Sunday, September 22

Psychopath and sociopath, are they mental disorders?

By: Hello Doctor

Psychopath and sociopath are terms that are used synonymously.

This is not only incorrect, they are also mythologized and misunderstood personalities by society, which are used to transmit exaggerated images.

First of all, it is necessary to clarify that psychopath is not an official diagnosis. Experts explain that the true definition is antisocial personality disorder.

In this case, antisocial does not necessarily refer to someone reserved or lonely, but rather goes against society, the rules and other behaviors that make life in community.

People with antisocial personality disorder do not show discernment between good and evil and ignore the rights and feelings of the rest.

They also tend to harass, manipulate or treat others with cruelty or indifference, without showing guilt or remorse for their behavior.

In a publication by HolaDoctor, Dr. Leopoldo Rendón explained “There are two important components that make up the personality: temperament, which is the biological and instinctive element, and character, which is a product of what has been learned and originates in the process of socialization and education.”

Rendón stressed that the psychopath is usually distinguished as one who is born with antisocial characteristics (temperamental component), while the sociopath is one who acquires these behaviors through their upbringing and during the process of socialization (character).

However, many experts agree that there is no clinical difference between the two denominations. Therefore, both psychopath and sociopath should be considered terms or ways of describing antisocial personality disorder.

Characteristics of a psychopath

Personality it combines behaviors, emotions and thoughts, and differentiates people from each other. It is formed during childhood and is shaped by different factors.

Currently, the exact cause of antisocial personality disorder is not known, although researchers note that they may be involved:

  • Family history of antisocial personality disorder or other personality or mental health disorders.
  • Changes in brain function.
  • Genes.
  • Life situations, such as abuse or neglect during childhood, or unstable, violent or chaotic family life.

Signs and symptoms of antisocial personality disorder may include:

  • Despise good and evil.
  • Lack of empathy for others and remorse for harming others.
  • Do not think about the negative consequences of behavior or learn from them.
  • Being, generally, irresponsible and repeatedly failing to comply with work or financial obligations.
  • Be arrogant, extremely persuasive and with a sense of superiority.
  • Be hostile, aggressive, irritable and violent.
  • Be impuls ivo.
  • Be insensitive, cynical and disrespectful to others.
  • Having poor or abusive relationships.
  • Have recurring problems with the law, including criminal conduct.
  • Taking unnecessary risks or dangerous behaviors without taking into account the safety of yourself or others.
  • Use the charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or pleasure.
  • Using persistent lies or deception to exploit others.
  • Repeatedly violating the rights of others through intimidation and dishonesty.

In turn, there is a list of characteristics exhibited by psychopaths, developed by Dr. Robert Hare, a researcher on criminal psychology. This is called the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL) and includes:

Regarding lifestyle:

  • They act impulsively and uncontrollably.
  • They like a parasitic lifestyle.
  • Need stimulation constant, they get bored easily.
  • They are irresponsible.
  • They live without direction, constantly changing objectives.

Affectively:

  • They do not accept or acknowledge your mistakes.
  • They have no feelings of guilt or remorse, nor do they feel indebted to others.
  • They are affectively frivolous and superficial.
  • They are indifferent, becoming cruel.

Socially:

  • They enjoy scams and all crimes that require the manipulation of another.
  • They tend to commit crimes in their younger years.
  • They have behavioral problems since childhood.

In relation to others:

  • They lie pathologically.

    • Specialists also highlight that it is more common for antisocial personality disorder to affect Men than women, improve with age and that people who suffer from it have a higher mortality rate, due to their behavior.

    How this disorder is diagnosed and treated

    There is no way to prevent the appearance of antisocial personality disorder. Because this behavior is believed to have its roots in childhood, parents, family members, teachers, and pediatricians may be able to spot warning signs to get early attention.

    The diagnosis can only be made around 18 years, when the worst behavior of people occurs.

    For this, the professional will carry out a complete evaluation of mental health, evaluating the patient’s thoughts, feelings, and relationships. Once the symptoms are identified, they will be compared to those of antisocial personality disorder.

    This disorder is difficult to treat because the person who needs help does not believe that there is a problem with their behavior. For this reason, they rarely seek treatment and generally rely on the intervention of a third party.

    Treatment may consist of a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The first seeks to help the person understand their diagnosis and how it affects their life and their relationships with others, with the aim of reducing symptoms.

    Although personality disorders cannot be treated with medications, they can be prescribed to treat other conditions related to metal problems, such as anxiety or depression.

    Sources consulted : US National Library of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Mental Health.