A sociopath is someone who has antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) . Sociopathy is another term for ASPD, and both terms refer to people who have a consistent disregard for rules and social norms and repeated violation of other people’s rights. Sociopaths have little to no conscience, lack empathy, and are self-centered. They may have difficulty engaging appropriately with social norms and may not understand the difference between right and wrong. Sociopaths may also be manipulative, exploitative, or even abusive toward other people. They may have problems with the law, including criminal behavior, and may be hostile, aggressive, violent, or threatening to others. Some common traits of sociopaths include:
- Using intelligence, charm, or charisma to manipulate others
- Not learning from mistakes or punishment
- Lying for personal gain
- Showing a tendency to physical violence and fights
- Generally superficial relationships
- Sometimes, stealing or committing other crimes
- Threatening suicide to manipulate without intention to act
- Sometimes, abusing drugs or alcohol
- Trouble with responsibilities such as a job, paying bills, etc.
Sociopathy can be both a learned condition and one that a person is born with. It is a chronic condition, part of a chronic way in which a person interacts with the world. Sociopaths may have difficulty forming relationships and may ignore social norms. They may also have little empathy and a habit of rationalizing their actions. It is important to note that sociopathy is not an official diagnosis, and the term carries a lot of stigma, particularly for people living with personality disorders. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have sociopathy, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
