What is Sociopath?

A sociopath has no empathy and does not show concern for others. They also do not feel shame, guilt, or remorse. Moreover, they are unable to imagine others' pain. Despite these traits, they may appear calm and collected in emergencies. A sociopath may even show signs of calmness.

Symptoms

According to the DSM-V (2013), only a tiny percentage of the population exhibits Sociopath symptoms. These individuals are overwhelmingly male, outnumbering females by more than three to one. There is no cure for Sociopath behavior, and treatment is unlikely to be effective. However, treatment options can include psychotherapy, medication, and a support group.

One of the most common symptoms of a sociopath is that they will avoid unpleasant situations by lying. They may even miss events, bills, or rent payments. Since sociopaths do not accept responsibility for their actions, they place blame elsewhere and assume the victim's role. This behavior is deceitful, and it is essential to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Another sign of a sociopath is that they will not show any feelings of remorse or empathy. These people have no regret and will not consider others' feelings when making decisions. They will act rashly without considering the consequences of their actions.

Traits

A sociopath does not value relationships; they view them as a one-way street. They are likely to be overly demanding of their partners and will verbally abuse them if they are unsatisfied with their needs. They are unlikely to keep friends for long and do not show remorse for their mistakes.

Sociopaths also tend to lie, often to manipulate situations. While most people recognize lies when they notice them, a sociopath will hide their behavior and use it to their advantage. They are also excellent actors. This means it is essential not to take their first impressions at face value. Only when you know a person well enough can you tell if they are a sociopath.

High-functioning sociopaths may have a high IQ and are excellent manipulators. They also have a low sense of self-esteem and lack empathy. They often have unrealistic expectations and lie to gain an advantage or get what they want.

Treatment

Sociopath treatment begins with understanding the person's overall personality. They cannot empathize and have a difficult time understanding the feelings of others. This trait can make them appear pleasant and sympathetic, but in reality, their faces display very little emotion. They also do not show the range of emotions that ordinary people show.

Sociopath treatment is effective when it targets all the systems in a person's personality. However, changing one aspect of a sociopath will not change the person's nature. Psychotherapy can be effective, but a person's original personality often returns after the initial improvement. Psychotherapy can be effective in treating child sociopaths.

Psychotherapy can be a valuable tool for treating psychopaths and can be used to mimic normal emotional behaviors. This therapy is typically very intense and long-term, focusing on restoring the individual's social connections. While traditional therapy proved ineffective for these individuals, psychologists and therapists have found ways to make the therapy work. One of these methods uses an enticing process that rewards the individual immediately for following a rule. Psychopaths need instant gratification, so psychotherapy helps them overcome this need.