Modern psychiatry is regularly supplemented with new terms, one of which is “sociopath”. It’s difficult to say who it is, if you rely solely on the interpretation of the concept that television offers us. For example, according to the directors, the notorious Sherlock Holmes, the favorite of women, Dr. House performed by Hugh Laurie, as well as Michael Carlisle as Dexter and others, were a sociopath. However, between movie characters and people with real psychological disorders, there is nothing in common. So who is a sociopath? And what are its symptoms?
Sociopaths: who are they?
Most people, having heard the question: “Who is the 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 the textbooks and books on psychology there was no such thing as a “sociopath”, but the generally accepted term “psychopath” was present. That is why many put an equal sign between these two words. Let's see who sociopaths are.
So, a sociopath is an ordinary person with characteristic signs of a mental deviation from the norm. Note: sociopathy is not a disease, but a disorder of the individual’s mental state. As a rule, such a defect does not allow a 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 is inclined to do non-standard actions in order to attract anyone's attention. For example, while walking along the street, he may suddenly pick up a stone and run it at a passerby, break a shop window or a glass of a passing car.
Read more about sociopaths: what do experts say?
According to experts, personality sociopathy brings its owner a lot of trouble, including with the law. The fact is that such people consider themselves different from others. Therefore, they are not subject to the rules and laws established by society. They lack an elementary concept of ethics and manners. They easily go to the cry and disrupt public order.
It is noteworthy that sociopaths transfer disrespect to other people, including to their loved ones. According to experts, these individuals do not care about family ties. They are used to living and loving only themselves. And all attempts to stop their unbridled "I" are often reduced to additional quarrels and scandals, often accompanied by assault and even stabbing. But how to recognize a sociopath in time and not confuse him with a normal person with an elementary mood swings or psychological breakdown due to a bad day?
What are the common symptoms for sociopaths?
To determine the real psychological deviations, there are completely justified signs of a sociopath. For example, one of them is the spontaneous manifestation of aggression towards an interlocutor, relative or any other person. The second important sign is the presence of rudeness, that is, the sociopath for no reason dares and is 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, verbal skirmish can often be accompanied by more active actions. For example, the sociopath didn’t like the 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 blundered too much.
In addition, the sociopath refuses to abide by the rules and norms of behavior, and also shows cruelty towards others, including animals. Often such a person is able to mutilate a cat, hit a dog, etc. for no apparent reason. Moreover, it is quite possible that somewhere deep down she absolutely does not want to behave this way, but she can do nothing about it. This is the psychology of a sociopath.
However, despite all these signs generally accepted by sociopaths, only an experienced doctor can determine if there is a deviation.
At what age do symptoms of sociopathy manifest?
Signs of a clear psychological disorder can occur in people of different ages, regardless of their gender. So, a sociopath can be both a child and an adult male or female. Moreover, depending on age, gender, as well as individual characteristics, some changes in the characteristics of behavior and character are possible. We will talk about this in more detail.
Sociopathy in adults: what are the features?
An adult sociopath (signs in men can manifest themselves much more actively than in women) is able to identify strengths and weaknesses in others and skillfully use it. In pursuit of his goals, he happily puts pressure on pity, skillfully rubbing himself into trust and manipulating weaker-minded people. Moreover, 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 perceive criticism, loves to be rude, ulcerate, and when communicating, he begins to offend and in every possible way mock his interlocutor.
A female sociopath (signs of a psychological disorder in the fair sex is much less common than in men) has a special appeal 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 teenager is a sociopath
A child suffering from sociopathy is not yet able to realize the seriousness 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 features of his behavior) is prone to committing reckless acts. For example, he can knock out his classmates to steal something from the supermarket, arrange arson in the school toilet, beat someone and post a video on the web. In a word, morality and normal human values for such children, and later adults, do not exist.
Are signs of obscene behavior always a manifestation of sociopathy?
Since many of these symptoms are often not a symptom of a psychological disorder, you should not panic when you find them in your children, relatives or friends. On the contrary, this behavior is similar to the way teenagers communicate during puberty.
In addition, sociopathy has much in common with narcissism. Therefore, the decisive conclusion on the slightest suspicion of sociopathy can only be made by a specialist.
A sociopath - who is it and what types of it happens?
People who are diagnosed with a mental disorder are conditionally divided into two groups. They are passive, or latent, and active. Perhaps the most prominent among these groups are active sociopaths. As a rule, these are arrogant, selfish, immoral and unprincipled individuals.
They are most aggressive and illegible in their actions. Active citizens often become criminals who do not respect the law. They are not interested in public opinion. They are evil, vengeful and selfish.
Passive sociopathy is comparable to the behavior of hermit crabs, as such individuals usually do not contact people, choosing the life of a loner or recluse. If necessary, they can communicate with other citizens, skillfully hiding their internal aversion to them. Often, latent sociopaths can break down and show their true, mentally unbalanced "I" in a fit of anger.
What are the causes of the deviation?
Since a concept such as sociopathy appeared relatively recently, reliable reasons for the occurrence of the disorder are unknown. However, there is an assumption that the heredity of a person plays a large 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 in nature) often occurs due to improper upbringing of the child. From a very young age, children must be accustomed to society. They are obliged to contact more with their peers, make new acquaintances and become sociable.
Among the possible causes of the development of the disorder, it is also worth highlighting psychological stresses and injuries in childhood. So, according to experts, head trauma that occurred at an early age may well lead to the development of deviations.
How to treat antisocial disorder?
It is believed that a sociopath (who is this, we described in detail above) is difficult to treat. The fact is that such people, as a rule, have a negative attitude to any criticism addressed to them. For the same reason, it is difficult for them to establish confidential contact with their attending physician. 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 of a biased attitude towards others and their incredible difference from others. Therefore, they often turn to specialists for help themselves.
In the treatment of sociopaths, psychotherapists use an integrated approach. For example, they can prescribe medication that helps 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 preventative 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, the atmosphere of calm, love and mutual understanding should reign in the family. Therefore, none of the parents should infringe on the rights of others, which will be a great 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.