As a psychological expert with extensive experience in the study of personality disorders, I'd like to address the question of whether a psychopath can experience anxiety.
Psychopathy is a complex and often misunderstood personality disorder characterized by enduring antisocial behavior, diminished empathy and remorse, and bold, disinhibited, and egotistical traits. It is important to note that psychopathy is not synonymous with antisocial personality disorder, though they share some common features.

Traditionally, psychopathy has been viewed as a condition where the individual is emotionally detached and lacks the capacity for anxiety. However, recent research and clinical observations have challenged this assumption. It is now recognized that psychopathy is not a monolithic entity and that there may be different subtypes of psychopathy, some of which could be associated with heightened emotional responses, including anxiety.

The initial assumption that psychopaths are incapable of anxiety was based on the idea that they have a fearless temperament and are unaffected by the emotional distress that typically accompanies anxiety. However, scientific findings suggest that this view is overly simplistic. A sizable subgroup of individuals labeled as psychopathic, particularly among juvenile and adult offenders, may actually exhibit signs of emotional disturbance, including anxiety and dysphoria. This finding is significant as it indicates that not all psychopaths are emotionally detached; some may experience a range of emotional states, including those typically associated with anxiety.

The presence of anxiety in psychopathy could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is that the anxiety arises from the individual's antisocial behavior and its consequences, such as fear of being caught or punished. Another possibility is that the anxiety is a result of the psychopath's interpersonal difficulties, which can lead to social isolation and a lack of support, both of which are known to contribute to anxiety.

Moreover, it is also possible that the anxiety experienced by some psychopaths is a manifestation of co-occurring mental health disorders. For instance, psychopaths may have comorbid conditions such as depression, substance abuse, or other anxiety disorders that can exacerbate their emotional distress.

In conclusion, while the traditional view of psychopathy suggests emotional detachment, contemporary research indicates that a subset of psychopaths may indeed experience anxiety. This underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of psychopathy and the need for further research to explore the emotional experiences of individuals with this disorder.

read more >>

"Psychopathy has long been assumed to be a single personality disorder. ... And scientific findings also suggest that a sizable subgroup of juvenile and adult offenders labeled as psychopathic are actually more emotionally disturbed than emotionally detached, showing signs of anxiety and dysphoria.Dec 7, 2011read more >>