Sociopath characteristics test
Do I Have Antisocial Personality Disorder? (ASPD)
Personality DisordersPersonality Disorders
Do you have a persistent disregard for the feelings of others? Do you lack empathy? Take this assessment to learn more about this mental health condition.
Medical ReviewerRandy Bressler, PsyD
Who Is This Antisocial Personality Disorder Quiz For?
Below is a list of questions that relate to life experiences common among people diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder—a mental health condition characterized by a persistent disregard for the feelings of others and a lack of empathy. Please read each question carefully and indicate whether you have experienced these thoughts or behaviors since the age of 15.
How Accurate Is It?
The quiz questions were derived using the DSM-5 Criteria for the Personality Disorders, established by the American Psychiatric Association (2013). This quiz and the results are NOT diagnostic tools or a substitute for a formal diagnosis. Only a licensed mental health professional or doctor can provide a formal diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder.
Psycom believes assessments can be a valuable first step toward getting treatment. All too often people stop short of seeking help out of fear their concerns aren't legitimate or severe enough to warrant professional intervention.
Mental Health Resources
The American Psychiatric Association has a comprehensive guide on help with personality disorders, for patients and their families. Learn about the 10 specific types, symptoms and treatment.
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) offers contact information for several groups who can assist with finding treatment, financial assistance and advocacy services.
The Personality Disorders Awareness Network (PDAN) has compiled a list of international organizations that can help.
Cleveland Clinic offers research on Antisocial Personality Disorder including symptoms and causes, prevention and outlook/prognosis.
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Antisocial Personality Disorder FAQs
How common is antisocial personality disorder?
About 1% of females and 3% of males have antisocial personality disorder (so the prevalence in men is about triple that in women). The disorder is characterized by a history of conduct problems as a child, a lack of moral or ethical development, an inability to follow approved models of behavior, deceitfulness, and the shameless manipulation of others.1
At what age can antisocial personality disorder be diagnosed?
Usually, antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed anywhere from age 16 to 18 or older, says Naftali Berrill, PhD, director of the New York Center for Neuropsychology and Forensic Behavioral Science in Glen Head, New York.
Often, he says, a person with antisocial personality disorder will have oppositional defiance disorder (ODD) in childhood, followed by conduct disorder during the teen years.
“People who are diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder almost always had these two conditions [ODD and conduct disorder] when they were younger,” agrees Steven Hollon, PhD, the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Psychology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. “I don’t like diagnosing a personality disorder until someone is through adolescence, but people who had a problem with delinquency as teenagers or were in a lot of trouble as kids are at a higher risk for antisocial personality disorder.”
The criteria for being diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder are in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).
What do you call a person diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder?
Years ago, people with antisocial personality disorder were called psychopaths or sociopaths, says Steven Hollon, PhD, the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Psychology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
These days, those names are no longer used by health professionals to describe people with antisocial personality disorder.
While people with antisocial personality disorder do not always get into legal trouble, they do tend to be cold and manipulative. Individuals diagnosed with the disorder often end up with criminal records. This is because they often violate the law and behave violently or impulsively. They often have problems with alcohol or drug use as well.2
What is the diagnostic precursor to antisocial personality disorder?
The precursor to antisocial personality disorder can be having oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) as a child, says Naftali Berrill, PhD, director of the New York Center for Neuropsychology and Forensic Behavioral Science in Glen Head, New York. “It’s much more than just mischief,” he says. “The person might break a neighbor’s car window because the neighbor scolded them the day before. They may have a penchant for cruelty.
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What's the best way to deal with people diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder?
It really depends on how severe the case is, says Naftali Berrill, PhD, director of the New York Center for Neuropsychology and Forensic Behavioral Science in Glen Head, New York. “The literature has both benign and malignant types of antisocial personality disorder,” he says. “In benign cases, the person might just be a slick liar. You can call them out if you feel they are lying or manipulating. The malignant ones are the ones that get involved in serious crimes. It can be quite scary.”
Is antisocial personality disorder treatable?
