but were a product of severe social maladjustment and were capable of experiencing emotions of depression or fear. However, there is no official diagnosis of sociopathy/secondary psychopathy, and its distinction from psychopathy is more a matter of preference than fact.

** '''Serial Killers'''\\

ASPD does not necessarily mean the sufferer has high intelligence, but this assumption was probably gained from their ManipulativeBastard abilities. It is considered almost untreatable by those in the psychiatric profession, as many of them see their doctor as just another person to be manipulated.\\

And by the way, schizophrenia is not the same thing as what is popularly known as [[SplitPersonality Multiple Personality Disorder]] (now called [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissociative_identity_disorder Dissociative Identity Disorder]]). Schizophrenics do not have different identities or personalities within themselves, they just hear and see things that aren't there. That said, it's entirely ''possible'' for a person to both be schizophrenic and have DID.\\

"Empathy" is described as the ability to comprehend the signals other sentient beings (mostly humans, but animals too) use to communicate emotion and being able to understand this emotions from their perspective, which allows a person to experience sympathy and compassion. Think about all the EmotionTropes we use to identify and/or display emotion--PuppyDogEyes, ManlyTears, OhCrap, SomethingElseAlsoRises; (mostly) universal things that make sense even if you're watching a foreign film with no subtitles. Someone who lacks empathy lives in a world completely devoid of these signals. Accordingly, such a person is a FishOutOfWater whenever they are around people... which, of course, is much of the time. They can also come across as a {{Jerkass}} who seems to think [[ItsAllAboutMe It's All About Them]].

People who lacks cognitive empathy will be unable to read the emotions others are feeling and/or after knowing how they're feeling, will fail to understand why they're feeling that way, not being able to put themselves in their shoes. But once they do they are capable of emotionally empathize with them.

Those with UsefulNotes/AspergersSyndrome and other autism spectrum disorders have difficulty consciously recognizing nonverbal language, but usually have compassionate empathy. Meaning that they share in others' emotions as easily, if not moreso, than average. In particular feeling pain.\\

Another problem is that even when they share in others' emotions they are still unsure on how they are supposed to react and have problems coming with an adequate response.

People with Borderline personality disorder have very intense emotions, they feel them more easily, deeply and longer than other people. This intensity can cloud their perceptions and make them mistake the emotions, thoughts and intentions of others.\\

Similar to BPD above, they identify emotions well but their emotional state can make them misinterpret others' mental states and sometimes their emotional response is exaggerated and expressed in a dysfunctional overreaction also called "hyper empathy".\\

People who lack affective empathy can infer and understand what others are feeling, they can even know what emotion should elicit in them in response but they just don't feel it, which make them incapable to relate to other people, although depending on the disorder they will be able to imitate and pretend to empathize.

In general, sociopaths [[BlueAndOrangeMorality experience the world so differently as to be effectively unperceivable by those with any grasp of empathy]]. They feel anger but it tends to be short-lived, often lasting only seconds, though the anger is often explosive and uncontrolled. They are very [[{{Narcissist}} egocentric]] and [[ItsAllAboutMe callous]], they do not appreciate the consequences of their actions and tend to not feel guilt or remorse. They can be, however, very, very good at ''reading'' other people's emotions and imitating them; this enables them to be highly sociable and some people live normally with undiagnosed ASPD for years and by extension all their lives, appearing to be a law-abiding and healthy member of society simply by mimicking the law-abiding behaviour of those around them (although they do not grasp ''why'' this is the accepted social standard).\\

ASPD does not necessarily mean the sufferer has high intelligence, but this assumption was probably gained from their ManipulativeBastard abilities. It is considered almost untreatable by those in the psychiatric profession as many of them see their doctor as just another person to be manipulated.\\

While sociopaths have a degree of overlap with narcissists and the like, the difference is that the Sociopath won't take it personally if you humiliate him and kick him out. The only reason he'll stay in somebody's life is because that person is gullible (or he classes that person as gullible) and there's no need to reinvent the wheel. For example, while narcissists usually see themselves above other people, when in doubt they [[NotSoAboveItAll want those very "lowly others" to take care of their needs and wants]]. Sociopaths will simply ''take'' what they need or want. Narcissists are still bound by emotional, moral and conscientious weaknesses, such as love or guilt, and when cornered, are far more easy to [[BreakTheHaughty be punished]]. Sociopaths [[TheUnfettered can easily disregard such weaknesses on the go]], and simple punishment usually does not work on them.

