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RFP Indian Journal of Medical Psychiatry
Volume 2 Number 2-3, May – December 2019
A Study on Sociopaths
Mayukh Pandit1, Anil Kumar Agrawal2
Abstract
Our universe is diverse in nature with lot’s of beautiful minds. But sometimes due to various circumstances
this mind could be affected with some sort of mental disorders. Likewise a famous disorder known as
antisocial personality disorder was observed which includes two broad terms sociopath and psychopath.
This article describes on the lives of sociopath and behavior, aetiology of such disorder, treatment procedures
and at last conclusion which elicits a positive attitude towards this disorder.
Keywords: Antisocial personality disorder; Sociopath; Psychopath.
How to cite this article:
Mayukh Pandit, Anil Kumar Agrawal. A Study on Sociopaths. RFP Indian Journal of Medical
Psychiatry. 2019;2(2-3):69–71.
Introduction
The term Sociopath is made up of two words,
i.e. Socio and Path. Socio means social in simple
terms but path is derived from Greekword pathos
which means ‘sick and suffering’. In general terms
sociopaths are group of people who aresuffering
from psychiatric disorders where they manifest
themselves with antisocial personality. Basically
sociopath are described as someone who have
antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). According
to Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorder (DSM), antisocial personality disorder is
a personality disorder characterized by long term
pattern of disregard for or violation of rights of
others.1
Those with antisocial personality disorder shows
symptoms at early age but this is such a worse type
of condition which could be only diagnosed at
adolescence stage. Their behaviour is often shaped
by environmental factors mostly exposure to abuse
or expedient behaviour.
Discussion
The simplest way to conceptualize any psychiatric
disorder is disturbance of Cognition, Conation
and Affects or any disequilibrium between three.2
Similarly Sociopathy is a broad term which refers
to a pattern ofantisocial behaviour and attitude
including manipulative behaviour which often
arises from environmental factors. The general
epidemiology of anti social personality disorder
is seen in 3% to 30% of psychiatric disorder.3
Sociopathy is often conceptualized as diagnosis
but it is not a formal diagnosis. It is invoked
Review Article
Author’s Affiliation: 1UG Researcher, Department of Anatomy, 2Reader, Department of, Anatomy, Triveni
Institute of Dental Sciences Hospital & Research Centre, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh 495001, India.
Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Anil Kumar Agrawal, Reader, Department of Anatomy, Triveni Institute
of Dental Sciences Hospital & Research Centre, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh 495001, India.
E -mail: mayukhpandit17@gmail.com
RFP Indian Journal of Medical Psychiatry / Volume 2 Number 2-3 / May – December 2019
70
indiscussing people on anti social spectrum who
generally display callous behaviour with little
regard for others.
There are behaviour which are very signifi cant
in the lives of sociopath which includes under
followings.4
They always have high manipulative skills and
they often appear to be charming. They are often to
see dominant and humiliate their victims.
• There is always a signifi cant pathological
lying which is seen in sociopathic behaviour.
They are extremely convincing and they
could even pass the lie detector test.
• They have lack of remorse, shame or guilt.
• They have lack of empathy and they often
show callous behaviour.
• They have criminal versatility. They change
their image as needed to avoid prosecution.
They can even change their life story readily.
• They never blame themselves but blame
others even for acts that they had obviously
committed.
• They usually has a history of behavioural
and academic diffi culties.
• Verbal outburst and physical punishments
are normal in sociopathic patients.
• They behave they are all powerful they know
everything, there is no sense of personal
boundaries, no concern for their impact on
others.
There is always a misconception regarding
differences between psychopath and sociopath.
Both have the common traits of antisocial
personality disorder, but they differ in in the traits
of behavioural characteristics.
Psychopaths are very calculative in nature. They
always plot their moves. They might use aggression
but in a laid plan way to get what they want. So
they are often termed as ‘cold hearted’. Their
soul mission is to manipulate others for personal
gain, they are also known as skilled actors. On the
contrary sociopaths are often term as ‘hot headed’.
They just express themselves without thinking how
others would be affected.5
According to Web MD, a key difference between
a psychopath and sociopath is whether he has a
conscience. Psychopath doesn’t haveconscience.
Whereas sociopath has conscience, but it’s week.
They might feel some guilt or remorse, but that
doesn’t affect their behaviour.
Another misconception regarding antisocial
personality disorder is based on their violent
instinct. Some people with antisocial personality
disorder could be violent but on a general as most
of them are found to be not.
They are seen to be use their manipulative
behaviour to get what they want. They have no
empathy they can hurt anyone to achieve their needs.
But if one follows on history of sociopathy violence
record, John Gacy name would be highlighted.
He used to entertain kids as a clown at birthday
parties. People adored him. He was one of the most
famous sociopath to ever walk on earth. In 1970 he
murdered 32 young men andburied most of them
in crawl space under his house. History also had
shown authors like Jack Henry Abott who wasn’t
a serial killer but crime of forgery sent him to the
prison. Where he stabbed someone upon escaping
from prison. He died by suicide in prison in 2002,
but his sociopath charm lives on. His famous quote
on section of brainy quotes was quoted as ‘One
morning I woke up and plunged into psychological
shock. I had forgotten I was free’.6
Treatments
The treatment for sociopathy is very challenging
because it is mostly diagnosed at very last stage of
life that is for 40s and beyond.
Psychotherapy is the only therapy which is highly
recommended for antisocial personality disorder.
Psychotherapy always help the patient with proper
management to resist negative behaviour and
thoughts. They also improve the patient to develop
interpersonal skills, the area where they might lack.
Supreme goal should be to reduce the impulsive
behaviour which makes sociopath often hostile and
versatile. There are no medication which have been
approved by FDA to treat antisocial personality
disorder. There are medication which might help
reduce aggressive and impulsive behaviour. This
includes mood stabilizers and antidepressants. The
only treatment with very high success rate would
be proper support from family and friends. Family
members should also be counselled to improve
communication with the patient. Love and faith
of the family members and friends can cure this
condition to some extent.7
Conclusion
There is no way to prevent this antisocial personality
disorder. There are even no exact cause known for
Mayukh Pandit, Anil Kumar Agrawal
RFP Indian Journal of Medical Psychiatry / Volume 2 Number 2-3 / May – December 2019
71
this disorder. But antisocial behaviour is thought to
have its root in childhood so it becomes necessary
for parents, teachers and paediatricians who should
able to spot the early warning signs so that it might
help to identify those at risk. It often discourages
if one had loved ones with antisocial personality
disorder. With proper psychotherapy, patient with
antisocial personality disorder do learn to form
strong bonds and positive relationships, be more
responsible and respect the boundaries of others. So
if your loved ones are suffering from this condition
one must consult with mental health professionals
who would cure your loved ones so that they lead
a prosperous life and stay physically and mentally
healthy ahead.
Acknowledgment
1. Dr Sanjay B Nyamati (Honorable Dean)
2. Dr Abhishek Banerjee (Oral and Maxillofacial
pathologist)
3. Dr Megha Bahal (P.G Student)
References
1. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders (DSM).
2. Niraj Ahuja. A short textbook of Psychiatry.
Jaypee Publishers 5th edition.
3. Internet mental health antisocial personality
disorder, archived, mental health.com
4. R Preston. Profile of sociopath. MacAfee.
5. Kara Mayer Robinson. Archives. WebMD.
6. Tanya J Peterson. Healthy place.
7. Kathleen Smith PhD. PSYCOM.
A Study on Sociopaths