It is very difficult to treat, says Steven Hollon, PhD, the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Psychology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. “If the person goes for treatment, they act in a way that can make you think they are responding to treatment,” he says. “They always think of themselves as smarter than everyone around them.
They see the therapist as not being as smart as they are.”
A person with antisocial personality disorder typically does a very good job of acting like they are getting better, Hollon explains. “But then they turn around and do something awful as soon as they think they can get away with it,” he says.
Another reason it can be difficult to treat this disorder is because the person often doesn’t see that they have a problem, explains Rudy Nydegger, PhD, professor emeritus of psychology and management at Union College and chief of the Division of Psychology at Ellis Hospital, both in Schenectady, New York. “They think the problem is with the people around them,” he says. “If the person wants help, it is treatable.” Very few people with this personality disorder respond to medication, he says.
Can antisocial personality disorder be prevented?
Dealing with conduct disorder (also known as oppositional defiant disorder or ODD) when the person is a child and teenager is important, says Steven Hollon, PhD, the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Psychology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
“What works here is ‘response cost,’ which means the person loses privileges or something they like very much when they are engaging in oppositional behavior,” he explains. “This works much better than punishment."
In addition, Hollon says, it is very important to identify early on children who have ODD and offer training to their parents.
What is the difference between avoidant personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder?
Antisocial personality disorder is more serious than avoidant personality disorder, says Naftali Berrill, PhD, director of the New York Center for Neuropsychology and Forensic Behavioral Science in Glen Head, New York. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder break rules, lack empathy, tend to show no remorse, and may even appear to enjoy manipulating other people. In contrast, people with avoidant personality disorder don’t typically break rules and tend to be shy and inhibited.
- Hooley, Nock, and Butcher.
Abnormal Psychology, 18th Edition. Chapter 10: Personality Disorders. 2020. - The Mayo Clinic. Antisocial Personality Disorder. Accessed June 15, 2021.
Notes: This article was originally published December 3, 2018 and most recently updated November 11, 2021.
Randy Bressler, PsyD
Dr. Randy Bressler specializes in the treatment and evaluation of children, adolescents, and adults who experience challenges relating to depression, anxiety, ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, autistic spectrum disorders, psychosis, learning disabilities, and/or substance abuse.
Do I Have Antisocial Personality Disorder?
This quiz can’t replace a clinical diagnosis. Remember that sociopath is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a term for antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). If you believe you might have ASPD or another condition after taking this test, consider reaching out to a qualified professional about your symptoms.
Sociopath is a pop-culture term used to describe someone living with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), but this term is not considered an actual disorder.
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition — a personality disorder in cluster B — that features a pattern of behavior characterized by a persistent disregard for how others feel. Other symptoms of ASPD include a lack of empathy and neglect of social rules and social norms.
If you think you may have ASPD, this quiz can serve as a starting point for determining whether what you’re experiencing are symptoms of this condition and whether an evaluation by a mental health professional might be beneficial.
This short, free antisocial personality disorder test is meant for anyone who thinks they may benefit from an evaluation for ASPD.
The statements in this quiz can help you figure out whether you might need the support of a mental health professional for the symptoms you’ve been experiencing.
A therapist can also help you determine if your issues may be a symptom of a different mental health condition and recommend a treatment plan if necessary.
This online screening tool is based on the symptoms of antisocial personality disorder listed in the DSM-5. But it’s not intended to be a diagnostic tool. It will not guarantee that you may be diagnosed with ASPD.
Only a licensed mental health professional or trained medical doctor can give you a diagnosis and help you figure out the next best steps for you.
If you think a partner, friend, or family member may be living with ASPD, you can take this quiz on behalf of them as well.
Keep in mind that the results may not be as accurate because they’re based on your perception of them and not their direct personal experience.
How does a sociopath act?
People with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) may show signs of irritability, irresponsibility, persistent lying, using charm to manipulate others, arrogance, and acting impulsively, among other symptoms. Everyone experiences personality disorders differently, so one person with ASPD may behave differently than another.