You know how we said people ASPD and sociopathy were the same thing? [[ILied That's kinda only true]] FromACertainPointOfView. Publicly, sociopaths, psychopaths and people with ASPD are thought of as the same thing. Officially, there is a distinction, albeit a very blurry and not entirely consistent one.\\

ASPD is the DSM's answer to psychopathy and was established out of concern that the diagnostic criteria of the psychopathic personality was too subjective. Because personality characteristics cannot be assessed objectively, ASPD diagnostic criteria disregards most of them and instead is based predominantly on the presence a consistent, long-lasting pattern of antisocial behavior. As chronic antisocial behavior is not exclusive to a single disposition, this means that the diagnosis of ASPD covers a significantly larger population than that of a psychopathic personality - most psychopaths fit the criteria for ASPD, but most people with ASPD would not be considered psychopaths according to the PLC-R.\\

The difference between psychopathy and sociopathy is fuzzier. The term was introduced in 1909, reflecting the new suggestion that psychopathy was largely a product of social factors. It eventually came to be used to describe "secondary" psychopaths - people who shared many characteristics with "primary" psychopaths, but were a product of severe social maladjustment and were capable of experiencing emotions of depression or fear. However there is no official diagnosis of sociopathy/secondary psychopathy, and its distinction from psychopathy is more a matter of preference than fact.

A lack of empathy is not uncommon in serial killers, who are commonly diagnosed with ASPD. That being said, your average ASPD sufferer is more than likely to be a petty criminal, or simply a law abiding {{Jerkass}}. Also, it is important to note that lack of empathy does not ''make you'' a serial killer, or even a {{Jerkass}}, they simply make the person ''more noticeable'' in advance, if they should happen do act out in some way. It does make it more ''likely'' that the person in question will do something mean or exceedingly callous (in other words, act like a {{Jerkass}}), but this isn't automatic; it's just a consequence of failing to consider other people's feelings.\\

Despite the criminal justice system's treatment of premeditated murder in favor of crimes of passion, it is important to note that all people without emotions are ''not'' serial killers (they might in fact more likely be schizoid (see below), which in fact are for the most part harmless, and are more in danger of being alone their whole lives than going on a murdering spree). The average person avoids the unshaven type [[http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/tick/1b.html but a serial murderer is actually more likely to be handsome, charming, and seemingly normal]].

Lack of empathy is one of the diagnostic criteria for Narcissistic personality disorder. {{Narcissist}}s have this ideal image of themselves where they are amazing, perfect and the center of the world. To maintain this grandiose self-image they need reinforcement from others so they seek their praise and admiration but since [[ItsAllAboutMe they're too busy with themselves, they simply don't care about thoughts and feelings that conflict with their own]].\\

Narcissists can identify people's emotions and use this information to manipulate them to get what they want and need, many times considering other people as just tools callously ignoring if they're hurting them in the process. In short, they need people but don't care about them.

People with Schizoid personality disorder can also lack empathy. People with the disorder have flattened affect meaning that they don't feel much of anything. They can go from being pretty much emotionless to experience very shallow emotions that tend to disappear quickly.\\

Schizoids are perfectly capable of reading other people (if bothered) and even able to understand their perspective in a rational way, but is hard for them to feel for others when they don't have much feelings to begin with, which makes them extremely detached from others including family. Adding to this, they also have an aversion and/or inability to express the feelings they do have so even when they do care [[TheStoic they will still appear cold and indifferent]].\\

It's important to note that while schizoids don't have much emotions and don't care about others, they're not dangerous and can have a strong moral code. Unfortunately, quiet, aloof [[LonersAreFreaks loners and asocial people]] in general are often seen with suspicion and accused of being psychopaths or time bombs ready to explode when in reality schizoids (who are the most extreme version of loners) are very cool-headed and also lack motivation, so going out of their way to harm others would be seen as unnecessary work that wouldn't reward them in any way. In fact, [[ExtremeDoormat they care so little about everything including themselves]] that they're more prone to be a victim than a predator. Also important [[IThoughtItMeant is not to confuse schizoid with schizophrenia even if they sound similar]] and while SPD is considered to be in the schizophrenia spectrum because they share some of the characteristics mentioned above, schizoids don't suffer from hallucinations, delusions and the like (see below).

