Who is a sociopath and how is he different from a psychopath?

Sociopathy (dissocial personality disorder) is a term that has recently appeared in psychiatry and denotes a persistent disturbance of a person’s character, which complicates his social adaptation, accompanied by a disregard for foundations and norms. Literally it can be translated as “socio” - society, “pathia” - disease. Literally, sociopathy is “a social disease, a violation of relationships with people.” Sociopaths are distinguished by aggressive behavior, bad character, and inability to build relationships with others. Today, the term “sociopathy” is fashionable thanks to various films and TV series about heroes who “go beyond” social rules. During the development of domestic psychiatry and psychology, scientists used another term: “psychopathy.” Within this disorder, their types are distinguished according to different classifications, but the following characteristics remain the same:

• persistence of manifestations of violation (they do not go away);
• totality (the violation affects the entire personality as a whole, and not individual mental functions);
• violation of social adaptation.

The line separating psychopathy and sociopathy is very arbitrary. And it lies in the origin of the disorder (etiology). Psychopathy is traditionally considered more of a congenital disorder, in which there are specific features in the structure of the brain and/or disruption of biochemical and metabolic processes that cause behavioral problems. Sociopathy has more social causes in origin - a destructive family, chronic psychotrauma, deprivation of affection and care in early childhood, a distorted type of upbringing, etc.

Etiology of sociopathy

There is no consensus among doctors and scientists about why sociopathy occurs. Experts name the following causes of the disorder:

• heredity;
• mistakes in education;
• problems in society;
• copying the behavior of a person suffering from this illness: imitation of an individual who is in a close environment - family or friends.

As a rule, the reasons act in combination, “layering” on each other, so it is extremely difficult to single out one factor.

Types of Sociopaths

Individuals with dissocial disorder are divided into two types:

1. Passive.
2. Active.

The first type includes calm and silent people, characterized by good behavior due to fear of being punished. Such individuals are aware of the consequences of their actions and restrain themselves. A provoked individual of the passive type behaves very violently. This type adapts more easily to society, and psychotherapy in this case is more effective. The active type cannot restrain himself. Such people want to attract everyone's attention and are characterized by conflict, fights and aggression.

Treatment of sociopathic disorder in Moscow

Treating sociopathic disorder is difficult. The problem is that people with this diagnosis do not consider themselves sick, and therefore do not seek help on their own. In addition, their illness is not accompanied by negative feelings; those around them suffer more from it. Psychotherapy for sociopathy does not help well, since even if a person feels some kind of inconsistency in himself in comparison with other people, it is not possible to establish a trusting relationship between him and the psychologist. And this condition is extremely necessary for successful work.

People with sociopathic disorder are most often referred to therapy by teachers, employers, or the law. At the same time, the effectiveness of compulsory treatment is extremely low due to lack of motivation. When attempting to contact such a patient, the specialist receives strong resistance.

Visiting self-help groups has a good effect; they bring together people with similar problems, and in this case the person receives understanding and support without judgment. A friendly atmosphere relaxes him and allows him to make contact. It is important that such a group has an experienced organizer who cannot succumb to attempts at manipulation, and the absence of participants who can become followers and be influenced.

Often, with constant contact with a sociopath, relatives suffer; they are subjected to manipulation and cruel treatment, and at the same time they do not see repentance on the part of their loved one. Therefore, it is important for them to also undergo psychotherapy sessions. As a result, they will gain knowledge about what they can do to set boundaries and protect themselves from aggression and anger. The psychologist will advise how to overcome existing problems in the family.

Our clinic has psychotherapists with successful experience in providing assistance for various disorders, including sociopathic disorder. We help a person regain trust and normal relationships with people, colleagues, and close relatives.

For severe impulsivity and concomitant somatic pathologies, anxiety and depression, medications are used. Due to the tendency of patients with sociopathic disorder to form addictions, potent drugs are prescribed for a short period and in minimal doses. Severe aggressiveness can be controlled with lithium drugs. The choice of medications is made by a psychiatrist or psychotherapist.

