Modern psychiatry is regularly updated with new terms, one of which is "sociopath". It is difficult to say who this is, if we rely solely on the interpretation of the concept that television offers us. For example, according to the directors, the notorious Sherlock Holmes was a sociopath, the women's favorite Dr. House played by Hugh Laurie, as well as Michael Carlyle as Dexter and others. However, there is nothing in common between movie characters and people with real psychological disorders. So what is a sociopath? And what are its signs?
Sociopaths: who are they?
Most people, having heard the question: "Who is a sociopath?" - most often they answer that it is “some kind of psychopath”. And although this is not entirely true, to some extent they are right. By the way, some time ago in textbooks and books on psychology there was no such thing as a "sociopath", but there was a generally accepted term "psychopath". That is why many put an equal sign between these twowords. Let's see what sociopaths are.
So, a sociopath is an ordinary person with the characteristic signs of a mental deviation from the norm. Note that sociopathy is not a disease, but a disorder of the individual's mental state. As a rule, such a defect does not allow the sociopath to lead a normal life. In particular, such a person cannot be in the circle of other fellow citizens for a long time.
He likes to be alone, but at the same time he tends to do unusual things in order to attract anyone's attention. For example, while walking along the street, he may suddenly pick up a stone and throw it at a passerby, break a shop window or a glass of a passing car.
Read more about sociopaths: what do the experts say?
According to experts, the sociopathy of personality brings its owner a lot of trouble, including with the law. The fact is that such people consider themselves different from others. Consequently, they are not subject to the rules and laws established by society. They lack the elementary notion of ethics and manners. They easily turn to shouting and disturbing public order.
It is noteworthy that sociopaths transfer disrespect for other people to their loved ones as well. According to experts, these individuals do not care about family ties. They are accustomed to live and love only themselves. And all attempts to stop their unbridled "I" often come down to additional quarrels and scandals, often accompanied by assault and even stabbing. But how to recognizea sociopath and not confuse him with a normal person with a simple mood swing or a psychological breakdown due to a bad day?
What are common traits for sociopaths?
To determine the real psychological deviations, there are perfectly valid signs of a sociopath. For example, one of them is the spontaneous manifestation of aggression towards the interlocutor, relative or any other person. The second important sign is the presence of rudeness, that is, a sociopath is unreasonably impudent and rude to relatives, neighbors and other citizens.
Thus, he seems to challenge society, and also shows, in his opinion, the strength of his personality. Moreover, a verbal skirmish can often be accompanied by more active actions. For example, a sociopath somehow did not like a neighbor with his expensive and beautiful car. In order to satisfy his screaming and protesting inner ego, the patient may crash or set fire to the car. Thus, he will show that in one way or another the owner of the car was wrong or blurted out too much.
In addition, the sociopath refuses to follow the rules and norms of behavior, and also shows cruelty towards others, including animals. Often such a person is capable of maiming a cat, hitting a dog, etc. for no apparent reason. At the same time, it is quite possible that somewhere deep down she does not want to behave this way at all, but cannot do anything about it. Such is the psychology of a sociopath.
However, despite all these common sociopathic signs, to determine the presence of a deviationonly an experienced doctor can.
At what age do symptoms of sociopathy appear?
Signs of a clear psychological disorder can be observed in people of all ages, regardless of their gender. So, a sociopath can be both a child and an adult man or woman. Moreover, depending on age, gender, as well as individual characteristics, some changes in behavior and character are possible. Let's talk about this in a little more detail.
Sociopathy in adults: what are the features?
Adult sociopath (signs in men can appear much more actively than in women) is able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of others and skillfully use it. Pursuing his goals, he gladly puts pressure on pity, skillfully rubs himself into trust and manipulates people who are weaker in spirit. At the same time, such a man often tells a lie, tries to impose his point of view, and is also prone to scandals and quarrels. He does not accept criticism addressed to him, he likes to be rude, sarcastic, and when communicating, he begins to offend and mock his interlocutor in every possible way.