Those with Histrionic personality disorder can be unempathetic, stemming from being so focused on a group of people they lose sight of the individuals making up that group. Unlike TheSociopath they are more embracing of social groups but will move on to other people, with no regard to what effect this has, if they don't find enough stimulation there.\\

They also may express empathy or affection but the actual level of emotional connection quite often ends at the surface. Someone with HPD can mimic, or even exaggerate, an appropriate emotional response, but his or her selfish nature often prevents a true bond with others.

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder where people have difficulty distinguishing between what's real and what's not. Obviously everyone associate this disorder with the always popular symptoms of {{Hallucinations}}, HearingVoices, delusions, [[TheSchizophreniaConspiracy paranoia]] and disorganized thinking and speech. Less known though, are other emotional symptoms such as flat expression, lack of emotions, motivation, interest in relationships and empathy. Like schizoids, these characteristics make them incapable to relate but unlike SPD it's made even harder by the fact that they also lack cognitive empathy, having severe impairments in social cognitive tasks.\\

And by the way, schizophrenia is not the same thing as what is popularly known as [[SplitPersonality Multiple Personality Disorder]] (now called [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissociative_identity_disorder Dissociative Identity Disorder]]). Schizophrenics do not have different identities or personalities within themselves, they just hear and see things that aren't there.\\

"Empathy" is described as the ability to comprehend the signals other sentient beings (mostly humans, but animals too) use to communicate emotion and being able to understand this emotions from their perspective, which allows a person to experience sympathy and compassion. Think about all the EmotionTropes we use to identify and/or display emotion--PuppyDogEyes, ManlyTears, OhCrap, SomethingElseAlsoRises; (mostly) universal things that make sense even if you're watching a foreign film with no subtitles. Someone who lacks empathy lives in a world completely devoid of these signals. Accordingly, such a person is a FishOutOfWater whenever s/he's around people... which, of course, is much of the time. S/He can also come across as a {{Jerkass}} who seems to think [[ItsAllAboutMe It's All About Them]].

Of course, we have to mention [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisocial_personality_disorder Antisocial personality disorder]], more popularly known in the past as TheSociopath.\\

[[folder:Antisocial Personality Disorder]]

Of course, we have to mention [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisocial_personality_disorder Antisocial personality disorder]], more popularly known in the past as TheSociopath.

In general, sociopaths [[BlueAndOrangeMorality experience the world so differently as to be effectively unperceivable by those with any grasp of empathy]]. They feel anger but it tends to be short-lived, often lasting only seconds, though the anger is often explosive and uncontrolled. They are very [[{{Narcissist}} egocentric]] and [[ItsAllAboutMe callous]], and they do not appreciate the consequences of their actions. They can be, however, very, very good at ''reading'' other people's emotions and imitating them; this enables them to be highly sociable and some people live normally with undiagnosed ASPD for years and by extension all their lives, appearing to be a law-abiding and healthy member of society simply by mimicking the law-abiding behaviour of those around them (although they do not grasp ''why'' this is the accepted social standard).

ASPD does not necessarily mean the sufferer has high intelligence, but this assumption was probably gained from their ManipulativeBastard abilities. It is considered almost untreatable by those in the psychiatric profession as many of them see their doctor as just another person to be manipulated.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:ASPD vs Serial Killers]]

A lack of empathy is not uncommon in serial killers, who are commonly diagnosed with ASPD. That being said, your average ASPD sufferer is more than likely to be a petty criminal, or simply a law abiding {{Jerkass}}. Also, it is important to note that lack of empathy does not ''make you'' a serial killer, or even a {{Jerkass}}, they simply make the person ''more noticeable'' in advance, if they should happen do act out in some way. It does make it more ''likely'' that the person in question will do something mean or exceedingly callous (in other words, act like a {{Jerkass}}), but this isn't automatic; it's just a consequence of failing to consider other people's feelings.

Despite the criminal justice system's treatment of premeditated murder in favor of crimes of passion, it is important to note that all people without emotions are ''not'' serial killers (they might in fact more likely be schizoid, which in fact are for the most part harmless, and are more in danger of being alone their whole lives than going on a murdering spree). The average person avoids the unshaven type [[http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/tick/1b.html but a serial murderer is actually more likely to be handsome, charming, and seemingly normal]].
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Psychopathy, Sociopathy, and ASPD]]

You know how we said people ASPD and sociopathy were the same thing? [[ILied That's kinda only true]] FromACertainPointOfView. Publicly, sociopaths, psychopaths and people with ASPD are thought of as the same thing. Officially, there is a distinction, albeit a very blurry and not entirely consistent one.