Manifestation of sociopathy

From the moment of manifestation, sociopathy usually persists throughout the rest of life. A distinctive feature of sociopaths is considered to be destructive behavior towards the environment and towards oneself. Such people often suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, and lead a promiscuous sex life. Individuals with dissocial disorder are unable to plan long-term. Restriction of freedom and suppression of desires are tolerated negatively by them. They may threaten others and use force. Sociopaths are excellent at manipulating other people. Since they do not understand interpersonal relationships and are not afraid to offend or hurt another person, they view others as means to obtain the desired result. Individuals with dissocial disorder always try to dominate others. What others want and feel is of no concern to them. At the beginning of communication, sociopaths leave a good impression. They can behave well and observe standards of decency as long as they feel their own benefit.

How to behave if your loved one is a sociopath

Who is a sociopath: 10 signs of the disorder Photo: Depositphotos
It happens that it is impossible to avoid contact with such people. For example, if the sociopath is a close relative. In such a situation, you need to behave correctly so as not to become a victim of a person with antisocial disorder.

The main rule is not to try to teach them compassion or pressure them into feelings of guilt or shame, because sociopaths are not capable of these emotions. Such people can only be controlled through fear and demonstration of superiority. Using the vocabulary of exploitation will be beneficial for you.

In a relationship with a sociopath, you need to strictly pronounce each point of interaction and define clear boundaries. No concessions, pity or condescension. They do not accept normal human relations, so the softer you are towards them, the worse they are towards you.

The ideal solution is to convince a loved one to undergo psychotherapy.

Signs of sociopathy

If the disease is hereditary, then the first signs of sociopathy appear in the child in the preschool period. The symptoms of sociopathy (dissocial disorder) are expressed vividly. This is explained by the fact that a preschooler cannot understand his benefit by observing the norms and rules of good behavior. Such children lack the experience to control their impulsiveness. Therefore, their antisocial behavior is often accompanied by negative actions characterized by cruelty. They torture animals, can even kill them, and bully peers and younger children. Children's disobedience manifests itself in such actions as screaming, biting, fits of anger, running away from home, and wandering. A preschooler never demonstrates tenderness towards his family. The older the child gets, the more he learns to disguise himself, his behavioral manners become tougher, his actions become more sophisticated. If parents react incorrectly, this behavior can become even more entrenched and worsen. It is very important to develop an adequate parenting style, since childhood is the period when the child is most sensitive to social norms; he copies behavior subconsciously. This is intended by human nature. It is possible and necessary to influence the development of sociopathy and mitigate its manifestations in childhood. By adolescence, the symptoms of a personality disorder begin to “bloom”: a teenager may begin to leave home, steal, severely beat other people, demonstrate pseudo-suicide attempts in order to receive benefits from relatives. There is a very high probability of various chemical and non-chemical dependencies, etc.

Causes of Sociopathic Disorder

There is still no consensus on the origin of this deviation. According to the biogenetic theory, we are talking about a hereditary predisposition to this disease. Statistics show this: if a family has close relatives with a sociopathic disorder in the male line, then the likelihood of having a boy with such a disorder increases five times compared to the population average. Often in the family of a patient with sociopathy there are relatives with hysterical disorder.

Proponents of psychological theory believe that the environment plays a large role in the formation of deviations. The disorder appears when the child is raised incorrectly, when the child is left without attention, or is subjected to excessive care, if he lacks love from the adults who are significant to him. Sociopathic disorder in children is observed if family members are involved in crime or suffer from chemical dependencies (alcoholism and drug addiction). Unfavorable living conditions and poverty increase the likelihood of illness.

Most psychiatrists and psychotherapists believe that the appearance of a sociopathic disorder is influenced by several factors, both internal and external. The presence of concomitant mental illness, pathological processes with damage to the central nervous system and traumatic brain injury are also important. Often the patient exhibits neurological abnormalities and changes in the EEG.

Diagnosis of sociopathy

Only after a thorough history can a person be diagnosed with dissocial disorder. The specialist records a stable lack of unity in most activities, emotional instability, attacks of aggression and poor control of actions. Symptoms of sociopathy include:

• lack of assessment of one's behavioral manners;
• disrespectful attitude towards people;
• refusal to accept generally accepted norms and laws.

This illness differs from the following mental illnesses:

• bipolar affective disorder;
• schizophrenia;
• neurosis;
• various manias.

Examination criteria

Sociopathy can be assumed if the following manifestations are present:

• predisposition to hostility that develops into violence;
• lack of feelings of guilt and the ability to draw conclusions from one’s own negative experiences;
• indifference to the feelings of loved ones, lack of empathy;
• ignoring moral principles, social rules and norms of behavior;
• strong denial;
• avoidance of any relationships and helplessness in maintaining them;
• accusing people around you for no reason, making unfounded claims;
• The individual welcomes conflict situations, so he often creates them himself.

