Sociopaths and their negative and antisocial behavior are filling up the news more and more each day. This is bad news for everyone because the antisocial behavior that they push on to any and all who are around them causes untold misery and destruction everyday.
Sociopaths, according to Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, is a "pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood. Deceit and manipulation are considered essential features of the disorder."
The diagnostic criteria required for this disorder are disturbing but shed light on a complicated and sometimes, dangerous individual. Several of the diagnostic criteria for a sociopath are the following: failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behavior, deceitfulness, unable to plan ahead, aggressiveness and irritability, no regard for the safety of others, a pattern of irresponsibility, lack of remorse when mistreating another and not having a conscience.
You know you're in the presence of a sociopath when you experience some of the following behavior: constant lying or stealing, does not care if he or she hurts another, inability to hold down a job, unable to maintain long-term goals, has poor behavior controls, difficulties with the law, and aggressive and sometimes violent behavior.
From the National Comorbidity Survey, which uses DSM-III-R criteria, it has been found that 5.8 percent of males and 1.2 percent of females showed evidence of obtaining this disorder.
Causes of this disorder are not entirely clear; however, but biological or genetic factors may play a role.
It seems that if a parent has this disorder, it increases the chance that a daughter or son might have it, also.
It is interesting to note that Bowlby (1944) "saw a connection between antisocial personality disorder and maternal deprivation in the first five years of life." In addition, Glueck (1968) "saw reasons to believe that the mothers of children who developed this personality disorder usually did not discipline their children and showed little affection towards them."
In my experience with sociopaths-been around two of them in my life-- I have found that when possible, it is best to stay away from him or her and deal only with such a person, when absolutely needed.
When dealing with the sociopath, keep the relationship brief, professional and direct. Do not feed into their need for praise, attention or glory. This is what they live on. Avoid arguments but when you need to confront them in any way, keep it brief, direct and unemotional.
Keep in mind that sometimes a sociopath, if they think it will benefit them, will cry, plead for forgiveness and look sorrowful. Don't believe this for a moment! Remember, most sociopaths do not have a conscience and acting remorseful is an act. They can quickly turn on and off their emotions at the drop of a hat!
If the sociopath you're dealing with is a sibling or parent, be on your guard; however, there may come unique times when the door might open for decent, upfront dialogue that could lead to solid resolution and an 'enlightening' moment when he or she may see that their behavior is rude, negative and abusive. This 'enlightening' moment may bring about a better relationship or it may just be another subversive tactic. Let your 'conscience' be your guide. It you feel that they are just 'playing' with your mind, then ignore it and move on but if their behavior improves a bit, be happy with the improvement but continue on with your life, knowing that such improvements are fleeting.
Copyright Ann Star 2009
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