A sociopath exhibits dysfunctional behavior in regards to others. He frequently violates the law, lies, becomes violent and may abuse alcohol or drugs. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), a person diagnosed as a sociopath, or antisocial personality disorder as it also is called, will have had a diagnosis of conduct disorder before the age of 15. Recognizing the early warning signs of this condition may help reduce worsening of this disorder.
School misbehavior
Major problems at school are among the warning signs of antisocial personality disorder. These children have little regard for the feelings of other children or for the authority of the teacher. A child with sociopathic behavior often bullies and intimidates other children to get his way. He constantly may be in detention and is truant. Grades often suffer because of non-attendance or lack of concern for school work.
Lying and Stealing
Deceitfulness to avoid obligations, cover up transgressions or obtain favors is common. Attempts to "con" others also occurs, which helps avoid punishment. A child or adolescent may become adept at breaking into people's homes to steal, often shoplifts or forges signatures when needed.
Aggression and Violence
The profile of an early sociopath always includes some form of violence. This usually is seen as involvement in physical fights and using weapons such as bats, broken bottles and knives. Cruelty to animals is another common feature. A child may harm or even kill an animal and show little to no remorse for his actions. Destruction to property, such as fire setting, often is observed.
Use of Illegal Substances
Older children may begin smoking cigarettes and marijuana and using alcohol, which in turn leads to riskier behavior. This behavior continues into adulthood unless intervention is sought by caretakers.
Disregard for Authority
Running away from home often is seen in a young person with sociopathic tendencies. Disregard for parental authority leads to significant problems at home and leaves caregivers unable to effectively discipline the child. Problems with school administrators, teachers and law enforcement also are characteristic.
Other Factors
Children who are diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder typically fit a certain profile. According to the National Mental Health Information Center, this includes having overly harsh or inconsistent parenting, being placed in foster care, having large family size and experiencing physical or sexual abuse, violence in the home and poverty. Another precursor is having other family members with antisocial personality disorder or substance abuse problems.
Prognosis
Without early intervention, this condition can lead to incarceration, substance abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, rape and even suicide or homicide. While there is no way to prevent antisocial personality disorder, early intervention may address the underlying issues that are causing the misbehavior and slow down the disorder's progression.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- National Mental Health Information Center: Children's Mental Health Facts:Children and Adolescents with Conduct Disorder
- Mayo Clinic: Antisocial Personality Disorder
