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Synopsis :: What’s the first image that comes to mind when you think of a sociopath? Is it a crazed, demented, serial murderer? Or, is it that special person in your office who everyone likes, always seems happy, willing to help others, and generally, just a real charming individual?

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Yes, sociopaths are all the same in one aspect: each one is human (or resembles a human). There are no known canines.

But what about everything else? Isn’t it true that most, if not all, sociopaths are violent maniacs, serial killers … just completely insane?

Let’s evaluate this and determine the truth. If all sociopaths are the same, then it becomes a black-and-white issue. To avoid distraction, let’s take it to a very basic level using dots. A black dot and a white dot.

Which color dot is a sociopath?

Both black dots and white dots have a lot in common, though some people think they’re quite opposite [I don't see that].
continue reading…

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The difference between a Psychopath and Sociopath

First, some historical data:

Psychopath … This disorder was first defined and named ~1800 (in France, I believe) and has had its definition revised many times since.

Sociopath … A category of social disorders first defined 1980~1983, and has also been further defined.

One can also find that the term “psychopath” is no longer in use, and was replaced by “sociopath.”

On the other hand, “psychopath” can still be found in use by other reputable sources. So, if and when (i.e., until) a clear delineation is fully adopted, the following seems to be the generally-accepted difference …

A psychopath will use violence — even murder — if they consider it necessary to protect their persona, or simply to fulfill that part of their dementia.

A sociopath would not be driven to physical violence. Technically, though, I consider there to be little-to-no difference between the two, other than time.

A psychopath would have likely been defined as a sociopath before being caught for heinous acts. A sociopath, I believe, could well be driven to hostility based on what they are willing to risk if their activities bordered on becoming public.

Therefore, extreme physical violence clearly separates the two. But, they have much more in common, than in difference.
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I came across this 10 Question Quiz on ReadersDigest.com that I found interesting enough to post it here. How well do you think you’ll do?

It takes very little time, and provides the correct answer and a brief explanation before proceeding to the next question. At the end, it displays your total score and what it means.

I don’t have enough experience with ReadersDigest.com to know how long the quiz will be online.

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I used to think we were all pretty much alike … I used to.

I’ve come to believe we couldn’t be more different.

Through youth, the majority of society learns how to create and fill their unique position of fitting into their place with everyone else. But there are many who simply cannot. This first group, though, is no threat to society, whatsoever.

But whether it’s caused partly by their early environment, or from having a few more crossed wires than most (everyone has crossed wires), they could lead much happier and more productive lives if they are simply identified while still very young, and provided the help they need while it will do them the most good. continue reading…

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At least in my case, I never set out to identify a sociopath. For me, it was usually just a naïve accident, being somewhere to either see or hear something, or innocently ask about something I saw or heard.

I’ve stepped in it twice … with almost ten years in-between.  Frankly, I didn’t step in it the second time, I fell into it.

If you become suspicious of someone as being a sociopath, you’ve got a couple choices, but with either one, you must be careful and stay observant. How do you become suspicious in the first place? The red flag. Something hits you as just not right. And it matters not how long you’ve known that person, as it could be someone you’ve known all your life.

I know that, for sure. I had just turned 50 when I discovered and confirmed that my oldest sister, Kathy, is a sociopath. Since then, she has done such damage to my character that it will probably never be undone.  continue reading…

No, the title is “Not” in error. In the U.S., it is estimated that about 5% to 10% of the general population are sociopaths … that’s 1-2 outwardly-charming people out of every 20 are not really charming at all.

You know 20 people, don’t you?

That’s at least ten million sociopaths in the US. I’ve come to understand — unfortunately, on a very personal level — why they’re considered to be some of the most dangerous people around.

Dr. Stout does a great job of describing someone you know — a typical sociopath. Chances are, there is at least one in your life … at least one.

“Imagine—if you can—not having a conscience, none at all, no feelings of guilt or remorse no matter what you do, no limiting sense of concern for the well-being of strangers, friends, or even family members. Imagine no struggles with shame, not a single one in your whole life, no matter what kind of selfish lazy, harmful, or immoral action you had taken.

And pretend that the concept of responsibility is unknown to you, except as a burden others seem to accept without question, like gullible fools. Now add to this strange fantasy the ability to conceal from other people that your psychological makeup is radically different from theirs. Since everyone simply assumes that conscience is universal among human beings, hiding the fact that you are nearly conscience-free is nearly effortless.

You are not held back from any of your desires by guilt or shame, and you are never confronted by others for your cold-bloodedness. The ice water in your veins is so bizarre, so completely outside of their personal experience, that they seldom even guess at your condition.”

Martha Stout, PhD
Harvard University
excerpts from Dr. Stout’s book: The Sociopath Next Door

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