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by AntigoneRising on April 11th, 2007

AntigoneRising

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How do you identify a sociopath?

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Answers. 11 helpful answers below.

  • by Mike777 on April 11th, 2007

    Mike777

    actions that demonstrate shocking disregard for the well being of others

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  • by S-u-z-i on April 11th, 2007

    S-u-z-i

    *Manipulative and Conning *
    They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. 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.


    *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.

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  • by anonymous on April 11th, 2007

    anonymous

    Sociopaths are conscienceless individuals who lack the ability to feel emotions such as love, caring, regret, social and familial responsibility, and perhaps most importantly, remorse. Sociopaths view the world as their playground, and they target people who they can swindle, dominate and control, and they do so to achieve their personal goals. The goal of Stout’s book is to educate the general public about sociopaths, and The Sociopath Next Door serves as a guide to understand how sociopaths work, how to identify them, and how to avoid them and not be affected by their ruthless behavior. Stout has her own clinical practice, in addition to being an instructor at Harvard, and she specializes in providing therapy for individuals who have been “damaged” by others or certain experiences, and her patients include those who have been victimized by sociopaths.

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  • by Anonymous on April 11th, 2007

    Anonymous

    Source from :
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sociopath#Causes
    --Symptoms---
    *Common characteristics of people with antisocial personality disorder/sociopaths include:

    Persistent lying or stealing
    Recurring difficulties with the law
    Tendency to violate the rights of others (property, physical, sexual, emotional, legal)
    Aggressive, often violent behavior; prone to getting involved in fights
    Inability to keep a job
    A persistent agitated or depressed feeling (dysphoria)
    Inability to tolerate boredom
    Disregard for the safety of self or others
    A childhood diagnosis of conduct disorders
    Lack of remorse for hurting others
    Superficial wit and charm
    Impulsiveness
    A sense of extreme entitlement
    Inability to make or keep friends
    Lack of guilt
    Recklessness, impulsivity [8] [6]
    People who have antisocial personality disorder often experience difficulties with authority figures.

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  • by DreAnna on April 27th, 2007

    DreAnna

    Talk to my ex husband for 5 minutes..lol..

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  • by MrBLT needs to be contained on April 25th, 2007

    MrBLT needs to be contained

    Someone who shows up on Dateline NBC's "To catch a Predetor"

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  • by C.A.Y. is rather confused about it all on April 25th, 2007

    C.A.Y. is rather confused about it all

    usually it is very difficult to recognize them as they are some of the most charming people you may meet. If you are good at "reading" people you would probably be able to tell that their emotions don't really exist. Allegations of child sex abuse, rape, or anything where someone demonstrates control are big markers. But where most people tend to get this picture of this grungy person with weapons out their pocket who has no self control, a sociopath is usually charming, religious or spiritual, and can demonstrate extreme wit and self control. Generally it's best to just play it safe, as you may never really "know" a person.

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  • by Patti jo on April 11th, 2007

    Patti jo

    Can and can't comprend wrongs and rights - Everything is all about them - Not caring who gets in their way

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  • by wynn on February 19th, 2009

    wynn

    Sociopaths: 1) can be very charming, 2) lie cleverly by taking a kernel of truth and wrapping lies around it in such a way that others believe them, 3) are vindictive and will turn on a dime if they feel threatened. 4) seek positions of power and authority over others such as management, law enforcement, nursing.

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  • by Countess Crapula on February 19th, 2009

    Countess Crapula

    By looking in the mirror.

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  • by TRK360 on April 25th, 2007

    TRK360

    Take hime or her out to dinner, ask them to pay and if by the end of the night, you paid, you have found your sociopath.

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