What is the test for a sociopath?
To receive an antisocial personality disorder diagnosis, you’ll receive a series of mental health evaluations by a trained professional. If you’re curious about whether or not you may have sociopathic tendencies or live with ASPD, consider speaking with a therapist or doctor to learn more. In the meantime, you can take a free online test like this one.
Is antisocial personality disorder treatable?
Yes, you can manage antisocial personality disorder. Your first step to treating ASPD is receiving a diagnosis by undergoing evaluations with a professional. Once you receive a diagnosis, you can work together with a doctor or therapist to come up with a treatment plan of therapy, medication, or other options that are best for you.
Can a sociopath fall in love?
Yes, people who live with ASPD can and do fall in love. Like other human beings, they’re capable of building bonds and being in romantic relationships. But they may experience unique challenges in relationships or use love in different, more selfish ways.
Which is worse, psychopath or sociopath?
There is no hierarchy of mental health conditions. A person’s mental health and related behaviors may impact individuals in unique ways, but being a “psychopath” or “sociopath” is neither good nor bad. This language can be stigmatizing and cause harm to loved ones and people diagnosed with ASPD.
3 Minute Sociopathy Test
Instructions: Below you will find statements describing the symptoms of sociopathy (antisocial personality disorder). Please read all of the following statements carefully and indicate to what extent they apply to you.
3 Minute Sociopathy Test (IDR-3MST) developed by IDRlabs. The IDR-3MST is based on scientific papers and provides information for educational purposes only. This test is in no way affiliated with any particular psychopathology research or institution.
The IDRlabs 3-Minute Sociopathy Test is based on research by Associate Professor of Psychology Michael Levinson, FBI Advisor Robert Hare and many others.
For more information on sociopathy (also called psychopathy, antisocial personality disorder), please refer to the following works: Levenson, M.R., Kiehl, K.A, Fitzpatrick, C.M. (1995). Assessing psychopathic attributes in a noninstitutionalized population. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 68, 151-158. Miller, J.D., Gaughan, E.T., and Pryor, L.R. (2008). The Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale. An Examination of the Personality Traits and Disorders Associated With the LSRP Factors. Assessment, 15, 450-463. And: Sellbom, M. (2011). Elaborating on the construct validity of the Levenson self-report psychopathy scale in incarcerated and non-incarcerated samples. Law and Human Behavior, 35, 440-451.
The work of Dr. Levinson and Dr. Hare has also formed the basis of several other well-known screening tests, such as the Psychopathy Test and the Psychopathy Test, which are available on our website. All of these tests are intended for clinical use by qualified mental health professionals.
Our test provides information for educational purposes only. IDRlabs and this Sociopathy Symptom Test are in no way affiliated with the above researchers, organizations or institutions.
The 3-minute sociopathy test is based on established and well-established work for the clinical assessment of symptoms of sociopathy, also referred to as psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder. However, please note that all free online tests like this one are for informational purposes only and will not be able to determine your symptoms with absolute accuracy and certainty. Therefore, our test provides information for educational purposes only. Detailed information about your mental state can only be provided by a certified specialist.
As the authors of this free online test to determine if you are prone to sociopathy or similar personality disorders, we have made every effort to ensure that this test is reliable and valid through numerous checks and statistical data control.
However, free online tests like this provide information "as is" and should not be construed as providing professional or certified advice of any kind. For more information about our online tests, please see our Terms of Service.
Sociopathy test | Pass online for free
Did you manage to get what you wanted from your parents as a child, even if they were against it?
No, I understood from childhood that not everything can be mine just by my desire.
Sometimes I managed to persuade my relatives, but usually not.
Almost always. Since childhood, I have had an unearthly charm and a loud voice
Have you ever had the interests of two friends or girlfriends clash for your own benefit?
Many times. Nothing, as they quarreled, they will reconcile.
No, there are more human ways to achieve the goal.
It happened, but it was necessary to get what you wanted.
