AP Psychology Exam Prep

Answer: D - Lack of empathy is the main diagnostic criterion for psychopathy.
Key Takeaway: Psychopathy is a personality disorder for which lack of empathy is the main diagnostic criterion. A psychopath will cause his or her victims unimaginable pain and suffering without feeling empathy or remorse. Killers who torture their victims before they murder them are usually psychopaths. However, not all psychopaths are murderers. Some engage in cruel and abusive behavior towards their victims (who are usually family members) for long periods of time. Psychopathy responds very poorly to psychological and medical intervention and often the person is thrown in prison to protect society.