Sociopaths

Sociopathy is formally known as Antisocial Personality Disorder. It is defined as "a mental health condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others."

The exact cause of sociopathy is not known. However, it is believed to result from complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors (e.g. child abuse, alcoholic parents). Sociopathy is much more common in men as compared to women.

Though sociopaths comprise between 1 to 4% of the population (depending on different metrics), high-functioning sociopaths tend to rise to positions of power and authority. 30-40% of the prison population are sociopaths.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV-TR) lists these traits: A) Pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three or more of the following: Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest . Deception, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.

Impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead. Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults. Reckless disregard for safety of self or others.

Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations. Lack of remorse as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.

B) The individual is at least age 18 years. C) There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years. D) The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or a manic episode.

High Functioning Sociopaths High functioning sociopath is term used to describe people with sociopath traits that also happen to have a very high intelligence quotient. They are likely to be highly successful in the field they endeavor (politics, business, etc.). They plan very meticulously and the presence of sociopathic traits like lack of empathy, lack of remorse, deceptiveness, shallow emotions, etc. makes it very difficult for "normal" people to compete with them.

How to Spot a Sociopath 1. Sociopaths typically don't small talk about themselves as much as normal people do. They will direct the conversation back to the new acquaintance as much as they can. 2. A sociopath will reveal "personal" details about himself strategically, i.e. for the purposes of misdirection or a false sense of intimacy/trust. Revelations of actual truths are very rare and may be perceived as a small slip of the mask. 3. Sociopaths frequently hesitate before responding. It will be unclear to you whether they are bored, annoyed, lying, or all three. 4. No strong reactions to illogical hotbed political/social topics (e.g. Octomom or Catholic priest child molestation).

How to Spot a Sociopath (cont.): 5. Monotone voice. 6. A tendency to take things too literally or otherwise not respond appropriately to small emotional cues. 7. Cold indifference to one or more family members. 8. Seemingly a different person when "distracted."

How to Spot a Sociopath (cont.): 9. Disconnect between what the sociopath says and does, e.g. seems charitable but does not give money to homeless or vice versa. 10. Never shows signs of embarrassment. Easily wins over large crowds with confidence. "Poise" in this case = lack of nerves. 11. Does not fit stereotypes for gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, or career. Could seem foreign, bisexual, older or younger, pious, wealthy or poor, but may also just seem unplaceable. 12. Can flip flop between keeping a very low profile (the observer) to being the life of the party (the actor).

“Confessions of a Sociopath” Article: “Confessions of a Sociopath” Audio Version on NPR

“Inside the Mind of a Sociopath” Video: “Inside the Mind of a Sociopath”