I'm curious as I was told I am one and want to know what others think of them, thanks!
2007-10-01 15:20:59 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
There are some informative websites out there if you would like to learn more about Sociopaths; however, I would suggest checking out some books from your local library, OR investing in the books! I've provided a few links; not the BEST; however, with a general summary, it's easy to comprehend ^_^. Who told you that anyway? I honestly think the WORST thing about someone who is a sociopath is the fact that they have an inability to FEEL anything. They don't know what it is to love; to hurt; to feel remorse, etc.
As far as dealing with an actual sociopath, I do believe one of my past employers is one, but my opinion doesn't mean anything, right? I've researched every mental disorder in depth.
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.
Other Related Qualities:
1. Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them
2. Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them
3. Authoritarian
4. Secretive
5. Paranoid
6. Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired
7. Conventional appearance
8. Goal of enslavement of their victim(s)
9. Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life
10. Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation (respect, gratitude and love)
11. Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim
12. Incapable of real human attachment to another
13. Unable to feel remorse or guilt
14. Extreme narcissism and grandiose
15. May state readily that their goal is to rule the world
(The above traits are based on the psychopathy checklists of H. Cleckley and R. Hare.)
2007-10-01 15:45:08 · answer #1 · answered by Mistress Lucy 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Hi.
Yes, I have dealt with sociopaths. They do not respond well to treatment, primarily because they do not think they need it, that nothing is wrong with them.
A sociopath is someone who does not care about the feelings of other people. They are only concerned with what they want, and can be extremely manipulative.
They are unable to feel empathy for other people, not even sympathy. They are egoistic, which is different from egotistic.
It is considered to be an Anti-social Personality Disorder, a character disorder.
Antisocial Personality Disorder is chronic, beginning in adolescence and continuing throughout adulthood. There are ten general symptoms:
• not learning from experience
• no sense of responsibility
• inability to form meaningful relationships
• inability to control impulses
• lack of moral sense
• chronically antisocial behavior
• no change in behavior after punishment
• emotional immaturity
• lack of guilt
• self-centeredness
If you see yourself in at least 3 of these 10 items, you are probably a sociopath. To what degree, I don't know. If you think you might be one, try to get into therapy as quickly as possible. If you haven't become too solidified into sociopathic behavior, you may be able to change.
I hope you are not a sociopath. Maybe the person who said you were one is one him/herself and is just trying to make you feel badly.
Good luck.
2007-10-01 15:53:22 · answer #2 · answered by palemalefriend 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
a sociopath is a person whose behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience, this is what the dictionary says.
You obviously care about how others think about you, which shows some conscience, however you may get off on knowing that you go against society and step on people just for fun.
I do have a friend that is sociopathic and her life just doesn't seem easy, I am often very embarrassed to be around her in public. I learned early on to establish boundaries with her and we have gotten in fights due to her behavior. She walks all over everyone, she drives me insane and I can't think of one reason that I want to be her friend...I think I stay cordigal because her kids, I feel like they need me and I think that I can do them some good.
In the end I doubt that I would EVER be even acquainted with anyone remotely like her again. Not enough patience left.
2007-10-01 15:40:01 · answer #3 · answered by raycat97 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If the person who told you that wasn't a doctor or some other kind of clinician, I wouldn't take it very seriously.
I have work in mental health since 1987, and we have had a large number of people with Antisocial Personality Disorder (sometimes called sociopaths).
They generally strike me as smooth talkers, manipulative people who can't be trusted, although they often possess a certain amount of charm or charisma.
2007-10-01 15:40:47 · answer #4 · answered by majnun99 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I was told I was one too. Since then I have met some and I seriously doubt that you and I fit the description. The sociopaths I met have been in and out of the criminal justice system or been soulless mercenaries for hire all of there adult lives.
After reading not standing for it's post, I have to say that I have changed my mind. I AM A SOCIOPATH!!!!
2007-10-01 15:44:09 · answer #5 · answered by Sloan R 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Be careful, a sociopath is a sane person, they are not mentally ill.... Many people confuse mental illness with, sociopath's. These individuals are sane, they have anti social behavior because they choose to.
2007-10-02 02:23:17 · answer #6 · answered by lost2day 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
were you told that you were a sociopath by a doc or by just a person. they do have a bad reputation with tv. however i think that as long as you are getting the help that you need then you will probably be ok. hope that this helps
2007-10-01 15:29:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think I have a contact is one, and at times I struggle to understand her at times sweetie
2007-10-02 09:06:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I was friends with someone who I now know is a sociopath, and she was completely normal.
If she walked up to you, you wouldn't have the slightest clue that she heard voices.
I really hated when they put her in an asylum though.
She wasn't violent or anything!
For my experiences, I say they were good.
2007-10-01 15:31:50 · answer #9 · answered by gourmetcookie 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋
You have nothing besides assumption that the "numbing" and "maddening" will happen in hell.
2016-04-06 23:37:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