People who break rules are not automatically psychopaths. A psychopath displays certain key characteristics and behaviours, which are summarised here.

A professional assessment of a potential psychopath naturally requires an extensive insight into their private life and can only be carried out by qualified psychologists. The key characteristics listed below are part of a psychopath's personality and do not just describe their behaviour in certain situations. Each of these traits can be mild or extreme. Some people display some of these behavioural traits but are not psychopaths. Psychopathy describes a clinical condition in which a person exhibits the majority of these traits in extremes throughout their life. About one per cent of the population can be counted among these people.

Typical characteristics of a psychopath

1. quick-wittedness and superficiality. Psychopaths are often eloquent and verbally superficial. They can be entertaining and often have a repartee ready. They tell the most improbable stories in a very convincing way, in which they themselves always appear in a good light.

2. self-centredness and a tendency to be pompous. Psychopaths have a distorted and narcissistic view of their self-worth and importance. They see themselves as the centre of the world and thus justify a life according to their own rules.

3. lack of remorse and guilt. A psychopathic person shows little or no feeling for the effect of their actions on others. Often they even openly admit to having no remorse or sense of guilt.

4. lack of empathy. One of the main characteristics is the lack of compassion and the inability to empathise with another person. The harm or pain they cause leaves them cold and untouched.

5. superficial feelings. Sensitivity is very limited in scope and depth. They often appear emotionally cold and display a dramatic and superficial sympathy. If you observe them closely, you will recognise that the sympathy is artificial and that there is little emotion behind the façade.

6. lack of control. The psychopath is impulsive and reacts extremely to attacks on his personality. Most people are able to keep their behaviour under control, even when they feel aggressive. Psychopaths, on the other hand, can explode at the slightest provocation. But their reaction is cold and focussed and they cool down quickly.

7. craving for excitement. The life of a psychopath demands excitement and action. In many cases, this means breaking social rules.

8. lack of a sense of responsibility. A psychopath does not care about duties and promises. He is erratic and takes advantage of people and situations. He has no respect for principles and commitments and is generally untrustworthy.

9 Early behavioural problems. A behavioural disorder becomes apparent at an early age. This usually manifests itself in notorious lying and deception, theft, arson, truancy, substance abuse, vandalism and sexual precocity. Many children exhibit some of these behavioural disorders, but in a true psychopath they are more serious and extensive than in others.

10. antisocial behaviour. Psychopaths find the rules of society annoying and unreasonable. They therefore create their own rules. Their actions are not always illegal, but they are always immoral, unethical and hurtful to others.