Sociopaths are commonly depicted as villains in movies, books, and TV, but do you actually know the signs of a sociopath?
Although we may call people sociopaths, that’s not really the best term says Pagel Blagov, Ph.D and associate professor of psychology of Whitman College. These people really have antisocial personality disorder, he tells Men’s Health. This is a condition where someone continuously manipulates, exploits, or violates the rights of other people without remorse, according to Medline Plus. No one knows what causes the disorder and some experts theorize that genetics or factors like child abuse may contribute to developing the condition.
People that we may view as “sociopaths” must have a long-standing history of aggression or rule-breaking, meaning this behavior doesn’t just come out of nowhere, says Jeffrey Cohen, PsyD at ColumbiaDoctors.
“We’d expect to see symptoms of conduct disorder,” he says. Typical behaviors include aggression to people or animals, theft, or serious violations of rules. He says estimates show only three percent of the general population have the disorder.
Only adults over the age of 18 can be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder by a mental health professional. However, there are some common characteristics of people who have antisocial personality disorder.
Sign of Sociopath: Egocentric
Everyone is a bit egocentric, but people with the disorder take it to another level. They look out for their own needs first, [and] that would come before the needs of family or children or friends,” says Blagov.
Sign of Sociopath: Callous
This can range from being verbally mean to physically violent, says Blagov. Not all people exhibit callous behavior in the same way.
Sign of Sociopath: Manipulative
Blagov explains that these types often lie and use people—sometimes to get out of trouble. “This is a self-protective type of lying and manipulation,” says Blagov. Other times they manipulate because they enjoy having power over another person, he says.
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Sign of Sociopath: Lack of empathy
People with antisocial personality disorder don’t feel empathy for other people, says Cohen. Understandably, this makes it difficult to maintain relationships or friendships and many sociopaths tend to be loners.
Sign of Sociopath: Impulsive
According to Blagov, people with the disorder are sensation seekers who are prone to boredom. This may be one reason that they are more likely to participate in dangerous behaviors or steal.
Sign of Sociopath: Fearless
Getting caught prevents most people from engaging in criminal activity like shoplifting, but those with antisocial personality disorder have weak fear and anxiety responses, says Blagov. “There isn’t a stoping mechanism.”
Can you cure a sociopath?
Antisocial personality disorder is difficult to treat, according to Healthline. Generally, a combination of psychotherapy and medication are used, and the disorder can’t be cured.
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