9 Subtypes Of Psychopaths According To Theodore Millon

Theodore Millon was an American psychologist who stood out for his studies on personality. He wrote more than thirty books and more than two hundred scientific articles. His classification of personality disorders is known worldwide and has influenced the most important diagnostic manuals.

Personality disorders for Millon are not mental illnesses as such, but rather styles of behavior, cognition and emotion that imply a certain inflexibility and difficulty in managing day-to-day situations, especially stressful ones. In addition, according to the author, they promote vicious cycles at the operational level.

Among all his research, today we highlight the classification he made on the subtypes of psychopaths. However, it is convenient to clarify that these subtypes are not mutually exclusive. In fact, it is usually quite normal to share traits of several of them. Let’s go deeper.

The unprincipled psychopath

This psychopathic personality type is related to narcissistic traits. They are people who tend to stay successfully outside the limits of the legal, being indifferent to the welfare of others. Hence, they do not experience remorse when manipulating or exploiting the people around them.

They display an arrogant sense of self-worth, a fraudulent social style, and are rarely in treatment. In addition, they are usually the ones who set the pace of relationships, in such a way that once they have achieved the benefit they want, they are no longer interested in continuing.

The underhanded psycho

Their behavior is characterized by a sociable and pleasant appearance that in the background hides impulsive tendencies, aggressiveness and lack of confidence. They are also deeply resentful and show a bad temper towards their family members and close people.

However, they tend to seek persistent attention and are drawn to experiences  that give them a certain high. They tend to display seductive behaviors and maintain superficial and fluctuating relationships.

The underhanded psychopath resembles the histrionic personality. He is usually an irresponsible and non-compliant person. Exhibits short-lived enthusiasm and immature sensation seeking behaviors.

The risk taker psychopath

Within the subtypes of psychopaths we also find the risk taker. This type is frequently involved in risky situations. He does it to feel alive and motivated, rather than to gain advantage or prestige.

According to Theodore Millon, many of them respond thoughtlessly and impulsively. They are reckless people and insensitive to situations in which other people would feel in danger or fear. They can also be described as antisocial and histrionic.

The greedy psycho

Greedy psychopaths feel that life has not given them what they deserve and that they have been stripped of their rights. They believe that others have received more than they, that they have never had opportunities for a good life.

These people are motivated by a desire to make up for all that they have been deprived of. Through criminal acts they compensate themselves for the emptiness of their lives. They do not care about the transgressions they commit to society.

The weak psycho

Another subtype of psychopaths is the weak. It is a deeply insecure, even cowardly profile. The fact that these people attack represents a paradoxical response to feeling fearful and in danger. In this way, they try to show that they are not distressed or weak; they will not give in to external pressure or threats. Of course, they have certain dependent and avoidant traits.

The explosive psycho

This type of psychopath could be the opposite of the weak type. It is distinguished by the sudden and unforeseen emergence of hostility. His “tantrums” are characterized by uncontrollable anger and attacks on others, even members of his own family.

The explosive psychopath erupts suddenly and hastily. There is no time to anticipate and contain it. They feel frustrated and threatened, they respond in a volatile and damaging way. Like when they were children, their tantrums are instant reactions to coping with frustration and fear.

The rough psycho

The harsh psychopath shows his rejection in a confrontational and litigious way. Everything and everyone is a reason for a fight for them. Everything is a good excuse to vent your external irritation.

This psychopath profile has incessant discord with others. They magnify even the smallest action to live in constant and bitter struggle with other people. You have little regret and awareness of the inconvenience you cause to others.

The malevolent psychopath

Another subtype of psychopaths is the malevolent. They are particularly vindictive and hostile. His impulses are discharged in an evil and destructive defiance of conventional social life.

By distrusting others and anticipating betrayals and punishments, they have acquired a cold cruelty and an intense desire to obtain revenge for alleged or actual abuse suffered in childhood. They adopt an attitude of resentment and a propensity to seek trouble, to kick those they wish to destroy.

The tyrannical psychopath

Along with the malevolent psychopath, the tyrannical is among the most threatening and cruel of the psychopath subtypes. They both relate to each other in an intimidating, attacking, and overwhelming way.

They are frequently accusatory and abusive. They are almost always invariably destructive. Unlike the malevolent subtype, the tyrannical is stimulated by resistance or weakness, both of which increase the attack rather than stop or soften it.