About Psychopathy Is
Our Vision
A world in which no one suffers the harmful effects of untreated psychopathy.
Our Impact
Psychopathy Is is helping lead a new conversation about psychopathy and paving the way for solutions to help those who are affected by psychopathy
Our Mission
Psychopathy Is is dedicated to alleviating the suffering caused by psychopathy throughout the lifespan by addressing the needs and concerns of those with psychopathy as well as their families and communities. We do this through education and advocacy; improving public understanding of the signs and symptoms of psychopathy in both children and adults; and advocating for research into causes of psychopathy and developing improved interventions for this disorder and related conditions.
In collaboration with professional and community organizations, we are committed to:
- Advocating for universal screening for psychopathy and callous-unemotional traits in children
- Advocating for research to develop evidence-based treatments for children and adults to improve their quality of life and prevent them from victimizing others
- Increasing global understanding of psychopathy and its causes
- Connecting affected individuals and families to needed resources, including screening tools and treatment providers
- Ensuring that families, educators, clinicians, and policymakers have access to reliable, clear, scientifically vetted information about psychopathy
Our DEI Vision and Purpose
Psychopathy is a common disorder. In its most severe form it affects 1 in 100 people of all genders, ages, races, and nationalities. But it is misunderstood by the general public to be rare and limited to people who are physically violent. We aim to dispel these myths and provide accurate information about psychopathy, including causes, symptoms, and treatments.
By advocating for both universal screening for psychopathy and research to develop more effective treatments for this and related conditions, we are working toward a world in which those at risk for psychopathy–regardless of their gender, ethnicity, race, nationality, or disability status–are consistently connected to life-changing interventions that allow them to flourish and ensure that their families and communities are spared the suffering and harm that can result from the behavior of individuals with untreated or undertreated psychopathy and related personality disorders.
Next 10 Vision
Psychopathy Is was founded in January 2020 by Abigail Marsh, PhD, and Lisa Heidi Michael, MS, MA. Dr. Marsh is a researcher whose work focuses on the neurodevelopmental origins of psychopathy, and Ms. Michael is a teacher and investor whose family has been affected by psychopathy. Recognizing the need for an authoritative source of information about psychopathy that would connect researchers, clinicians, and those personally affected by psychopathy to resources and information, Ms. Michael donated funds to launch the organization, including its website and first-of-its-kind online screening tool.
Building upon the approach developed by other leading organizations aimed at promoting education and advocacy for those affected by neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Speaks and NAMI, Psychopathy Is has already had a major impact on understanding of psychopathy.
The organization has increased global awareness of psychopathy through public outreach campaigns, including the provision of free screening tools, educational videos, and outreach to mental health advocacy organizations and media outlets to provide better coverage of the nature of the psychopathy spectrum, and advocacy to increase research and access to care and support.
The next goals for Psychopathy Is are to advance research into causes and better treatments for psychopathy and related disorders both through direct funding and collaboration, as well as to continue and expand public outreach across the globe.
To accomplish this, Psychopathy Is seeks to pursue strategies that make significant progress toward the following outcomes over the next 10 years:
- A better understanding of the causes and subtypes of psychopathy
- All children at risk for psychopathy being diagnosed before the age of 4
- Children having access to appropriate intervention, services and resources immediately following diagnosis
- The availability of better treatments both for underlying pathology as well as co-existing conditions that decrease quality of life for those with psychopathy
- Individuals with psychopathy will have effective interventions and their families will have access to needed services and support throughout their lifetime
These goals can only be achieved through work in communities nationwide, at the federal level and globally by working with partners, governments and other organizations.
Success will require an inclusive approach that values diversity and individual needs. We will work in partnership with those who share our goals, ambitions, and values.
