A London-based forensic psychiatrist has shed light on some of the more subtle ways to recognize a psychopath, offering insight into behaviors that may otherwise go unnoticed in everyday life.
Dr. Sohom Das, who also runs a YouTube channel where he discusses crime, mental health, and psychology, recently shared two low-key indicators that might reveal psychopathic tendencies.
While his professional experience typically involves working with patients detained under the Mental Health Act, Dr. Das emphasized that spotting these traits in the general population is far more challenging.
“Psychopaths, by their very nature, are manipulative,” he explained in a recent video titled How Can You Tell If Someone Is A Psychopath? “They’re very good at camouflaging themselves. But there are telltale signs if you know what to look for.”
The first sign he pointed to is exploitative behavior rooted in extreme self-interest. According to Dr. Das, a true psychopath will attempt to use people for whatever they can gain, whether that be money, friendship, status, or even sex.
He noted that these individuals often display narcissistic traits, seeing the world only in terms of what benefits them. “Everything is about them,” he said.
The second sign relates to social connections. While psychopaths may appear popular, Dr. Das explained that their relationships are often shallow and transactional.
“Because they use people, they tend not to have deep friendships,” he said. “They may have a large circle of acquaintances, but they exploit those connections and then discard them when they are no longer useful.”
Dr. Das also used his platform to clarify the often-blurred distinction between psychopaths and sociopaths, two terms that are frequently used interchangeably in popular culture.
“Psychopath is a formal medical term,” he said, adding that most forensic psychiatrists would agree on its definition. “Sociopath, on the other hand, is more informal and open to interpretation.”
Both psychopaths and sociopaths share traits such as manipulation, lack of empathy, and willingness to betray others. However, the difference lies in their ability to control emotions and navigate society. “If you upset a psychopath, they might wait to exact revenge, often in a calculated and delayed manner,” Dr. Das explained.
“Their revenge is a dish that’s cold.” In contrast, sociopaths are more impulsive, quick to lash out, and less capable of masking their emotions. They are also more likely to have lower IQs and to exist on the fringes of society, whereas psychopaths can often blend seamlessly into everyday environments.
Dr. Das, whose online following continues to grow, frequently posts content that unpacks complex mental health and criminal behavior topics in a way that is accessible to the general public. His insights into psychopathy highlight the importance of awareness, as individuals with such traits may appear charming and trustworthy while secretly exploiting those around them.
By encouraging people to recognize these subtle warning signs, Dr. Das hopes to equip viewers with a clearer understanding of a condition that is often misrepresented or misunderstood.