General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Thalassophobia [View all]H2O Man
(73,536 posts)came up with the best definition of psychopath, and as the word implies, it is from within. The word sociopath implies the influence of enoviroment, but is not limited to that. Like yellow and blue make green, genetics and environment combine -- and are often, in fact, the same thing. Erich Fromm described the same dysfunction as "malignant narcissism." In my time, the three were recognized as one in the same. Dr. Bandy Lee confirmed that reality in the first interview I did with her on DU and Trump. February of 2020, if my memory serves me correctly.
Billing for insurance caused the false shift in definitions, for sociopaths can be monitored, but lack the ability to benefit from therapy or medications. There are, sadly, professionals who, in going by the new definitions, believe that they can make progress with therapy. There is no greater example of a sociopath conning another person.
I'll note that a very few community members have expressed disagreement with my using the term sociopath to describe Trump. However, I have not seen evidence of their scolding Mary Trump for using the exact same term.