Signs a sociopath is dangerous
Antisocial Personality: Are Sociopaths Dangerous?
The lack of remorse, tendency to manipulate, and limited empathy associated with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) may lead to behaviors that could jeopardize the safety of others. But this isn’t always the case.
Antisocial personality disorder is the formal mental health diagnosis for what’s commonly referred to as “sociopathy.” People living with the condition are often labeled “sociopaths.”
ASPD is a cluster B personality disorder characterized by dramatic, impulsive, and erratic behaviors.
Lack of remorse and emotional empathy may be symptoms of an antisocial personality. These symptoms may allow for harmful behaviors and distressing outcomes — for others and the person living with the condition.
The clinical features of sociopathy are typically associated with a higher potential for dangerous behaviors and criminality. It doesn’t mean every person with ASPD is dangerous or engages in destructive behavior.
Sociopaths: “The most dangerous criminal type”
Entertainment media and true crime spotlights have painted a grim picture of antisocial personality disorder.
Fictional antagonists and most-wanted criminals are readily labeled “sociopaths.” This misconception has contributed to a sense of stigma and stereotype about what it means to live with an antisocial personality.
According to Dr. David Tzall, a psychologist from Brooklyn, New York, ASPD exists on a spectrum and not everyone should be labeled “dangerous.”
“It is best to think of personality disorders on spectrums rather than [as] binary,” he says. “We all have ASPD traits, but some of us have them more than others.”
A 2020 study investigating the prevalence of antisocial personality among formerly incarcerated adults suggests the numbers are much lower than once thought — as low as 3%, compared to earlier rates estimated at around 21%.
“Sometimes, we have these [sociopathic] traits and we can use them for appropriate and helpful endeavors rather than hurtful nefarious deeds,” adds Tzall.
Sometimes, people with sociopathy are labeled as dangerous because they may tend to engage in abusive behaviors. The link between antisocial personality and psychological abuse is two-fold, though.
“Studies indicate that childhood trauma or abuse heightens the risk of developing ASPD later in life,” Dr. Harold Hong, a board certified psychiatrist from Raleigh, North Carolina, explains.
Psychological abuse during childhood, also called emotional abuse, may include:
- constant criticism
- rejection
- threats
- withholding affection
- lack of guidance or support
Sociopathy may also have genetic and hereditary contributing factors. However, the combination of inherent and environmental factors appears to heavily influence the development of the condition.
ASPD and adult psychological abuse
While psychological abuse as a child may increase the chances of developing sociopathy, those living with ASPD as adults may also be more likely to engage in emotional abuse.
“People with ASPD may be more likely to engage in psychological abuse since they often lack empathy and may not understand the impact their words and actions have on others,” Hong says. “Since they often relate to the world in a very self-centered way, they may employ abusive tactics to control or manipulate their partners.”
Hong notes that some tactics people with ASPD may engage in include:
- manipulation
- humiliation
- isolation
- gaslighting
- guilt-tripping
- insults
- criticism
Formal symptoms of antisocial personality disorder
Antisocial personality disorder appears in two places on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR).
The classic diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5-TR define ASPD as a long-term pattern of disregard for others and a violation of others’ rights, present since age 15, and indicated by three or more of the following:
- repeated acts of criminality that demonstrate a lack of conformity with social norms and lawful behaviors
- deceitfulness, primarily for personal gain or pleasure
- impulsivity
- aggressiveness and irritability displayed through physical altercations or assaults
- disregard for personal safety or safety of others
- patterns of irresponsibility
- lack of remorse
A diagnosis can only be given if the person is at least 18 years of age, has evidence of conduct disorder before age 15, and behaviors are not seen exclusively during episodes of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
The Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders is included in section III of the DSM-5-TR and offers an accepted, flexible approach to diagnosing personality disorders.
In this model, antisocial personality is assessed as a moderate or great impairment in personality function, noted in two or more of the following areas:
- identity (self-esteem is gained through personal power or pleasure)
- self-direction (goal setting comes from personal gratification and nonconformity with lawful or ethical behavior)
- empathy (a lack of concern for needs, feelings, or suffering of others)
- intimacy (inability to create mutually intimate relationships; the use of exploitation as a primary means of interacting with others)
Six or more of the following personality traits must also be identified:
- manipulativeness
- deceitfulness
- callousness
- impulsivity
- risk-taking
- hostility
- irresponsibility
ASPD may also manifest “with psychopathic features.