All of the above symptoms are not always clearly expressed, sometimes they have a partial manifestation.

Additional symptoms of sociopathy that are of great importance when making a diagnosis:

1. Predisposition to deception. An antisocial personality easily lies, manipulates people, and enjoys his actions.
2. Frequent arrests of individuals by law enforcement agencies or public charges resulting from disobedience to the country's laws and authorities, as well as moral and ethical standards.
3. Fights, protests, manifestations of irritability and aggression towards other people.
4. Committing unjustified and risky actions.
5. Involuntary antics in behavior and communication.
6. Constant irresponsible attitude towards compliance with the regime and external requirements, financial obligations (for example, work from 09:00 to 17:00).
7. Receiving joy from the discomfort caused and damage caused to others.

Distinctive features

What makes an empath stand out in society? Here is a list of traits characteristic of the behavior of an empathetic person:

• Eases the pain of others by accepting it, then feeling drained;
• Smells, sounds and low energy levels can overwhelm it;
• This is a good listener;
• He sensitively feels the connection with the subtle world;
• Gives more than he can get in return;
• Seeks to be alone in nature;
• Absorbs other people's emotions;
• Becomes an easy victim of narcissists, chronic talkers and energy vampires;
• Quickly tunes in to the same wavelength as other people;
• Can sense when something is wrong;
• Easily lost in intimate relationships.

This is a short description of a strong empath, but it gives a clear picture of this type of person. Many people try to hide their feelings under deliberate rudeness and indifference, but deep down they remain sensitive and vulnerable.

Prevention

Since the etiology of dissocial personality disorder has not been fully studied, there are no preventive measures for this disorder. It can only be noted that sociopaths need a favorable environment. The child should feel the attention, care, affection, kindness and tender attitude of his parents. It is important that the child’s mother and father set a positive example of relationships - respect for all family members, no power or aggression. The child must understand what role people play in relationships.

Correction (treatment) of sociopathy

As mentioned above, the greatest effectiveness of correction of sociopathy is achieved in childhood. Parents are not recommended to aggressively combat sociopathic manifestations in preschoolers; it is better to immediately contact a psychotherapist or clinical psychologist to develop the most appropriate parenting strategy. Dissocial personality disorder is difficult to treat. The reason for this is the lack of ability to criticize their behavior and the reluctance of sociopaths themselves to turn to a specialist. It is difficult for a psychotherapist to establish a connection with a sociopath, which is important for proper therapy, since the client himself does not want to change anything. If the form of deviation has mildly expressed symptoms of an aggressive nature, those suffering from sociopathy can consult a specialist themselves. Usually they complain about the difference with other people, a different type of thinking, a feeling of lack of important moments in life, etc. This is an excellent therapeutic request that medical psychologists and psychotherapists at the Ember Center successfully work with, provided that the client himself is aware of the need to receive help. The Ember Center successfully works with the correction of dissocial personality disorder. Our psychotherapeutic course is aimed at strengthening family ties, observing traditions, and developing respect for laws, norms of behavior and rules.

Definitions

What is sociopathy

The scientific definition is as follows. This is a mental personality disorder characterized by a triad of main features - asociality, non-recognition of social norms and inability to attach and empathize. Often accompanied by impulsiveness and uncontrollable aggression. In psychotherapy and psychiatry, the following concepts are synonymous with sociopathy:

• antisocial psychopathy;
• antisocial personality disorder;
• heboid psychopathy;
• dissocial personality disorder;
• psychopathy;
• personality disorder of the emotionally incapacitated.

In ICD-11, this diagnosis is listed under code 6D11.2.

Who is a sociopath

A sociopath is a person who suffers from dissocial personality disorder, is clinically incapable of adapting to society, is characterized by deviant behavior, and lacks a critical perception of his words and actions. He is driven solely by his own interests and desires. Those around him are only a means to achieve them. He doesn’t feel any affection, sympathy, much less love for anyone.

According to the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), sociopath and psychopath are synonymous in psychotherapy. In simple terms, this is a person who does not perceive the rules of behavior in society due to mental inability to ordinary feelings.

