Question 1

docs can you explain, is sociopathy genetic and hereditary or caused by something else?

Accepted Answer

Sociopathy: Sociopathy is is traditionally defined as a personality disorder characterized by enduring antisocial behavior, diminished empathy and remorse, and disinhibited or bold behavior. The research is not absolute on this, although some traits might be genetically based. More important is why this question is being asked--curiosity or understanding of someone else or yourself (or both)?

Question 2

what are the symptoms of a sociopath person?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial: A sociopath is mainly characterized by a lack of remorse for causing harm to other people, animals or property. The person lacks empathy and experiences urges to cause harm.

Question 3

how should a person know if they're a sociopath or not?

Accepted Answer

Sociopath: Pattern of disregard for, & violation of the rights of others. They cannot conform to social norms. They can be impulsive, deceitful, aggressive, irresponsible & lack remorse.

Question 4

which person would be more volatile: one with a sadistic personality disorder or a sociopath (antisocial personality disorder)?

Accepted Answer

Volatility: Sadistic personality, as a specified disorder had a short run. It is not in the current manual and not likely in the dsm v.  Both psychopathy and sadism stem, in part, from preoccupations with self serving behaviors & low empathy/reciprocity. Volatility is associated  with drug abuse, mania, impulsivity and in response to threats to something valued.  Forced to choose - antisocial > sadistic.

Question 5

is it possible that a person become a sociopath/psychopath later in life without explanation and no brain injury?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: The correct clinical term for sociopath/psychopath is antisocial personality disorder, which manifests itself the majority of the time during childhood, in the single digits, with cruelty toward animals, fighting, no empathy for others, no conscience, and develops from there. Onset in later life is exceedingly rare.

Question 6

what makes a sociopath?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial: Sociopathy can result in young adults with history of conduct disorder who have early history of oppositional defiant disorder who at earlier age had attention deficit disorder that was not treated. No studies confirm inheritance as a cause. Is more common in males.

Question 7

how is a sociopath diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

A sociopath, simply: put, lacks empathy for others and what we often call a "conscience."  This is a serious diagnosis and needs to be done by a mental health professional.  It's easy to call others names like this.  A mental health professional can provide education and possible support for loved ones also.  Peace and good health.

Question 8

how can i know im a sociopath?

Accepted Answer

Others would notice: Others would probably notice before you do.  Sociopaths exploit others for their own ends, and have no remorse for the pain they cause. They break laws; they lie; they steal, etc -- without any concern for the rights of others.  They are often impulsive, and frequently involved with drug ; alcohol abuse.  This article expresses some interesting ideas:  http://tinyurl.Com/nc68upo.

Question 9

what makes someone a sociopath?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial: Sociopathy can result in young adults with history of conduct disorder who have early history of oppositional defiant disorder who at earlier age had attention deficit disorder that was not treated. No studies confirm inheritance as a cause. Is more common in males.

Question 10

can sociopaths feel shame, at all?

Accepted Answer

No: Sociopaths by definition have underdeveloped superegos or more simply, no conscience. They do not know the difference between right & wrong, have no moral code of ethics and therefore do not feel shameful when they have done something wrong.

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What causes a person to be a sociopath

A member asked:

Docs can you explain, is sociopathy genetic and hereditary or caused by something else?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of a sociopath person?

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How should a person know if they're a sociopath or not?

A member asked:

Which person would be more volatile: one with a sadistic personality disorder or a sociopath (antisocial personality disorder)?

A member asked:

Is it possible that a person become a sociopath/psychopath later in life without explanation and no brain injury?

A member asked:

What makes a sociopath?

A member asked:

How is a sociopath diagnosed?

A member asked:

How can i know im a sociopath?

A member asked:

What makes someone a sociopath?

A member asked:

Can sociopaths feel shame, at all?

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