” This indicates higher levels of detachment, lower chance of empathy, and emotional stability.
Talking about low empathy and remorse doesn’t necessarily mean these are absent in someone with sociopathy.
Tzall explains that, because ASPD can be modeled on a spectrum, these can be present at some level.
Types of empathy
Different models of empathy exist, but many experts agree on two basic principles:
Emotional empathy: The ability to feel someone’s emotions as if they were your own.
Cognitive empathy: The ability to understand and recognize emotions.
If you live with ASPD, you may be able to experience cognitive empathy more than emotional empathy.
“People with ASPD certainly can have remorse,” says Tzall. “When we talk about a real lack of remorse, it is more about those who are considered psychopaths.”
The term “psychopath” is the nonmedical word often used to describe antisocial personality with psychopathic features.
This subtype of ASPD affects approximately 1.2% of the population.
“[Psychopaths] are typically disregardful and callous toward others, which puts them at high risk for crossing social boundaries and breaking the law,” Hong says.
Lack of remorse: Sociopaths vs. narcissists
Hong notes it can be challenging to distinguish between narcissistic personality and sociopathy. Both conditions are grouped under “cluster B” and may have overlapping traits.
“Both are characterized by a lack of empathy, selfishness, and a disregard for the rights of others,” he explains.
According to the DSM-5-TR, one of the primary differences between antisocial personality and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is that NPD does not typically involve a high chance of aggression or impulsivity.
If you’re living with NPD, you may have a higher need for admiration and praise. This isn’t the case in ASPD.
“People with NPD may be more likely to engage in grandiose behavior and have an inflated sense of self-importance, while those with ASPD may be more likely to act out in criminal or abusive ways,” states Hong.
“I’d like to stress, however, that not all people with either disorder will engage in abusive or criminal behavior.”
While living with ASPD may make someone more prone to unlawful actions or ones that violate the rights of others, it’s estimated only a small percentage of convicted criminals live with sociopathy.
Violence is also not exclusive to ASPD. A 2019 study notes paranoid schizophrenia is most often linked to violent behaviors.
Living with ASPD, or any mental health condition, doesn’t mean someone will become a criminal or hurt others. ASPD can exist on a spectrum and may never lead to dangerous behaviors.
Antisocial Personality: Are Sociopaths Dangerous?
The lack of remorse, tendency to manipulate, and limited empathy associated with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) may lead to behaviors that could jeopardize the safety of others. But this isn’t always the case.
Antisocial personality disorder is the formal mental health diagnosis for what’s commonly referred to as “sociopathy.
” People living with the condition are often labeled “sociopaths.”
ASPD is a cluster B personality disorder characterized by dramatic, impulsive, and erratic behaviors.
Lack of remorse and emotional empathy may be symptoms of an antisocial personality. These symptoms may allow for harmful behaviors and distressing outcomes — for others and the person living with the condition.
The clinical features of sociopathy are typically associated with a higher potential for dangerous behaviors and criminality. It doesn’t mean every person with ASPD is dangerous or engages in destructive behavior.
Sociopaths: “The most dangerous criminal type”
Entertainment media and true crime spotlights have painted a grim picture of antisocial personality disorder.
Fictional antagonists and most-wanted criminals are readily labeled “sociopaths.” This misconception has contributed to a sense of stigma and stereotype about what it means to live with an antisocial personality.
According to Dr. David Tzall, a psychologist from Brooklyn, New York, ASPD exists on a spectrum and not everyone should be labeled “dangerous.”
“It is best to think of personality disorders on spectrums rather than [as] binary,” he says. “We all have ASPD traits, but some of us have them more than others.”
A 2020 study investigating the prevalence of antisocial personality among formerly incarcerated adults suggests the numbers are much lower than once thought — as low as 3%, compared to earlier rates estimated at around 21%.
“Sometimes, we have these [sociopathic] traits and we can use them for appropriate and helpful endeavors rather than hurtful nefarious deeds,” adds Tzall.
Sometimes, people with sociopathy are labeled as dangerous because they may tend to engage in abusive behaviors. The link between antisocial personality and psychological abuse is two-fold, though.
“Studies indicate that childhood trauma or abuse heightens the risk of developing ASPD later in life,” Dr.
Harold Hong, a board certified psychiatrist from Raleigh, North Carolina, explains.