Psychological portrait of a sociopath

A sociopath begins to exhibit traits of a personality disorder either from early childhood (inherited from parents), or during puberty (puberty serves as a catalyst), and much less often - already in adulthood. As a child, he is distinguished by an obstinate, harmful character and uncontrollable, deviant behavior. He doesn’t listen to anyone and is guided in his actions only by his own desires. At the same time, he can reveal extraordinary abilities in school, grasping everything on the fly. But he studies mediocrely, since he is not interested in grades. The most common pathology in childhood is animal abuse.

Growing up, a classic sociopath radically changes his behavior in public. Outwardly he seems to be a balanced and tactful person. His extraordinary mind allows him to make a career and achieve certain heights in life. No one can suspect him of being a mentally ill person. In fact, he uses many for his specific purposes. Those around him are the same things as a laptop or a microwave. This is a skillful, cunning manipulator. He will never communicate with those who are not interesting to him. Periodically, the illness spills out into terrible attacks of aggression when he fails to achieve something. He never sympathizes with anyone, often is not in any relationship, because he is not capable of love.

Often sociopathy leads to the fact that people, not recognizing either the rules of behavior established in society or the laws in force in the state, become murderers and maniacs. Given their remarkable intelligence, it is not surprising that solving such crimes can be incredibly difficult.

Understanding the concepts

What is the difference between a sociopath and...

• ...social phobia?

A sociophobe is afraid of society and tries to avoid people. A sociopath simply uses them for his own purposes, manipulates them.

• ...a psychopath?

No. According to DSM-5, these concepts have the same meaning.

• ...misanthrope?

The misanthrope hates people and society. A sociopath treats them indifferently - as if they were things.

• ...an introvert?

An introvert is reserved, focused on his inner world and loves solitude. He does not like noisy companies and avoids parties and public events. But not because he is afraid of people (like a social phobe) or hates them (like a misanthrope), but because he is more comfortable alone. He has a narrow circle of acquaintances (2-3 people) with whom he communicates openly and sincerely and loves them.

To explain in simple words, society is a frightening monster for a social phobe, a repulsive cesspool for a misanthrope, an uncomfortable bus for an introvert, and a thing, a means to an end, for a psychopath and sociopath.

Hannibal Lecter. He is the main character in The Silence of the Lambs, as well as Hannibal and Hannibal Rising. Perhaps one of the most famous sociopaths in the history of cinema. Initially, he appears before the audience as an educated, culturally and intellectually developed psychiatrist and surgeon. However, a little later his true inner world is revealed. He turns out to be a monstrous serial killer, and even a cannibal.

What to do if a sociopath doesn’t want to change anything, but his family suffers?

A typical situation today: the mother of a young man calls and asks him to “cure him.”
During the conversation, it turns out that several specialists and different methods have already been “tested”, and all in vain. As a rule, the leading symptom is alcoholism or drug addiction. In such situations, we recommend that the mother herself come to an appointment first and start working on herself, her experiences, her reactions. After all, the behavior of a sociopath that he shows is inextricably linked with the reactions of family members (so-called codependency). Both mother and other relatives in this case are codependent. They are subconsciously manipulated by a sociopath, participate in his “performance”, pathological life system, scenario (they can be called differently, the meaning will not change). Therefore, by changing the attitude and behavior of relatives and mothers, we will influence the behavior of the sociopath, and perhaps motivate him to seek face-to-face correction from a specialist. You can also contact us through popular messengers:

How to recognize an empath

1. The ability to empathize. Even before a person shares how they feel, the empath already knows it. Additionally, he can simply walk into a room and feel the overall mood of the environment.

2. Moral support. Anyone who is suffering, experiencing emotional pain, or being bullied in any form needs moral support. Someone else's misfortune almost immediately attracts the empathy and attention of an empath. He simply cannot ignore when he senses or sees someone in trouble.

3. Desire for solitude. Being around people can drain an empath, so they need to be alone periodically to recharge their batteries. Even short-term solitude prevents his emotional overload.

4. Other people come to him with their problems. Empaths are usually like magnets for people who need moral support. Both strangers and friends are drawn to someone who empathizes with them. Empaths are able to feel, listen and understand what they are going through without judgment.

5. Developed intuition, inner voice. Intuition is the ability to understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning. An empath perceives the world through the lens of intuition. It is very important for such a person to develop his sixth sense, since it helps him understand people and build relationships with them.