Imagine that you have found someone's bag. It turned out to be a very large amount of money, which is enough for you to start a new easy life in another country.
It also contained documents showing that this money was collected for the treatment of orphans with cancer. Nobody knows about your find. What will you do? Be honest with yourself.
What is the question? The lives of unfortunate kids with the hardest fate are at stake.
I will return the bag, of course, but for a substantial fee. And there is nothing shameful in this - they will write about it in the newspapers anyway.
I will take this episode and delete it from my memory. People are always getting sick and dying, I don't understand why I should worry about it - such is life!
Have you ever been detained and brought to the police station?
It happened once or twice. Alcohol is to blame, usually I have no problems with the law.
And more than once. My militia takes care of me - first they put me in jail, and then they guard me.
God, of course not. I don't even go to rallies because it's illegal!
How often do you lie?
Sometimes, when deception is indispensable.
Words are just tools, there is no lie or truth.
Scientists have long proved that a person lies every day. I am no exception.
Imagine the following situation: the ship crashed and you, along with some other passengers, escaped to a desert island. Among them are the wounded who need help. Food supplies are running out. You walk along the coast in search of something to eat and meet armed natives. They set a condition for you - you give them all the women voluntarily and they give you a boat. What will you do?
After much hesitation, I agree. So everyone will be able to save life - both me and women. After all, they won’t devour them, in the end, will they? I'll get to sushi and come back with help.
Only if boat with sail. And surely the natives have pearls?
I'll run and tell the rest of the survivors. Together we will be able to repel the aggressors.
Have you ever failed to repay debts?
Of course not. Weird question!
Sometimes I returned at the wrong time, but I always returned.
After all, Lannisters always pay their debts.
Life is bad without sucker. To whom I owe - I forgive everyone!
It so happened that you and your friend have chosen the same object of sympathy. What will you do?
I'll get out of the way - that's the law. The third must leave...
Let the object of sympathy determine itself!
I live in order to live happily! And for this, all means are good. I will not tolerate competition!
Are you subject to frequent mood swings?
Only if something unsettled me.
Yes, this is my characteristic.
No, it's not so easy to spoil my mood
Have you ever intentionally damaged someone else's property out of revenge or for other reasons?
Only as a response - a tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye!
Of course. And what will it be for me? Nothing.
No! Revenge is a dish best eaten cold.
Do you like to drink?
When meeting friends and girlfriends, I can afford to relax
I like to drink.
The main thing in this business is my desire.
I would happily skip a glass or even a bottle. The main thing is with whom.
Be honest with yourself - Do you know remorse?
Yes. It is unbearably ashamed of their words or deeds.
What is the use of repenting for what has already happened? We must move on.
No, if I did what I did, then it was impossible to do otherwise.
Mentally healthy person
You are clearly not a sociopath. Perhaps you have a certain spirit of rebellion and you are able to go against the system, but certainly not for your own benefit. Emotions and respect are not an empty phrase for you, which people close to you will surely be able to confirm. You will never lie just for the sake of lying, and pangs of conscience are familiar to you firsthand. Yes, sometimes you can afford to be a little irresponsible, but not pathologically and up to a certain limit - as long as your irresponsibility does not cause anyone problems.
Signs of mild maladjustment and minor personality disorder
You are still not a sociopath, but it is difficult to call you a kind person either. You know exactly what you want and woe to the one who gets in your way. On the way to your dream, you are capable of many things and generally accepted norms will not hold you back. The end almost always justifies the means for you. But, nevertheless, nothing human is alien to you and there are boundaries that you will never cross. For example, you will never betray a person close to you or who unconditionally trusted you. Not because it is not accepted in society, but because it contradicts your inner code.
Signs of moderate to severe personality disorder
You are a dangerous person. You yourself know this very well. You learned to intrigue and manipulate almost before you could move around on your own. You have a sharp mind and excellent memory, you are inventive, resourceful and cruel. You always know the most vulnerable places of those around you and can both inspire them and destroy them - depending on what will be more profitable for you at a certain point in time.
