How dangerous is a sociopath?

Question

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Answer 1

Jeffrey Dahmer, The Hillside Strangler, Jack the Ripper...are you seeing a pattern here?

Answer 2

A sociopath may be violent, or may be 'totally passive' ... so you can't tell 'how dangerous' they are just by the diagnosis of 'sociopath.' I'm a 'sociopath' because I don't do everything exactly as 'society' does ... but I'm a complete pacifist, and would NEVER hurt anyone. I have actually worked with the police and fire departments as a 'flyer' for talking potential suicides off of buildings. My husband is also a sociopath, but he is also a complete pacifist. There are sociopaths who are 'violent' though ... they are the serial killers (much more than a psychopath) and mass murderers (about 50% between the two diagnoses). Most sociopaths live 'basically normal lives' but they may tend to 'isolate' themselves at home ... and also 'in public' although that is less a problem since most can 'talk and interact' with people, even if they don't 'like doing it' very much.

Answer 3

Depends what they choose to do. A sociopath is someone who doesn't have any empathy wth another human being but whether this translates to dangerous behaviour probably depends on the individual.

Having said that a lot of serial killers have been found to be sociopathic so there are strong links there.

Personally I believe a lot of politicians are sociopaths, not just the common or garden dictator, but real top-of-the-range warmongering nutters like bush and his cronies.

Answer 4

It depends upon how you mean dangerous and to a lesser extent on whether they are primary or secondary sociopaths. They feel no empathy at all and most seem to crave excitement. They can be found as ministers, teachers, politicians, attorneys, judges, policemen and in other positions of power. They thrive on the use of power for personal excitement. Since they cannot feel any form of caring, no one else will matter, except as a pawn or a danger.

They are potentially very dangerous, but are not necessarily killers as that endangers them and also usually requires substantial resources. About one in thirty three men and one in one hundred women are sociopaths.

One note, most of them are very good at imitating empathy and positive social emotions in order to survive. There is a picture of Ted Bundy shaking the hand of the President of the United States, Richard Nixon, because people felt he was the future of the Republican party.

Answer 5

Sociopathic behavior is part of anitsocial personality disorder. Some of the classic symptoms of the disease are failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest
deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
impulsivity 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 steady work or honor financial obligations
lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another

All in all, more dangerous to their own self. See the links below. Good luck.

Answer 6

Quite dangerous. They don't have the ability to understand the pain of others. They have a limited range of human emotions.

Answer 7

I would put people like Ted Bundy rather high on the danger scale.

Answer 8

UK Action Man...a sociopath with a WONDERFUL sense of humor!!
I just LIKE that guy!

LMAO

Answer 9

well considering most serial killers are also sociopaths I would say very dangerous!

Answer 10

Sociopath's do not have a conscience. They have an inability to FEEL anything, and whether what they are doing is right or wrong, they simply don't care. 1 in 4 people are sociopaths.

Profile of the Sociopath

This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.


* Glibness and Superficial Charm

* Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.

* Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."

* Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.

* Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

* Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

* Incapacity for Love

* Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.

* Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.

* Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.

* Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

* Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.

* Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.

* Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.

* Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

You know, I have always been fascinated with psychiatry. If you need any suggestions on reading material, let me know, I can recommend several excellent reads!