Understand how antisocial personality disorder manifests itself

According to the Harvard psychologist and author of the book The Sociopath Next DoorMartha Stout, one in 25 people is a sociopath. This can represent a real problem for today’s society.

Sociopathy is a disorder included in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM 5) as antisocial personality disorder. This disorder is defined as “a mental condition in which a person “has a long-standing pattern of manipulation, exploitation or violation of the rights of others.”

The sociopath suffers from antisocial personality disorder

The essential characteristic of this disorder, according to StatPearls is a general pattern of contempt and violation of the rights of others. It begins in childhood or early adolescence. The disorder continues into adulthood.

To be diagnosed, the person must be at least 18 years old. He must have had too history of some conduct disorder symptoms before the age of 15. This involves a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which violate the basic rights of others or major social norms.

The characteristic behaviors of conduct disorder are grouped into four categories: aggression towards people and animals, destruction of property, fraud or theft, and serious violation of rules. A sociopath does not conform to social norms and in many cases neither to legality. They are characterized by impulsivity, hostile behaviors, failure to assume hierarchies as well as the inability to feel guilt and/or remorse.

Diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder

According to the DSM-V, People with antisocial personality disorder are characterized by the following criteria:

A. Dominant pattern of inattention and violation of the rights of others. This pattern is manifested by:

Failure to comply with social norms, does not follow rules regarding legal norms. Repeated actions that are grounds for arrest. Deception or repeated lies. Also due to the use of aliases or scams for personal gain or pleasure. Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead. Irritability and aggressiveness. Fights or physical or repeated attacks.Reckless disregard for the safety of self or others.Constant irresponsibility. Repeated inability to maintain consistent work behavior or meet financial obligations.Absence of remorse. Indifference or rationalization of the fact of having hurt, mistreated or robbed someone.

B. The individual has at least 18 years.

C. There is evidence of the presence of a conduct disorder with onset before age 15.

D. Antisocial behavior It does not occur exclusively in the course of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

What are the characteristics of a sociopath?

The sociopath has little empathy, is aggressive and tends to be a cruel person. Likewise, he is cynical and contemptuous of the feelings, rights and sufferings of others. Likewise, You can spend a lot of time in penitentiary institutions, since it fails to comply with social norms, committing crimes on a recurring basis.

Despite this, the sociopath has a elevated self-concept and appears arrogant. For example, you may think that ordinary work is not up to you and you may not have realistic concerns about your current or future problems. So they may not be self-sufficient, become impoverished, or even become homeless.

A sociopath is an excessively stubborn, self-confident person. to the point that we could call her conceited. In addition, she has a voluble and artificial verbal ability. For example, she uses technical or jargon terms that might impress someone unfamiliar with the topic.

Superficial and glib charm have been traits frequently included in the definition of a sociopath. However, they are usually irresponsible in their relationships. He usually starts many relationships and is not interested in a monogamous relationship.

This irresponsibility extends to his role as a father. This is evidenced by malnutrition or conditions resulting from the lack of minimal hygiene with their children.

What traits differentiate a sociopath and a psychopath?

Sociopathy and psychopathy share many symptoms and even the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. However, Their main differences are:

the ability to socializemoral conscienceviolenceemotional stabilitysocial relationshipsimpulsivity

Does a sociopath suffer from other mental disorders?

Due to his impulsive and histrionic personality characteristics, he is prone to developing anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and impulse control disorders. Likewise, according to the Magazine of the Faculty of Medicine of Mexico, the sociopath presents comorbidity with substance use disorders and other addictions, For example, gambling addiction.

In addition, sociopathic people may also present attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADD) or eating disorders. These comorbidities can vary in their prevalence and severity in different individuals. Today sociopathy is classified as a personality disorder, called antisocial personality disorder.

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