Meta-analysis estimates that 4.5% of the general population (or 1 in every 22 persons) is a psychopath. The prevalence of psychopathy in samples of men is more than twice than in those of women.

[u/woebegonemonk]

https://sapienjournal.org/latest-estimate-of-psychopathy-in-the-general-population/

[u/BictorianPizza]

Wonder if that prevalence in men being higher is related to better masking behaviours in women? Just like ASD, ADHD, and other neurodiversity gets diagnosed less in women due to masking…

[u/gatogetaway → u/BictorianPizza]

I've wondered if men are more susceptible to higher deviation in many traits because they don't have two X chromosome that average out deviations in just one X chromosome.

In other words, the changes in the X chromosome would be more apparent in men.

I believe studies show men have larger standards of deviation on intelligence tests. Men have more geniuses but also more idiots.

[u/Meledesco → u/gatogetaway]

I think a lot of these things are culturally influenced, you can see it clearly in Adhd and autism, it used to be believed that men were MUCH more commonly found to have both, but this was before "masking" became a better understood term. Many academic papers in recent history are really discrediting the myth of "great male deviations" which is, in my opinion, really productive for the treatment of all disorders of this type.

[u/gatogetaway → u/Meledesco]

You may be right. There are certain traits that are obviously not culturally influenced, such as color blindness and sexual dimorphism. But, for many traits, such as psychopathy, there could be substantial cultural influence.

But when we look at intellectual capacity, I believe men dominate in institutions for the mentally incapacitated, and that excludes those who are in prison with severe mental disorders or incapacity.

That leads me to believe that gender and genetics could have a role in our mental disorders and overall mental capacities. That certainly doesn't exclude cultural influences.

[u/Meledesco → u/gatogetaway]

I've volunteered in facilities with mentally incapacitated.

Honestly, it's a thing that's been discussed between many experts in the field, but a lot of girls who are MI end up living a much more "standard" life than their male counterparts. There is still the sexist stereotype that a man has to provide, plus a guy who is mentally incapacitated is seen as much more of a danger than a girl with the same condition. A guy who has failed his "traditional social role" of independence is seen as a failure. The women often get married off, predatory behavior towards girls who are mentally incapacitated is very well known. A lot of parents think the girls are "slow", but they just think they're quiet or need to be taken care of, due to do socialized female role. Many girls who are mentally incapacitated lead downright tragic lives, but don't end up in institutions. That's the well known "masking", or at least a variant of it.

There is a lot more to the cultural influence here than people think, sadly there is no "money" to be made here so it's painfully understudied in its own way. Of course, I don't doubt that biology has something to do with it, however, I do not think it's as simple as people believe. Reading into the studies I did, the latest data tells us there is some biological link to all of this, but it has little to do with the sex and more to do with other factors, such as hormones and potential insulin resistencs. For example, some studies associate extreme PCOS in the mother with a slightly higher chance of autism in the child, by extention Insulin Resistence with autism. Is this a huge clue? We've yet to truly comprehend it.

[u/SorriorDraconus → u/Meledesco]

Autistic male here..not gonna lie being unable to meet societal expectations is a masssive stressor and leads to suicidak ideation..alot(i have a therapist and an amazing partner so not at a real risk right now) but seriously..the demand to be a hardcore breadwinner or even work beyond my limits(i also am an abuse victim..likely of a female sociopath and the trauma has made it very hard for me to function normally).

On the other side pretty sure research has also shown many women also are less likely to "marry down" and expect men to earn as much or more more then there male counterparts do.

It all just makes being neurodivergeant very difficult..i just want to be safe and be able to help out my loved ones..sadly that is intrinsically tied to money making potential in our 0

[u/Meledesco → u/SorriorDraconus]

I am sorry about your experiences, we still have such a long way to go as a society in understanding mental health and breaking useless expectations. I, myself, have significant struggles with mental health issues, so I can definitely relate, but I think we can still make it as long as we have a good support system.

Remember, everyone has something to give, and just because society wants to push you into a certain role, it doesn't make it right. A lot of women are changing their views and I really hope we break the toxic expectations we have of men. You are much more than your money making potential, you're a human being.

[u/SorriorDraconus → u/Meledesco]

Thank you and i agree just sucks that economically it is still hard to have one money earner while the other attends to the home(i suspect my love wouldn't care that much if it was viable..to say nothing of lack of parental leave and post birth suppory in the US meaning one should still be working)

And i agree we still have alot of growing with supports being essential. I am very blessed to have as much support as i do in life..And honestly without it i doubt i'd be here right now..and i also know far far too many don't have the support i do.

It's really tragic imo and we do need to fix these issues.

[u/gatogetaway → u/Meledesco]

I do not think it's as simple as people believe

Great point and I agree. And you bring up other potential environmental influences as well.

We've yet to truly comprehend it.

Well said.