Almost a Psychopath: Do I (or Does Someone I Know) Have a Problem with Manipulation and Lack of Empathy? (The Almost Effect) Paperback – May 22, 2012

Essential information on a subject that desperately needs more attention. Everyone knows at least one psychopath. They're not hideous monsters who are easily detected. By the time one detects a psychopathic personality (IF), they're usually "trapped" and beaten down emotionally (sometimes physically) and feel completely alone without options or help from others. The psychopathic personality is incredibly engaging and charming and they are masters of manipulation and deception. They are extraordinarily perceptive and are able to adapt in such a way to exploit anyone for any reason because they know how to use a person's vulnerabilities and insecurities against them. It's not a subject to shrug off and these relationships are NOT controllable, no matter how much one has read or studied the subject. You will not have the upper hand in a relationship with a psychopath, ever. Perhaps the most dangerous time is when you *think* you have control and can "handle" the person. They keenly sense your emotions, oftentimes before you can articulate them fully in your own head. They use your friends and family - yourself - against you and they do not like to lose. Manipulation is a game to them and they do not simply "give up."I have both personal and professional experience with the subject/pathology and when I look back on all the hours (adding up to days or weeks) conversations I had with friends trying to "diagnose" and analyze a person's behavior I become incredibly sad. It is crucial that one fully understands at least one basic fact about psychopaths (and even "normal" people): It is never your job to figure out why a person does what they do or behaves in a certain way. It all comes down to how YOU feel. Learn to identify who these people are so you can steer clear of them. Learn for yourself, even if you're already in a relationship with a person exhibiting this behavior. You are not "stupid" or "weak" for "falling for it," but only you are responsible for spotting it, saying no and standing your ground and getting away from them. They will always win and it will always be at your expense. It's a must read for men and women, especially those with compassion and a big heart. We are the ones they like best because we *want* to believe.Fantastic reading for anyone, and you'll be doing yourself or someone you care about a favor bigger than you may ever fully realize.

This book wasn't quite as helpful as I'd hoped it would be in learning to deal with "almost psychopaths," but it is helpful just to know that you're not crazy when you think there's something off about someone with these qualities. It does have suggestions for how to handle certain situations, but unfortunately the ultimate answer seems to be that there isn't much that can be done, short of getting away from the person or people if you can. The book is easy to read though, and does discuss other psychological conditions that display similar characteristics, which are helpful. Also helpful are the case studies, which sometimes show examples of how a situation with an "almost psychopath" could actually be worse than what you may currently be experiencing, which can be a sort of silver lining.I think this book would be very helpful for anyone dealing with someone they think might be an "almost psychopath," especially if that person is a significant other or a coworker/boss. There are many more suggestions dealing with these situations (which seem more destructive and even dangerous) than with others.

Having worked 4 years in a max prison, I have read my share of books on psychopaths, and I have many experiences to compare to what I read. This is now the book I most recommend to friends and family, because I really feel that everyone should get some basic understanding of those among us who have no conscious. Or, more likely, most folks are having to deal with the difficulty of an AP (Almost Psychopath), and that's where this book shines. It also gives some brief and useful overviews of a handful of other personality disorders that we often find difficulty with in our day to day lives. This one book is all we need as civilians. For those who work or co-mingle with psychopaths who rate high on the scale I most heartily recommend additional reading of, first the books by Robert Hare, and secondly those by Dutton.

Very well-written exposition. Excellent delivery service.

Read this as part of my research for the characters of a new novel and it didn't disappoint. I'd recently seen a BBC documentary about psychopathy and how prevalent they may be in society, but I hadn't fully grasped the fact these full-blown psychopaths represent just those at the extreme low-end of an empathy continuum which encompasses us all.With plenty of case studies, Schouten and Silver provide fascinating insights into the frightening world of the psychopath and compelling evidence for the existence of a far more populous netherworld of "Almost Psychopaths".I guarantee that anyone who reads this will recognise acquaintances and colleagues (especially former bosses;) who fit the descriptions to a tee!Highly recommended!

Very helpful

Backs up my theory of whether the two are linked.However for me personally having read a lot on this subject I feel the book just puts together a lot of other research. However this is great if you haven't read lots of books on the subject and I do recommend giving it a read. Very easy to read style and easy to understand for non academics.

explains very well, and well written.