Sociopathy is a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial behavioural traits. Clinically this is synonymous with psychopathy, both falling under the umbrella of “antisocial personality disorder” (ASPD). According to APA, around 1 in 100 people meet the threshold for being a sociopath - a fantastical number of people. Are you one of them?

 

Perhaps the most dangerous and abused trait is their superficial charm and high level of intelligence. When utilised, the beholder can elegantly weave their way in and out of any situation, like a “social butterfly”. However, this is all a facade; though they appear likeable and warm, they can be cruel and manipulative.

 

Beyond this, sociopaths may manipulate and emotionally hurt people, without realising it themselves. This can take many forms, for example emotionally abusing people, by gaslighting them - denying something which happened, especially to point blame - thus emotionally hurting the other person, to control them - hence demonstrating their antisocial behaviours. 

 

Furthermore, they tend to have a lack of shame or remorse. Research behind this shows that those with ASPD in particular seek to rationalise behaviours they know are wrong; thus they are aware of their emotional abuse, and irrationally choose to continue - they find difficulty in understanding others’ emotions, which is a root cause of this.

 

All of the above can shatter relationships, leaving scars. Psychotherapy can often help control some negative characteristics. Sociopaths, however, have a specific loss of insight, and are unable to perceive their mental health issues; therefore, they would believe they are justified in their actions, a hurtful view to hold for the sociopath. Additionally, they would not accept psychotherapy to help, thus reducing the support they can get.

 

Willem H.J. Martens challenges the image of a cold, heartless, inhuman psychopath or sociopath in his article, "The Hidden Suffering of the Psychopath". He suggests that psychopaths, like the rest of us, suffer from emotional pain and loneliness. The majority lead hurt-filled lives and cannot make friends, cannot trust, cannot love. Just like every human being, they, too, want to be loved and accepted. And as we as a society advance, perhaps we can combat the stigma around such mental health disorders, to help them live rewarding and fruitful lives.

 

by Sami Firdose, Wilson's School