A 44-year-old member asked:
Psychopath traits genetic as in passed down from grandpa the jd?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Mary Esther Carlinanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 53 years experience
Not usually: While many personality traits and both major psychiatric diagnoses (schizophreniz and bipolar disorder) are often mainly genetic, psychopathic behavior traits are usually produced by traumatic experiences, often multiple and/or recurrent that happen during key developmental periods during early, often pre-school years. There may also have been events or exposure to agents leke drugaalcohol, even.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Andrew Berryanswered
Clinical Psychology 16 years experience
Possibly: There is a genetic component in personality disorders such as psychopathy (AKA antisocial personality disorder) however it's not a question of genetics or environment, it's usually a combination of the two.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 23, 2015
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