Through the Eyes of a Sociopath: Understanding the Sociopath Behaviour

Lisa Franchi May 14, 2013

Sociopaths are viewed as individuals who have always had the malicious intention to hurt others. But the fact remains that little is understood about the sociopath behaviour and most probably, what we think about them is not completely true.

What it’s Like to Be a Sociopath

In the book entitled “Confessions of a Sociopath”, the author, ME Thomas, who is a sociopath herself, said that sociopathy and psychopathy have both an intertwined clinical history. She said sociopathy is the newer term for what is generally known as “antisocial personality disorder” or ASPD. And even though sociopaths constitute a big portion of the prison population, most of them are not convicted as criminals. Instead, they live like normal people who have the ability to make friends, succeed in work, create families of their own, and live happily ever after. Sociopaths, according to Thomas, are individuals who spend their life hiding in “plain sight”.

Sociopaths may have “evil” thoughts and plans against someone, but not all of them make their malicious intentions a reality. Some are able to confine their emotions and deal with a difficult situation in an effective manner as a person with healthy mind does. Thomas said that one in every 25 people is a sociopath – and the silent majority of them are living their life at its fullest, just like her.

She described a sociopath as a person anyone would like to meet – wearing the kind of smile that is shown in TV but is rarely available in real life. Someone you would want to accompany you to your ex’s wedding – a fun, exciting, and perfect office escort. A sociopath can be the kind of person who anyone would be willing to introduce to their parents – kind, confident and successful. But the sociopath has the tendency to destroy anyone who’s close to them, although not always in a brutal way. They tend to hurt other people, even though they don’t really mean it.

According to Thomas, aggression, risk taking and lack of concern to their health and to the health of others are the hallmarks of sociopathy. Sociopaths are the kind of people who knew that death could come out at any moment, but never developed a fear of it. Apart from the lack of fear, sociopaths find it hard to give their trust. They perceive others, even those who are close to them, as either competitors or enemies. They are also characterised as having the lack of remorse, a penchant for deceit, and a failure to conform to social norms.

Are sociopaths born this way?

Little is known about the nature of sociopathy because not enough research has been carried out to tackle this area. Studies on sociopaths suggest that childhood adversity is not always present among people with antisocial personality disorder. In a 2005 study by Martha Stout, she said that 50 per cent of the cause of sociopathy can be attributed to genetics, whilst the remaining percentage is not yet understood.

Sociopaths are everywhere. You’ve probably met some of them in school, in the office or in the neighbourhood, but didn’t realise they have mental or behavioural issues. Scientists still have long way to go when it comes to uncovering the mystery behind sociopathy and what kind of intervention programs are best suited for individuals who have this kind of behaviour. Still, just like everyone else, sociopaths deserve to be respected and given adequate support.

What do you think are the biggest obstacles to successful treatment of sociopathy? Share your insights by posting a comment below.