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We’ve all called someone a psychopath, or been called one ourselves, at some point in our lives. Usually the term is hurled around in either anger or jest, but sometimes we really and truly mean what we say!
In clinical terms, a sociopath is someone who is diagnosed as having what is called Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) APD “is characterized by a lack of regard for the moral or legal standards in the local culture.
There is a marked inability to get along with others or abide by societal rules. Individuals with this disorder are sometimes called psychopaths or sociopaths.” The DSM lists a number of diagnostic criteria that expand upon this general definition and nothing about it is good.
Sociopaths are master manipulators who often appear to be charming and interesting, but they only care about themselves and will lie, cheat, and intimidate you to get whatever it is that they want! If you’ve recently met or are dating someone new and want to make sure they aren’t a sociopath then you need to know the tell-tale signs of the personality disorder.
Sociopaths tend to be really good at these:
1. Lack of inhibition – Sociopaths don’t hold back and often flout the rules or laws because they think they are above it all. They lack control, live in the moment, and don’t care about consequences because they believe those don’t even apply to them!
2. Quick to anger or resort to violence – People who are easily angered and who react by quickly resorting to violence without thinking about the future implications of their actions, are representative of such a personality. They will also let go of any negative feelings just as suddenly, as if nothing were ever amiss in the first place!
3. Selfish and act aggressively – A sociopath will act aggressively in order to get what they want, while failing to take into consideration the thoughts and feelings of others. To them, the ends always justify the means, but only if it turns out that they get exactly what they want and most desire.
4. Narcissistic – A common characteristic displayed by sociopaths is egoism, and when it comes to their own self-interest, they can be extremely narcissistic. This makes them very selfish and absorbed in their looks and appearance. They will always love themselves above any and all others and often have warped views of love and affection towards those they claim to love.
5. Lack of empathy – Sociopaths don’t understand or experience the thoughts and feelings that others go through. They think differently than normal people and have a warped sense of what is right and what’s wrong, as such they’re unable to relate on an emotional level.
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