Psychopathy is not a diagnosis that can be found in the DSM, which instead recognizes ASPD. However, it is an important concept in ''forensic'' psychology as a means of risk assessment, and is used to inform legal decisions regarding criminal offenders' sentencing or parole hearings. Much like "insanity", "psychopathy" has more legal connotations than clinical ones. It's also this guy specifically that's described in TheSociopath trope page.

ASPD is the DSM's answer to psychopathy and was established out of concern that the diagnostic criteria of the psychopathic personality was too subjective. Because personality characteristics cannot be assessed objectively, ASPD diagnostic criteria disregards most of them and instead is based predominantly on the presence a consistent, long-lasting pattern of antisocial behavior. As chronic antisocial behavior is not exclusive to a single disposition, this means that the diagnosis of ASPD covers a significantly larger population than that of a psychopathic personality - most psychopaths fit the criteria for ASPD, but most people with ASPD would not be considered psychopaths according to the PLC-R.

[[/folder]]

----

[[folder: Other disorders]]
These are other disorders that either cause or get associated with a lack of empathy

Lack of empathy is one of the diagnostic criteria for Narcissistic personality disorder. People with this disorder are too busy with themselves and simply don't care about thoughts and feelings that conflict with their own. Many of them consider other people as just tools to get what they want and need, which is normally praise and attention to maintain their grandiose self-image.

People with [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizoid_personality_disorder Schizoid personality disorder]] can also lack empathy. People with the disorder have flattened affect and therefore is hard for them to feel for others when they don’t have much feelings to begin with. Adding to this, they also have an aversion and/or inability to express the feelings they do have so even when they do care they will still appear cold and indifferent.

People with Borderline personality disorder are also often accused of lack of empathy but most of the time they are just reckless, irresponsible, and don't like to talk about issues (relationships or otherwise).

Those with Histrionic personality disorder can be unempathetic, stemming from being so focused on a group of people they lose sight of the individuals making up that group. Unlike TheSociopath they are more embracing of social groups but will move on to other people, with no regard to what effect this has, if they don't find enough stimulation there.

Those with Asperger's Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders have difficulty consciously recognizing nonverbal language, but usually have compassionate empathy. Meaning that they share in others' emotions as easily, if not moreso, than average. In particular feeling pain. While ASPD people don't feel any guilt over harming others, ASD either don't understand why something they did harmed someone or why someone would ever harm another in the first place.
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"Empathy" is described as the ability to comprehend the signals other sentient beings (mostly humans, but animals too) use to communicate emotion. "Lack of empathy" means you can't comprehend those signals. Think about all the EmotionTropes we use to identify and/or display emotion--PuppyDogEyes, ManlyTears, OhCrap, SomethingElseAlsoRises; (mostly) universal things that make sense even if you're watching a foreign film with no subtitles. (That's why the NoseBleed trope was replaced with SEAR.) Someone who lacks empathy lives in a world completely devoid of these signals. Accordingly, such a person is a FishOutOfWater whenever s/he's around people... which, of course, is Many% of the time. S/He can also come across as a {{Jerkass}} who seems to think [[ItsAllAboutMe It's All About Them]].

An interesting thought experiment is to compare lack of empathy with the philosophy of UsefulNotes/{{solipsism}}, the belief that "only one's own mind is sure to exist." As invented by the Greeks, it was a way of discussing the impermanence of knowledge, TheTreacheryOfImages, and the subjectivity of our senses, perception and consciousness. However, if you take it to its most extreme conclusion, you realize that ''nothing besides your mind exists''--well, it might, but there's no way to prove it one way or another. What results? The realization that none of your actions matter, because nothing else exists to judge you. Others don't exist, so hurting them cannot be described as immoral (or, indeed, a meaningful pursuit, though that certainly hasn't stopped people from exploiting VideoGameCrueltyPotential).

Is this actually how those with lack of empathy feel? That is perhaps best answered by [[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment those who actually have the condition]]. But hopefully the comparison can shed some light on how someone ''with'' lack of empathy can arrive at the conclusions and sentiments they do.

Several real-world mental disorders are associated with a lack of empathy. The real-world situation informs fiction but neither really mirrors the other.