What Is a Sociopath?
“Sociopath” is a term used in psychology to refer to someone who has an antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). This means persons with ASPD cannot understand other people's feelings. This will lead them to make an impulsive decision and be less guilt conscious the harm they have caused. People often get confused with the terms sociopath and psychopath and use them interchangeably. Clinically speaking, there is not much difference between the two.
The cause behind these conditions is not clearly understood. But as of the current belief, psychopathy is due to genetic factors, but sociopathy is due to abuse during childhood that interrupts personality development. Like other mental disorders, antisocial personality disorder also exists on the spectrum. Also, the most common misconception is that all sociopaths are serial killers, but in reality, it is not so. One of the studies has identified that almost 4% of the population falls under the diagnostic criteria of ASPD.
What Are the Signs to Identify a Sociopath?
It is essential to be aware that people have several personality traits. Some people act very aggressively and selfishly, but that does not mean they are all sociopaths. Also, people with an antisocial personality disorder do not realize these behaviors. Hence it is essential to watch for a more consistent behavioral pattern. Some of the signs mentioned in the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are as follows. They are considered red flag signs of a sociopath.
1. Lack of Empathy:
The most common sign of a person with ASPD is a lack of empathy. This means the person cannot feel any remorse for his actions. Many people with antisocial personality disorder lack conscience, but it does not apply to all.
2. Callousness:
People with ASPD are very violent and aggressive. They attack you whenever they feel exposed and can verbally cut you down with your emotions. They do not show any regard for anyone's feelings and often have a cruel nature.
3. Difficult Relationships:
A person with sociopathy cannot have strong emotional bonds. Hence they cannot have a stable and proper relationship. They are primarily aggressive and exploit the other person for their benefit rather than the collective good.
4. Hostility:
One other vital sign is that the person with ASPD tends to view all the actions to be hostile. This means they interpret others' efforts to be attacking, and hence they always seek revenge for the activities they feel to be threatening.
5. Manipulativeness:
Though sociopaths are not good at maintaining relationships, they are often very manipulative. They usually try to seduce other people around them to benefit their own.
6. Irresponsibility:
As mentioned earlier, they do not feel any guilt, and hence they tend to be irresponsible financially and socially. They always try to exclude themselves from responsibilities. As they do not connect with other people's social expectations, their response to the social obligations is also feeble.
7. Deceitfulness:
One of the key signs of sociopathy is that they are very dishonest. They lie to get them out of difficult situations, and when they lie, it suits them more than the truth. They do not have any guilt for lying or about the harm it might cause the other person.
8. Impulsivity:
The person with ASPD tends to make last-minute decisions without thoughts about the consequences. They are not comfortable making a plan, sticking to it, and always rely on their impulse to make any kind of decision.
9. Risky Behavior:
Since the person with ASPD is impulsive, irresponsible, and hostile, it is eventual that they are often involved in hazardous activities. They do not have any concerns about the safety of themselves and others. Hence, they are usually excessive drinkers, drug abusers, and have gambling habits. They do not have any concerns about the safety of themselves and others.
How Are Sociopaths Diagnosed and Who Needs a Diagnosis?
Children below the age of 15 are generally not diagnosed with sociopathy as the child's development stages have behaviors that might mimic these behavior patterns. Hence if children are often aggressive and involved in stealing or other harmful activities, a conduct disorder diagnosis may be made, and medical intervention may be done for helping the children.
In addition, persons who have experienced abuse during their childhood and are neglected by their parents tend to be more sociopathic. Hence to be diagnosed, the person should be at least 15 years of age and have a history of rule-breaking, aggressiveness, and deceitfulness. Also, people who have a family history of personality disorders and have these behavior patterns are diagnosable.
Also, sociopathic people abuse their spouses and show no empathy toward their children. This is more common in men than in women. In addition, they might also have other mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, etc. So if the person is falling under these scenarios or has any four or more of the signs mentioned above, then it is essential to get them diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder. The doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and other assessment tools in a face-to-face interview.
How to Treat a Sociopath?
Treatment of sociopathy is challenging because, in most cases, they do not recognize the problem. This means they are often left undiagnosed without any help. Also, long-term behavioral therapy is required, and since they do not stick to plans and are irresponsible, it is mandatory for family involvement during treatment.
Some psychiatrists prescribe medications that help manage the signs, such as anxiety and mood swings, to stabilize the mood and prevent aggression. But these medications are not treatments for ASPD but a way of managing the symptoms. Some behavior therapies may help build a relationship, cope with work, and develop other social responsibilities, but a long-term commitment is required. Such therapies include:
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Psychotherapy.
Conclusion:
As mentioned earlier, ASPD cannot be cured, but with the help of some behavior therapies, the destructive behaviors can be limited by enforcing them with more constructive behaviors. It is essential to have a lookout for these signs and reach out for help as early as possible to reduce the condition's intensity. If your partner is suffering from ASPD, couples therapy can help cope with the relationship troubles and also helps acknowledge the difficulties that are caused due to the person's disorder.
