What Is a Sociopath? Signs and Behaviors
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by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Updated May 14, 2018
The term "sociopath" is often used loosely in media and pop culture. But despite being frequently lumped together with psychopaths as likely criminals, not all sociopaths are violent, nor is sociopathy a condition recognized by doctors or psychologists.
In the past, sociopathy was considered a form of psychopathy or a closely related condition. In contemporary medical practice, antisocial personality disorder is the diagnosis that best fits the characteristics associated with sociopathy.
A Brief History of Sociopathy
In the 1880s, the prefix "socio-" first came up in science and medicine. German-American psychiatrist and neurologist Karl Birnbaum appears to have coined the word "sociopathy" in 1909. Then, in 1930, American psychologist George E. Partridge popularized the term and contrasted it with "psychopathy."
Partridge described a sociopath as an individual who displayed antisocial behavior or defied social norms. In the first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), published in 1952, the condition was identified as sociopathic personality disturbance. Over time, the name continued to change. The modern DSM-5 includes sociopathy under the label antisocial personality disorder.
Characteristics and Behaviors
Most non-sociopathic individuals display antisocial traits and behaviors from time to time. A diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder requires an ongoing pattern of behavior that produces a consistent negative impact.
The standard criteria for antisocial personality disorder includes:
A failure to conform to social norms or laws.
Lying, usually for personal gain or pleasure, but sometimes for no apparent reason.
Impulsive behavior and failure to plan ahead.
Irritability, aggression, and poor anger management.
Disregard for safety of self or others.
Irresponsibility, typically manifesting in problems maintaining employment and relationships or meeting financial obligations.
To be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, an individual much be at least 18 years of age and have demonstrated the behavior before 15 years of age. The antisocial behavior cannot occur only in conjunction with other disorders (e.g. schizophrenia).
Sociopaths vs. Psychopaths
The difference between sociopaths and psychopaths depends on how you define the terms. In the modern era, there are three different definitions of sociopathy, which may be compared with psychopathy:
Some doctors and scientists contend that antisocial behavior caused by environmental and social factors is sociopathy, while antisocial behavior stemming from genetics or biology is psychopathy.
A few researchers consider sociopathy to be synonymous with psychopathy, or else a less-severe form of psychopathy. In this definition of sociopathy, a sociopath is simply a type of psychopath.
Canadian criminal psychologist Robert Hare describes a psychopath as a individual who lacks any sense of morality or empathy, while a sociopath is a person who has a different sense of right and wrong from the majority.
How Common Are Sociopaths?
Deciphering the prevalence of sociopathy is complicated by its changing definition. However, no matter which definition is used, it's not a rare condition.
A 2008 American study identified 1.2 percent of its sample as "potentially psychopathic," correlating with alcohol abuse, violence, and low intelligence. A 2009 British study reported an incidence of 0.6 percent, correlating the traits to male gender, young age, violence, drug use, and other mental disorders.
Diagnosed antisocial personality disorder is more common in alcohol or drug abuse treatment programs than in the general population. It occurs more frequently in individuals who were hyperactive as children. Antisocial personality disorder is seen in between 3 percent and 30 percent of psychiatric outpatients.
A 2002 literature review found 47 percent of male prisoners and 21 percent of female prisoners had the disorder.
Potential Treatment
Sociopathy, antisocial personality disorder, and psychopathy tend not to respond well to treatment. In fact, some studies indicate treatment may worsen the condition. According to Mayo Clinic, there are no drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat antisocial personality disorder. Psychotherapy is often unsuccessful because many sociopaths are won't admit they have a problem or else are unwilling to change. However, if the disorder is identified early (by the teen years), the chance of a better long-term outcome increases.
Key Points
Although the term "sociopath" is popular, sociopathy is not an actual medical condition.
The characteristics associated with sociopathy best fit the description of antisocial personality disorder, which is a diagnosable medical condition.
A sociopath lack empathy, disregards societal norms of right and wrong, may be impulsive or take excessive risks, frequently lies, and has trouble maintaining relationships with others.
Most people display some of the traits of a sociopath. This does not mean they suffer from a psychological or medical disorder. Psychosis and antisocial personality disorder are characterized by a pattern of behavior that produces a consistent negative impact.
Sources
Farrington DP, Coid J (2004). "Early Prevention of Adult Antisocial Behavior". Cambridge University Press. p. 82. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
Hare RD (1 February 1996). "Psychopathy and Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Case of Diagnostic Confusion". Psychiatric Times. UBM Medica. 13 (2). (archived)
Kiehl, Kent A.; Hoffman, Morris B. (1 January 2011). "The Criminal Psychopath: History, Neuroscience, Treatment, and Economics". Jurimetrics. 51 (4): 355–397.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2 April 2016). "Overview- Antisocial personality disorder". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
Mayo Clinic staff (12 April 2013). "Antisocial personality disorder: Treatments and drugs". Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
Rutter, Steve (2007). The Psychopath: Theory, Research, and Practice. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. p. 37.
Skeem, J. L.; Polaschek, D. L. L.; Patrick, C. J.; Lilienfeld, S. O. (2011). "Psychopathic Personality: Bridging the Gap Between Scientific Evidence and Public Policy". Psychological Science in the Public Interest. 12 (3): 95–162.
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