Sociopaths individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, a chronic mental illness characterized as having dysfunctional thinking, according to Mayo Clinic. They often are thought of as mass murderers or animal torturers. Although this is commonly the case, there are several other complex personality characteristics that make up the traits of a sociopath.
Violation of Others
Individuals with antisocial personality disorder often violate the rights of others, starting at an early age and continuing into adulthood, according to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-IV-TR). They do not care about the thoughts, wishes, rights or feelings of others, the Mayo Clinic explains. Sociopaths often show little remorse for their behaviors, blame others for their behavior, do not ask for forgiveness and provide shallow rationalization for having hurt someone. They lack empathy and tend to be cynical and coldhearted but at the same time have inflated self-esteem and are arrogant.
Aggression and Deceit
Sociopaths are aggressive as children and adults. They often destroy property, get into fights and harass others and animals and are known as people who torture animals as a child. According to the DSM-IV-TR, sociopaths often are convicted of assault, including spouse and child beating, and are more likely than the general population to die of violent means and spend many years in jail. According to Mayo Clinic, deceit and manipulation are key aspects of a sociopath's personality. They often use deceit, con others or lie to gain power or personal profit.
Societal Norms
Sociopaths violate social norms on a constant basis, starting in childhood, the DSM-IV-TR reports. They do not follow the rules of society and often engage in activities that are grounds for arrest. An example of this is stealing or pursuing illegal occupations. They often have multiple sexual partners and do not engage in monogamous relationships. Sociopaths make poor parents, as they often neglect or abuse their children, according to Mayo Clinic.
Impulsivity
According to the DSM-IV-TR, sociopaths often make bad judgments and decisions; they are irresponsible, impulsive and do not think things through. They do not think of the consequences of others or themselves. Examples of this are sudden changes in job, residences or relationships as well as financial irresponsibility. Sociopaths engage in reckless and unsafe behavior, such as unsafe sex, driving under the influence or substance use.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision" American Psychiatric Association, 2000.
- Mayo Clinic: Antisocial Personality Disorder Symptoms
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