Experts reveal 7 traits of a sociopath: Do you recognise any in your life?
While psychopath is a more common term in use, sociopaths have not gone out of trend, only because disguise is an expertise in their resume. Sociopath is an informal term used for people with an antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). From lacking empathy, feeling no remorse and taking advantage of others, the disorder can make one do many things that aren’t socially acceptable. Since these are also normal traits, a lot of times people can confuse them with singular traits or someone’s negative traits when they can be a part of the larger disorder. “Antisocial personality disorder is a particularly challenging type of personality disorder characterised by impulsive, irresponsible and often criminal behaviour,” states the NHS. Now, experts are pulling back the curtain over some typical sociopathic traits they often observe:
Rebelling against authority
Abiding by the rules has always meant the opposite for sociopaths. They are sticklers for following their own whim, often irresponsibly with absolutely no remorse. From misdemeanour to shoplifting, these can be low-level or extreme acts, depending on the person.
Sudden charm
When a sociopath speaks, you listen. As much as they pretend to be simple characters, their charm has little to no sincerity when aimed at getting what they want. “Pulling you into their world gives them power and a sense of grandiosity. And it deflects what is really going on for them internally. Their sense of self – who I am as a person – is fragmented and so they don’t feel in the same way as most people. They can be very charming, believable and relatable, while often lacking in a felt sense of empathy or remorse,” said Sumeet Grover, a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy-registered psychotherapist to The Telegraph. From genetics and environmental styles to parenting styles, abuse and neglect play a role in this.
Commitment resistant
While sociopaths can feel emotions like instant emotions like anger, fear and sadness, deeper emotions like guilt, affection and empathy are difficult for them to develop. They use their manipulative charm and lack of social anxiety and while they are able to replicate positive behaviour with others, they are unable to form genuine long-lasting relationships. “Someone with ASPD may form attachments, but these are often shallow and driven by personal gain rather than mutual care. The kind of love rooted in empathy, vulnerability and emotional reciprocity is typically impaired,” said Dr Tharaka Gunarathne, a clinical psychiatrist to the outlet.
Too adventurous
The amygdala is a part of the brain that helps us read emotional cues. In people with ASPD, the communication between this part and the prefrontal cortex is disrupted. Due to this their estimation of risk and fear is slow and danger makes them feel alive. From stealing to conversing with random strangers, this can be anything. “It is this lack of feeling, many researchers believe, that causes them (sociopaths) to behave aggressively and destructively. The sociopath’s subconscious desire to feel is what forces him to act out,” wrote Gagne in her memoir Sociopath.
Love for control
Sociopaths are laser-focused on everything in their relationships, acts, words and more. Their drive for control and power defeats the interest in connection and partnership. They want to dominate the situation, mood and word with no concern or empathy for the other person.
No apology
Since sociopaths lack empathy and connection, apologising and learning from mistakes is a task for them. While they might not shy away from saying sorry, it is more about serving a purpose and less about meaning it. “Even though someone with ASPD may not feel remorse, they can still recognise right from wrong and read the reactions of others. Skills-based training that incorporates emotional intelligence, for example, can help improve social awareness, self-regulation and relationship management, even if the capacity for empathy is limited,” said Dr Lisa Orban, a clinical psychologist to the outlet.
Manipulate the truth
There is nothing a sociopath likes than being better than the rest. They think highly of themselves and lowly of others and are ready to defeat anyone who goes against them. If that includes twisting the truth in their favour, then so be it. “And a manipulative person with ASPD will use their skills to get exactly what they want,” said Dr Ute Liersch, a counselling psychologist at The Soke, a private mental health care centre in London, to the outlet.While mistakes and singular acts are forgettable and forgivable, living with a person with ASPD in the long term can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. Thus, it is vital to recognise these traits and understand how to deal with them in yourself or someone in your life.