Psychological abuse during childhood, also called emotional abuse, may include:
- constant criticism
- rejection
- threats
- withholding affection
- lack of guidance or support
Sociopathy may also have genetic and hereditary contributing factors. However, the combination of inherent and environmental factors appears to heavily influence the development of the condition.
ASPD and adult psychological abuse
While psychological abuse as a child may increase the chances of developing sociopathy, those living with ASPD as adults may also be more likely to engage in emotional abuse.
“People with ASPD may be more likely to engage in psychological abuse since they often lack empathy and may not understand the impact their words and actions have on others,” Hong says. “Since they often relate to the world in a very self-centered way, they may employ abusive tactics to control or manipulate their partners.
”
Hong notes that some tactics people with ASPD may engage in include:
- manipulation
- humiliation
- isolation
- gaslighting
- guilt-tripping
- insults
- criticism
Formal symptoms of antisocial personality disorder
Antisocial personality disorder appears in two places on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR).
The classic diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5-TR define ASPD as a long-term pattern of disregard for others and a violation of others’ rights, present since age 15, and indicated by three or more of the following:
- repeated acts of criminality that demonstrate a lack of conformity with social norms and lawful behaviors
- deceitfulness, primarily for personal gain or pleasure
- impulsivity
- aggressiveness and irritability displayed through physical altercations or assaults
- disregard for personal safety or safety of others
- patterns of irresponsibility
- lack of remorse
A diagnosis can only be given if the person is at least 18 years of age, has evidence of conduct disorder before age 15, and behaviors are not seen exclusively during episodes of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
The Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders is included in section III of the DSM-5-TR and offers an accepted, flexible approach to diagnosing personality disorders.
In this model, antisocial personality is assessed as a moderate or great impairment in personality function, noted in two or more of the following areas:
- identity (self-esteem is gained through personal power or pleasure)
- self-direction (goal setting comes from personal gratification and nonconformity with lawful or ethical behavior)
- empathy (a lack of concern for needs, feelings, or suffering of others)
- intimacy (inability to create mutually intimate relationships; the use of exploitation as a primary means of interacting with others)
Six or more of the following personality traits must also be identified:
- manipulativeness
- deceitfulness
- callousness
- impulsivity
- risk-taking
- hostility
- irresponsibility
ASPD may also manifest “with psychopathic features.
” This indicates higher levels of detachment, lower chance of empathy, and emotional stability.
Talking about low empathy and remorse doesn’t necessarily mean these are absent in someone with sociopathy.
Tzall explains that, because ASPD can be modeled on a spectrum, these can be present at some level.
Types of empathy
Different models of empathy exist, but many experts agree on two basic principles:
Emotional empathy: The ability to feel someone’s emotions as if they were your own.
Cognitive empathy: The ability to understand and recognize emotions.
If you live with ASPD, you may be able to experience cognitive empathy more than emotional empathy.
“People with ASPD certainly can have remorse,” says Tzall. “When we talk about a real lack of remorse, it is more about those who are considered psychopaths.”
The term “psychopath” is the nonmedical word often used to describe antisocial personality with psychopathic features.
This subtype of ASPD affects approximately 1.2% of the population.
“[Psychopaths] are typically disregardful and callous toward others, which puts them at high risk for crossing social boundaries and breaking the law,” Hong says.
Lack of remorse: Sociopaths vs. narcissists
Hong notes it can be challenging to distinguish between narcissistic personality and sociopathy. Both conditions are grouped under “cluster B” and may have overlapping traits.
“Both are characterized by a lack of empathy, selfishness, and a disregard for the rights of others,” he explains.
According to the DSM-5-TR, one of the primary differences between antisocial personality and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is that NPD does not typically involve a high chance of aggression or impulsivity.
If you’re living with NPD, you may have a higher need for admiration and praise. This isn’t the case in ASPD.
“People with NPD may be more likely to engage in grandiose behavior and have an inflated sense of self-importance, while those with ASPD may be more likely to act out in criminal or abusive ways,” states Hong.
“I’d like to stress, however, that not all people with either disorder will engage in abusive or criminal behavior.”
While living with ASPD may make someone more prone to unlawful actions or ones that violate the rights of others, it’s estimated only a small percentage of convicted criminals live with sociopathy.
Violence is also not exclusive to ASPD. A 2019 study notes paranoid schizophrenia is most often linked to violent behaviors.
Living with ASPD, or any mental health condition, doesn’t mean someone will become a criminal or hurt others. ASPD can exist on a spectrum and may never lead to dangerous behaviors.
