A sociopath doesn’t always look like the main character from “Dexter.” Just like any other disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder takes place on the scale. Sociopathy is a real condition. Sociopaths don’t always equate to serial killers. Study shows that 3.8% of people from the US are diagnosed with ASP. And it is very unlikely not to be friends with one having this condition.
This well-known psychiatry professor at the University Of Iowa Carver, says, “It’s a syndrome characterized by lifelong misbehavior.” He also added that people suffering from ASP have a habit of being impulsive and deceitful and at the same time does not have a conscience.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, below are the signs that signify Sociopathy.
Relationship Struggle
People are suffering from Antisocial Personality Disorder struggle with forming emotional bonds, which makes their relationships unstable. They would rather exploit people around them for their advantage, instead of creating a more profound link with them. A person with ASP may want to connect with others, but he has one thing in mind – he will form a superficial relationship and use that person for something. According to Preston Ni M.S.B.A., “In personal relationships, sociopaths often initially entice with their superficial charisma and calculated charm, before revealing their cruel and uncaring nature over time (i.e., after a committed relationship is established or an important agreement is made). They deceive, manipulate, and abuse in relationships without remorse, leaving their victims wounded and traumatized by their utter lack of decency and empathy.”
Less Empathy
Those people experiencing ASP are well-known for their lack of empathy. A deep-seated rage is at their core and mostly are not able to feel any guilt for their actions. Black mentioned that when a person doesn’t feel remorse, they are freed to doing anything unpleasant that may take place in their minds.
Being Manipulative
They may appear very charming yet secretly aggressive and domineering. They see people as tools that they can use for their advantage, and they are not remorseful of it.
Aggression
Sociopaths are aggressive because they interpret the behavior of others as such, which makes them want to get vengeance. It is their thinking, and most of the time, it is not correct that other people are showing aggression towards them. “The driving force with sociopaths (and they have lots of energy) is to dominate others. This may or may not involve breaking the law. They want to dominate people in order to get things from them, such as their possessions, money, sex, business partners, homes, cars, investments, reputation and so forth,” said Bill Eddy LCSW, JD.
Insensitivity
People with Antisocial Personality Disorder shows no concern about the results of their actions and how it would be of effect to others. They are that insensitive, as long as they are getting what they want, and when they want it.
Impulsivity
Every individual has that “impulse” decision at times, but for sociopaths, it is normal to be unreasonably impulsive and spontaneous. As Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC said, sociopath “..are at high risk of incarceration due to impulsive behaviors. They’re also likely to have a shorter life expectancy due to impulsive behaviors like substance abuse and criminal activity.”
Being Deceitful
Those who are affected by Antisocial Personality Disorder have no problem lying calmly and easily. They often exaggerate things when it is beneficial for them. Being truthful is impossible for them.
Being Irresponsible
Sociopathic patients are usually indifferent to responsibilities, and they are ignoring normal obligations as they pile up. They don’t care about it.
Having Risky Behavior
Sociopaths often find themselves being involved in risky behaviors- not concerned about the devastation they cause to others nor themselves. Promiscuity, alcoholism, compulsive gambling, drug abuse is familiar to them. This study will reveal that your ex may have a psychopath condition on the loose.
The disorder may be considered mild. People with the said are telling lies or trouble with their partners. But still, it is not a surprise if someone has the said condition are robbers or even murderers.