Sociopathic behavior, today called antisocial personality disorder, exhibits symptoms caused by a lack of conscience. A 2001 National Institutes of Health study reported that 3.6 percent of Americans, mostly males, have antisocial personality disorder. According to Austin Peay State University (APSU), 65 to 75 percent of incarcerated people fall into this category. Sociopaths are not insane, as they are aware of their actions and the consequences. Common behaviors of sociopaths are summarized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition (DSM-IV).
Failure to Conform to Social Norms
Sociopaths don't believe the rules of society apply to them. That makes it easy for them to engage in behavior considered morally wrong by most people--stealing from others, hurting people or breaking laws are no problem because they disregard right and wrong, the Mayo Clinic states. Because of this, they frequently may end up in legal difficulties due to being socially irresponsible, not paying their bills or neglecting work obligations.
Manipulative Behavior
Sociopaths can be charming, but only as long as it suits their needs. Most sociopaths don't form long-term personal or work relationships. Sociopaths change relationships and jobs frequently, having no loyalty toward either. Sociopaths don't love other people and don't want to be loved themselves; they lack interest in true bonding with another person, APSU explains. They lie to get what they want or merely for the sake of lying. Exaggerated sexuality may be a feature of sociopathic behavior.
Impulsive Behavior
Sociopaths are impulsive; they don't think through their actions. They take risks and can't or don't bother to resist temptation when it crosses their path. Sociopaths are also reckless, not taking their own safety or the safety of others into account. Because they are impulsive, they rarely set long-term goals for themselves.
Aggression
Sociopaths may be aggressive, intimidating or even violent toward others, abusing children or partners. Because they don't take others' feelings into account, they have no guilt over aggression toward them.
Lack of Remorse
Sociopaths are completely egocentric, considering only their own needs and nothing else, so they have no remorse for anything they do that harms another person. Empathy is not a part of a sociopath's makeup. This makes them appear callous and uncaring in situations that would disturb most people.
