Sociopaths and psychopaths are also classified as people with antisocial personality disorder. About four percent of the population are plagued by this problem. (That is more than the amount of anorexics at 3.41%.) People with antisocial personality disorder are sometimes seen as the embodiment of evil. They are in fact, just people who have no morals, fears or feelings. This means that they can be told that something is wrong over and over again, yet they still will not see it as such. Antisocial personality disorder sufferers often deploy the use of a mask over their true selves. This enables them to be seen as the 'perfect' citizen. In this way, you cannot detect a psycopath or sociopath on looks alone. They are charmeleons that adapt to each social situation in order to achieve their aims. They often only engage in social activity if it is in order to reach their goals. They appear to be confident and charming individuals who have no fear in showing displays of love and affection. This is in fact, a lie. Psychopaths and sociopaths only use displays of this kind if it brings them closer to a self centered goal. The displays may appear to be real but they are in fact an act to enslave you. To make you feel that they are your world, that they love, care and would do anything for you. In truth they only care for themselves and will manipulate and steal, throwing aside those who are no longer of use. Characteristics:
- Superficial charm
- Manipulative and Cunning
They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
They do not recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. - Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right." - Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests. - Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way. - Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises. - Incapacity for Love
- Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common. - Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them. - Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others. - Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc. - Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed. - Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts. - Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively. - Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
Want to get into the mind of a sociopath? This blog may be useful to you. Please be aware that this has very frank and honest views so you may not like what you read.
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References
-Article written by Zafira