Sociopath - who is this? Symptoms of the disorder, causes and treatment

Modern psychiatry is regularly supplemented with new terms, one of which is the "sociopath". It's hard to say who, if we rely solely on that interpretation of the concept that television offers us. For example, according to the directors, the sociopath was the notorious Sherlock Holmes, the favorite of the women Dr. House by Hugh Laurie, and Michael Carlisle as Dexter and others. However, there is nothing in common between movie characters and people with real psychological disorders. So who is this sociopath? And what are its signs?

Sociopaths: who are they?

Most people, after hearing the question: "Sociopath is who?" - most often answer that it is "some kind of psychopath". And although this is not quite true, to some extent they are right. By the way, some time ago in textbooks and books on psychology there was no such thing as a "sociopath", but there was a generally accepted term "psychopath". That is why many equate these two words. Let's figure out who these sociopaths are.

So, a sociopath is an ordinary person with characteristic signs of mental deviation from the norm. Note: sociopathy is not a disease, but a mental disorder of the individual. As a rule, such a defect does not allow a sociopath to lead a normal lifestyle. In particular, such a person can not stay in the circle of other fellow citizens for a long time.

He likes to be alone, but at the same time he is inclined to do unusual things to attract someone's attention. For example, walking along the street, he can suddenly pick up a stone and run it into a passerby, smash the shop window or the glass of a passing car.

More about sociopaths: what do experts say?

According to experts, sociopathy personality brings its owner a lot of trouble, including with the law. The fact is that such people consider themselves different from others. Consequently, they do not obey the rules and laws established by society. They lack the elementary concept of ethics and manners. They easily pass to shouting and violate public order.

It is noteworthy that the sociopaths tolerate disrespect for other people, including their relatives. According to experts, these individuals do not care about family ties. They used to live and love only themselves. And all attempts to stop their unbridled "I" often boil down to additional quarrels and scandals, often accompanied by assault and even stabbing. But how to recognize a sociopath in time and not confuse him with a normal person with an elementary mood swing or a psychological breakdown due to a bad day?

What are the common signs for sociopaths?

To determine the real psychological deviations, there are completely justified signs of a sociopath. For example, one of them is the spontaneous manifestation of aggression towards the interlocutor, relative or any other person. The second important feature is the presence of rudeness, that is, the sociopath unrestrains and rude to relatives, neighbors and other citizens.

Thus, he as if defies the society, and also shows, in his opinion, the strength of his personality. And a verbal skirmish can often be accompanied by more active actions. For example, a sociopath did not like the neighbor with his expensive and beautiful car. In order to satisfy his crying and protesting inner ego, the patient can smash or set fire to the car. Thus, he will show that in one way or another the owner of the car was wrong or blurted out too much.

In addition, the sociopath refuses to follow the rules and norms of behavior, and also shows cruelty towards others, including animals. Often, such a person is capable of mutilating a cat without any apparent reason, hitting a dog, etc. At the same time, it is possible that somewhere deep down she does not want to behave like that, but she can not help it. This is the psychology of the sociopath.

However, despite all these common signs for sociopaths, only an experienced doctor can determine the deviation.

At what age are the symptoms of sociopathy?

Signs of an obvious psychological disorder can be observed in people of different ages, regardless of their gender. So, a sociopath can be either a child or an adult man or woman. And, depending on age, gender, and individual characteristics, some changes in behavior and character are possible. Let's talk about this in some detail.

Sociopathy in adults: what are the features?

An adult sociopath (signs in men can manifest themselves much more actively than women) is able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of others and skillfully use it. Pursuing his goals, he joyfully presses on pity, cleverly rubs himself into the confidence and manipulates the weaker in spirit people. At the same time, such a man often speaks untruth, tries to impose his point of view, and is also inclined to scandals and quarrels. He does not take criticism in his address, likes to be rude, scream, and when communicating begins to offend and in every way mock the interlocutor.

A sociopathic woman (signs of a psychological disorder in the fair sex are more rare than in men) has a special appeal and sexuality. Using this, she literally goes over the heads, moving up the career ladder. Not feeling a sense of shame, guilt and regret, she often achieves success, becoming a successful business lady, politician and director of the enterprise.

When your child or teenager is a sociopath

A child suffering from sociopathy is not yet able to realize the seriousness of his or her disorder. Therefore, its signs are most often associated with a challenge to society. For example, he can regularly arrange various debauches in the school or kindergarten, bite, fight and manifest aggression in other ways. In this case, the kid will do everything to attract the attention of others.

In addition, a sociopath child (signs of his psychological disorder can be expressed in the features of his behavior) is prone to commit reckless acts. For example, he can beat his classmates to steal something from the supermarket, arrange an arson in the school toilet, beat someone up and put a video on the web. In short, morality and normal human values for such children, and later adults, do not exist.

Are signs of obscene behavior always a manifestation of sociopathy?

Since many of these signs are often not a symptom of a psychological disorder, it is not worth panicking when you find them in your children, relatives or friends. On the contrary, this behavior is similar to the manner in which adolescents communicate during their puberty.

In addition, sociopathy has much in common with narcissism. Therefore, the determining conclusion on the slightest suspicion of sociopathy can only be done by a specialist.

A sociopath is who and what types he is?

People who have a psychiatric disorder are conditionally divided into two groups. They are passive, or latent, and active. The most prominent among these groups, perhaps, are active sociopaths. As a rule, these are brazen, selfish, immoral and unprincipled persons.

They are most aggressive and illegible in their actions. Active citizens often become criminals who do not respect the law. They are not interested in public opinion. They are evil, vengeful and self-serving.

Passive sociopathy is comparable to the behavior of hermit crabs, since such individuals usually do not contact people, choosing the life of a solitary or reclusive. If necessary, they can communicate with other citizens, skillfully hiding their inner aversion to them. Often, latent sociopaths can break and show their true, mentally unbalanced self in a fit of anger.

What are the causes of the deviation?

Since such a thing as sociopathy has appeared relatively recently, the reliable causes of the disorder are unknown. However, there is a suggestion that a great role in development is played by human heredity. Typically, such a disease can suffer as one, and at once several members of the family.

In addition, sociopathy (its causes can be both innate and acquired character) often arises from the incorrect upbringing of the child. From the earliest age children must be taught to society. They are obliged to contact their peers more, make new acquaintances and become sociable.

Among the possible causes of the development of the disorder is also worth stressing psychological stress and trauma in childhood. So, according to experts, the development of the deviation may well lead to a head injury that occurred at an early age.

How to treat an antisocial disorder?

It is believed that the sociopath (who is this, we described in detail above) is difficult to treat. The fact is that such people, as a rule, negatively regard any criticism in their address. For the same reason, it is difficult for them to establish confidential contact with their attending physician. However, if the patient belongs to a group of people with passive mental disorders, then it is much easier to cure him. Such individuals can usually complain about prejudice against others and their incredible difference from others. Therefore, they often turn to specialists for help.

When treating sociopaths, psychotherapists use an integrated approach. For example, they can prescribe medication that helps to suppress aggression. Simultaneously, patients undergo a course of therapy aimed at rapprochement with the family. Like small children, they learn basic rules of behavior, learn about the norms of morality and ethics.

Are there preventive measures to combat the disorder?

The best prevention, according to experts, is proper education, communication with peers, conversations on general topics, discipline and sports. And most importantly, the family should reign atmosphere of peace, love and understanding. Consequently, none of the parents should infringe the rights of others, which will be an excellent example for the younger generation. And of course, it is necessary to pay due attention to the child, listening to his opinion. Remember that your baby is also a person. He can defend his point of view, even if it goes against yours.