What Do You Think About Sociopaths and Psychopaths

They can be confident, captivating, successful-- and extremely dangerous. Our professional reveals their real nature and how you can safeguard yourself.

Sociopaths and psychopaths aren't always simple to area.

When you hear the word "sociopath" or "psychopath," you probably think about monstrous wrongdoers such as Ted Bundy, Charles Manson, and Jeffrey Dahmer. But the truth is that numerous sociopaths and psychopaths-- who are scientifically diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder-- aren't so blatantly violent. "These terms are used to describe individuals who are aggressive, reckless, lack empathy, and harm others or break the law without feeling any regret," says Kristine M. Chapleau, PhD, HSPP, a clinical psychologist at Indiana University Health. However, because people with antisocial personality disorder can be extremely lovely and manipulative, their health problem might not be obvious. In fact, some people with antisocial personality condition can be rather effective. "These are people who can lie easily, so if they're in a career where lying well has a considerable financial benefit, they can do extremely well," states Chapleau.

People with personality disorders can be born or made.

If someone has a relative with antisocial personality condition, they're most likely to have it too, particularly if it was passed along the maternal line, says Chapleau. Physical, mental, or sexual assault also raises the danger, though not all individuals with antisocial personality condition were raised in a bad environment. Sufferers are also more likely to be male. "Biologically, antisocial personality condition can be passed down along the X chromosome, and unlike ladies, men do not have a second X chromosome that might cancel the one carrying the condition," states Chapleau. Another problem is that a few of the signs of antisocial personality condition are traits we associate favorably with masculinity. "Things like low compassion, aggressiveness, and concealing emotions are considered manly in our culture," she explains. "This can make antisocial personality disorder difficult to catch in males."

Treatment is incredibly tough.

Individuals with antisocial personality disorder are essentially difficult to alleviate due to their absence of compassion and regret. "Most of us would feel horrible if we hurt somebody or broke the law," states Chapleau. "It's automatic. However individuals with this disease have no concern for feelings and repercussions." Motivating them to think of others doesn't inspire them to act properly, so physicians instead aim to help victims see how their bad behavior hurts themselves. Because people with antisocial personality condition are so unlikely to change, Chapleau states the best way to deal with them is avoidance. "Even if they're not violent, you have to keep in mind that these people are impaired and have no problem lying to you or controling you," she states.