The terms "psychopath" and "insane" have specific meanings in the context of psychology and law, and they are not synonymous.
Psychopathy refers to a personality disorder characterized by a range of behavioral traits, including a lack of empathy, shallow emotions, manipulative tendencies, and a tendency to engage in impulsive and antisocial behavior. Psychopathy is generally considered to be a complex and controversial personality construct. It falls under the broader category of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
On the other hand, the term "insane" is a legal term rather than a psychological diagnosis. In legal terms, "insanity" typically refers to a mental state in which an individual is unable to understand the nature and quality of their actions or distinguish right from wrong at the time of committing a crime. Insanity is often used as a defense in criminal cases, and if proven, it might absolve the individual of criminal responsibility.
While some psychopathic individuals may also exhibit signs of mental illness, such as psychosis, many psychopaths do not meet the legal criteria for insanity. Psychopathy is generally viewed as a personality disorder and not a form of psychosis.
It is essential to differentiate between psychological diagnoses and legal terms when discussing these concepts. Psychopathy is a personality disorder that involves a specific set of behavioral and emotional traits, while insanity is a legal term related to an individual's mental state at the time of committing a crime.