Psychopathology vs. Psychopathy — What's the Difference?

Psychopathology is the study of abnormal cognition, behaviour and experiences which differs according to social norms and rests upon a number of constructs that are deemed to be the social norm at any particular era. Biological psychopathology is the study of the biological etiology of abnormal cognitions, behaviour and experiences.

Psychopathy, sometimes considered synonymous with sociopathy, is traditionally a personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy and remorse, and bold, disinhibited, and egotistical traits. Different conceptions of psychopathy have been used throughout history that are only partly overlapping and may sometimes be contradictory.Hervey M. Cleckley, an American psychiatrist, influenced the initial diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality reaction/disturbance in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), as did American psychologist George E. Partridge.

The study of the origin, development, and manifestations of mental or behavioral disorders.

A personality disorder characterized by deceitfulness, manipulation, grandiosity, lack of empathy or guilt, and often aggressive or violent behavior. It is sometimes considered a subset of antisocial personality disorder.

The manifestation of a mental or behavioral disorder.

Mental illness. No longer in clinical use.

The study of the origin, development, diagnosis and treatment of mental and behavioural disorders.

A personality disorder indicated by a pattern of lying, exploitation, heedlessness, arrogance, sexual promiscuity, low self-control, and lack of empathy and remorse. Violent and criminal offenses may be indicative of this disorder.

(countable) A mental or behavioral disorder.

(obsolete) A mental illness; insanity.

The branch of psychology concerned with abnormal behavior

Mental disease. See Psychosis, 2.

The branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders

Any disease of the mind; the psychological state of someone who has emotional or behavioral problems serious enough to require psychiatric intervention