9 signs that you are a sociopath
He has no conscience, he lies and does not blush, he does not blush at all, except perhaps from wine, but never from guilt. Do you know such a person? Congratulations. Although, however, there is nothing: most likely, you happened to meet a sociopath, and before it’s too late, run away from him. You won't like talking to him.
Sociopathy is a dissocial personality disorder that can affect anyone: your neighbor, boss, girlfriend, husband, child, police officer, and so on. The disorder is not congenital: if a psychopath is to be born, then sociopathy is the result of childhood trauma, perhaps even abuse, physical or emotional. nine0003
"Suffer" is not quite the right word: sociopaths don't suffer from their disorder at all. But those around you get it. Because sociopaths do not put them in a penny, they live for their own pleasure, and nothing will force them to at least look at their behavior from the outside.
Cold, sinisterly attractive, unaware of doubts and remorse, fearless and ready to take risks, these people are dangerous to others. But it is rather difficult to understand: sociopaths are so charming that it is easy to fall in love with them, to see a teacher, a guru, a savior of the fatherland. And only when your life is destroyed or at least turned upside down, you will start to look around and ask what it was.
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The biggest problem with a sociopath is that they are hard to recognize.
More precisely, it is easy to misunderstand him: not knowing how to experience such feelings as love, compassion, shame, guilt, they know very well how to show them.
These are excellent actors: not every psychiatrist will be able to accurately determine the first time that he is a sociopath. What can we say about us mere mortals.
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The easiest way to confuse a sociopath is with a narcissist - a charming, narcissistic idiot who endlessly flaunts in front of a mirror and posts selfies (according to a study conducted in 2015 at Ohio State University, men who often take selfies and select them for social networks are prone to narcissism) .
But wait. A sociopath is not an idiot at all.
And he may have plans for you.
In 2005, American psychologist Martha Stout wrote a book that has become a classic, The Sociopath Next Door. In it, she clearly explains how high our chances are to suffer from the actions of sociopaths - because these are not movie characters. nine0003
Sociopaths often become criminals - but much more often their lack of conscience leads them to power.
And they begin to manage other people's lives in a way that suits them. To do this, you do not even need to declare yourself a guru or become the founder of a sect.
9 signs that you are at the mercy of a sociopath
1. He is charming
Sociopaths have a special attraction - and people who need to be nurtured and guided like to be around such a strong, powerful person. This calms them down, gives them confidence in the future. nine0003
In addition, sociopaths are often sexually attractive. By the way, they use it: promiscuity is one of the hallmarks of a sociopath.
2. He is unpredictable
And this distinguishes him from his psychopathic brother, with whom he is easily mistaken. Both do not experience emotions.
But if a psychopath is inclined to build and implement his plans in cold blood, then a sociopath is capable of spontaneous, inexplicable, often risky actions.
He can break the rules and go beyond the accepted. nine0003
3. He does not feel shame, regret or guilt
And it is pointless to be offended by them for this: they are simply arranged in such a way that such feelings are unknown to them. Because of this, alas, they can, without a twinge of conscience, betray, lie, intrigue, threaten - in general, harm other people in every possible way.
They act solely in their own interests - and because of this they often succeed in business and politics.
4. He likes to brag
More precisely, to exaggerate the significance of one's achievements or the exclusivity of one's experience.
When telling a story from his life, a sociopath dramatizes events, embellishing, exaggerating, inventing colorful details - but at the same time he sounds extremely convincing.
5. He must win at any cost
It is better not to compete with such a person at all: in any situation he needs to win, and he will not disdain any means. This is a desperate debater who always wins, and if he is caught in a lie, he will dodge to the end, but will never admit it. nine0003
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6. He is very smart
High intelligence is rare, and it is especially offensive that sociopaths use their intellectual abilities to cheat and manipulate other people.
7. He doesn't love anyone
A sociopath is incapable of experiencing love. He can imitate it: he knows the right words and movements - so you don’t even know that, in fact, he is completely cold.
But in fact, he does not know what love, empathy or sympathy is.
8. He never apologizes
And no wonder, we already understood that he does not feel guilty. So why empty words, some kind of apology? For what? Even when he is caught by the hand or pushed against the wall, he does not admit that he was wrong. On the contrary, he goes on the attack. nine0003
Try to directly and convincingly accuse him of something, giving evidence and examples. In response, he will attack you with accusations, stating that you specifically want to denigrate him and are probably already weaving a secret conspiracy.
