August 18, 2025

124. Dr. Gwen Adshead: Can Narcissists and Psychopaths Be Changed?

1 hour 25 minutes

Forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Gwen Adshead discusses her experience treating psychopaths, narcissists, and violent people.

00:00 In this episode...01:00 What is forensic psychiatry?02:20 What is it like to treat a murderer?03:31 What distinguishes a murderer who can change?04:35 What makes a bad person?06:15 Comparing psychopaths and murderers08:44 Can psychopaths change?11:04 Psychopathy is not all or none12:47 Many psychopaths are not in prison14:21 White-collar psychopaths16:18 Are psychopaths born or made?20:09 The dimensional approach to mental health disorders22:22 The Biopsychosocial Approach22:53 Signs of a psychopath26:15 Are all batterers psychopaths?27:43 Risk factors for violence29:05 Can we change a violent identity?31:28 How to spot dangerous but noviolent people37:40 Power Dynamics in Pathological Relationships41:23 Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and behavior change45:30 Deception and Sadism In Narcissists51:42 Group therapy stops con men53:54 Is the brain of a psychopath better at lying?56:58 Nuance can ground us in reality58:40 Human Capacity for Evil1:00:34 A Hierarchy of Evil1:02:47 What our views on evil say about us1:05:10 When is it dangerous to be nuanced?1:10:33 Is evil more common in men?1:15:12 How shame drives violence1:17:44 PTSD and Violence1:20:03 find Dr. Gwen Adshead online1:20:53 Managing resources in the justice system1:23:09 A Success Story

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice from a qualified healthcare provider.

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