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A 44-year-old member asked:

Psychopath traits genetic as in passed down from grandpa the jd?

2 doctor answers3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mary Esther Carlin
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.
Dr. Andrew Berry
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.

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Last updated Sep 23, 2015
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