9. He often presents himself as a knight with high moral principles
In fact, he can be a swindler, a deceiver, even a thief, but in words it always turns out that he is desperately fighting for the truth. He imagines himself almost the only person thanks to whom the world has not yet collapsed. nine0003
In work groups, sociopaths often provoke conflicts, pit people against each other, and declare themselves to be saviors, ready to keep the company from disintegration and ruin.
What not to do when communicating with a sociopath
You probably already figured out who the sociopath is in your environment, and you were scared enough. The worst thing about this story is that you can't change a sociopath. It remains to understand what to do if, for example, it is impossible to completely avoid communication. Or at least - what not to do, as M.I. suggests in his blog Sociopath World. Thomas, author of Confessions of a Sociopath (Confessions of a Sociopath), published in the US in 2014. nine0003
Remember what doesn't work when dealing with a sociopath:
1. Accusations and counter-accusations
Trying to blame a sociopath will only lead to a scandal, from which you will come out, having failed.
2. Emotions
Sociopaths are not at all interested in hearing about how you feel about their behavior. Never show emotion or raise your voice in an argument with such a person.
3. Threats and ultimatums
Any pressure, including emotional pressure, is perceived by the sociopath as a challenge, as part of the game, and immediately joins the competition.
Which is guaranteed to win.
4. Reasoning about good and evil
Don't try to judge what is good and what is bad, the sociopath doesn't know, which means he doesn't care.
7 signs of a sociopath | PSYCHOLOGIES
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Man among men Know thyself Practices how to
According to the American Psychiatric Association, three out of a hundred men are sociopaths. About 70% of them grew up without a father, 30% were born out of wedlock. It seems that a difficult childhood may be one of the reasons, but you should not write down as monsters everyone who was raised by a single mother or who was not a wanted child. Pay attention to the features in behavior that give out a sociopath in a person.
1. He is too charming
He always says exactly what you want to hear. You are ready to agree to any of his proposals, because his smile and charm cannot be resisted. Do you know such a character? Stay away from him, there is a high probability that this is not a prince on a white horse, but a real sociopath.
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They are incredibly charismatic and seem very sexy to women
This does not mean that all sexy and charismatic men are sociopaths. But if these qualities come with the habit of saying things that “hook” you, you should be wary.
2. He is never ashamed
These people are incapable of feeling guilty for their actions, even the worst ones. Therefore, they are dangerous, lack of conscience makes them capable of anything.
“Many people with antisocial personality disorder have no conscience, but not all,” explains psychiatrist Donald Black. “But this statement is true of all psychopaths, which makes them extremely dangerous. When a person does not feel remorse, he can carry out any terrible thought that comes to his mind. nine0003
3. He has no close relationships
Friends, family, colleagues are either absent from his life, or relations with them are filled with quarrels and scandals.
It's not that no one is able to understand his mysterious and complex nature, it's that it is very difficult for them to build long-lasting emotional bonds. Therefore, from a person who does not get along with anyone and blames everyone but himself for this, it is better to run away. Until he messed up your life too.
4. He manipulates others
Such a person is looking for an opportunity to gain and will do anything to get his own way. He no doubt uses and sets others up to achieve his goal. This may manifest itself in different ways. For example, if a person is constantly trying to convince you of some issue, think about his motives. And if you suddenly notice that in his company you are changing your behavior a lot, and not for the better, think about stopping communication.
5. He is rude and aggressive
Sociopaths are insensitive and cruel. Some do not even hide their aggressiveness and propensity for physical and emotional violence. They don't care about others, even those they keep to themselves.
It seems amazing how they can be both brutal and charming at the same time. As a rule, they use charm at the initial stage of communication to get you caught, and only then show their true colors, making you unhappy and insecure. nine0003
6. He makes up a fantastic lie
Imagine that a friend came back from fishing and started boasting that he had caught a meter long pike, although it was a small fish. This does not count as a fantastic lie.
Sociopaths do not lie about trifles and do not confuse randomly insignificant data - their lies are large and cumbersome
They literally live in a world of endless lies that replace reality for them. They lie about their experiences and the incredible events that allegedly happened to them in order to look better, smarter, more interesting. They also often lie about their health in order to play on the pity of others and get a benefit. nine0003
7. He never asks for forgiveness
Sociopaths are convinced that they are always right.