A sociopathic woman (signs of a psychological disorder in the fair sex are much less common than in men) has a special attraction and sexuality. Taking advantage of this, she literally goes over the heads, moving up the career ladder. Without feeling shame, guilt and regret, she often succeeds, becoming a successful business woman,politician and director of the enterprise.
When your child or teen is a sociopath
A child suffering from sociopathy is not yet able to realize the full severity of his disorder. Therefore, its signs will most often be associated with a challenge to society. For example, he can regularly arrange various brawls at school or kindergarten, bite, fight and show aggression in other ways. In this case, the baby will do everything to attract the attention of others.
In addition, a sociopathic child (signs of his psychological disorder can be expressed in the characteristics of his behavior) is prone to committing reckless acts. For example, he can incite his classmates to steal something from a supermarket, set fire to a school toilet, beat someone up and post a video on the Web. In a word, morality and normal human values do not exist for such children, and later adults.
Are signs of obscene behavior always a manifestation of sociopathy?
Since many of these signs are often not a symptom of a psychological disorder, do not panic if you find them in your children, relatives or friends. On the contrary, this behavior is similar to the way adolescents communicate during their puberty.
Also, sociopathy has a lot in common with narcissism. That is why only a specialist can make a decisive conclusion on the slightest suspicion of sociopathy.
Who is a sociopath and what types is he?
People who havediagnosed with a mental disorder, conditionally divided into two groups. They are passive, or latent, and active. The most prominent among these groups are perhaps the active sociopaths. As a rule, these are arrogant, selfish, immoral and unscrupulous individuals.
They are the most aggressive and indiscriminate in their actions. Active citizens often become criminals who do not respect the law. They are not interested in public opinion. They are evil, vindictive and self-serving.
Passive sociopathy is comparable to the behavior of hermit crabs, since such individuals usually do not contact people, choosing a life of loneliness or a recluse. If necessary, they can communicate with other citizens, skillfully hiding their inner disgust for them. Often, latent sociopaths can break loose and show their true, mentally unbalanced self in a fit of anger.
What are the causes of deviation?
Because the concept of sociopathy is relatively recent, the true causes of the disorder are unknown. However, there is an assumption that human heredity plays an important role in development. As a rule, both one and several family members can suffer from such an ailment.
In addition, sociopathy (its causes can be both congenital and acquired) often arises from improper upbringing of a child. From an early age, children need to be socialized. They are obliged to have more contact with their peers, to startmeet new people and become sociable.
Among the possible causes of the development of the disorder, it is also worth highlighting psychological stress and trauma in childhood. So, according to experts, a head injury that occurred at an early age may well lead to the development of a deviation.
How to treat antisocial disorder?
It is believed that a sociopath (who this is, we described in detail above) is difficult to treat. The fact is that such people, as a rule, have a negative attitude towards any criticism addressed to them. For the same reason, it is difficult for them to establish trusting contact with their doctor. However, if the patient belongs to a group of people with passive mental disorders, then it is much easier to cure him. Such individuals can usually complain about prejudice against others and their incredible difference from others. Therefore, they often turn to specialists for help.
In the treatment of sociopaths, psychotherapists use an integrated approach. For example, they may prescribe medication to help suppress aggression. At the same time, patients undergo a course of therapy aimed at rapprochement with the family. Like little children, they learn the basic rules of behavior, learn about the norms of morality and ethics.
Are there preventive measures to deal with the disorder?
The best prevention, according to experts, is proper education, communication with peers, conversations on general topics, discipline and sports. And most importantly, an atmosphere of calmness, love and mutual understanding should reign in the family. Consequently,none of the parents should infringe on the rights of others, which will be an excellent example for the younger generation. And of course, it is necessary to pay due attention to the child, listening to his opinion. Remember that your baby is also a person. He can defend his point of view, even if it goes against yours.
