2023-09-07 22:16:11
Because of their behaviors, antisocial personalities often spend part of their lives in specific places such as residential and rehabilitation centers, prisons and hospitals. Suicide, addictions, illnesses: often seen as “public dangers”, these individuals are in reality the first victims of their disorder.
Definition: sociopathy, an antisocial personality disorder
The psychiatric medical reality of sociopathie corresponds to the antisocial personality disorder. According to version 5 of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM V (reference work in psychiatry), this disorder is characterized by:
- a inability to respect the law and social norms,
- a absence of guilt,
- a indifference to danger.
This personality type is described as:
- dishonest,
- impulsive,
- irresponsible,
- manipulative.
According to psychologist Samuel Mergui: In reality, DSM V antisocial personality disorder encompasses characteristics of both psychopath and sociopath. Robert Hare, the British psychologist who first used the concept of psychopath, describes the latter as a being without faith or law and of great impulsiveness. The Anglo-Saxon concept of sociopath defines him as a kind of psychopath but with less impulsivity. The sociopath would originally be (and contrary to certain criteria of the DSM V), a calculating being endowed with great mastery.
Origin: the word sociopathie comes from Latin partner : “companion, comrade” and from ancient Greek pathos, ” suffering “. It was first used in 1909 by the psychiatrist Karl Birnbaum but was not popularized until the 1930s by the psychologist George Partridge.
Symptoms: how to recognize an antisocial personality (sociopath)?
In order to recognize an antisocial personality (which includes the older notion of “sociopath”), the best is still to refer to the criteria of the DSM V (reference manual in psychiatry) which describes it as an adult person (moreover aged 18) who since adolescence (around the age of 15):
- is unable to conform to social norms,
- repeats behavior punishable by arrest,
- has a tendency to deceive for profit or pleasure speak liethe use of pseudonyms or through scams,
- is impulsive (he therefore does not premeditate his actions),
- East little foresight and unable to plan ahead,
- is irritable or even aggressive,
- demonstrates repeated violence (fights et frequent attacks),
- has reckless disregard for his own safety and that of others,
- is irresponsible,
- unable to take on a job or a stable professional situation,
- fails to honor its financial obligations,
- who has a lack of remorse even after having committed an offense or even a crime (theft, rape, assault, etc.).
Sociopath and psychopath: what are the similarities and differences between these personalities?
Like sociopathy, psychopathy has been abandoned by psychiatric classifications but remains used. The psychopath is a individual who has no affect. Like the sociopath, he does not know empathy or remorse.
For some specialists, the sociopath would totally fit the antisocial personality of the DSM V. He would be impulsive and would tend to deviate from strong social norms or laws. He would often have to deal with the law and could find himself in socio-professional and financial precariousness due to his actions.
Still according to this approach, the psychopath, for his part, would not always be an “outsider”: unlike the antisocial, he would not be impulsive and he would be capable of control. Some strategist and calculating psychopaths are even very integrated into the upper strata (CEOs, lawyers, media figures, etc.).
According to Samuel Mergui, clinical psychologist: However, the original concept of sociopath, of Anglo-Saxon origin, reverses these two notions. Originally, the psychopath is an uncontrollable criminal. Conversely, the sociopath manages to integrate into society and even manipulate its world. He’s some kind of enhanced psychopath.
Sociopath and narcissistic personality: is there a link?
The sociopath and the narcissistic pervert are two different personality types, although they retain some commonalities. Starting with the lack of empathy and sensitivity. In addition, sociopaths like narcissistic perverts can use lies, the art of seduction or manipulation for their benefit.
“Nevertheless, the sociopath does not spend all his energy on improving his self-image. Nor does he associate overvaluing himself with devaluing the other. Finally, the sociopath does not experience sadistic pleasure in belittling or to denigrate another person”, according to psychologist Samuel Mergui.
How does an antisocial personality (sociopath) behave in a relationship?
Living as a couple with an antisocial personality can be particularly confusing and destructive. The consequences can be a loss of self-esteem, anxious or even depressive feelings. Worse still, it is not uncommon for these people to show violence towards their spouse and children.
What causes antisocial personality disorder (sociopathy)?
The cause of the disorder is not known, but some hypothetical factors have been raised such as:
- genetic factors: studies on adoptions and others on twins confirm some heritability of antisocial behavior;
- biological factors: in antisocials, there would be less connectivity in the part of the brain that regulates emotions. This would explain the greater impulsivity. Additionally, antisocial personalities have been shown to have a tendency toward impulsivity due to a slower heart rate causing them to seek thrills;
- environmental factors such as a difficult childhood, having a deviant, impulsive or even alcoholic parent, maternal abandonment during early childhood, a lack of affection, an absence or excess of discipline, unstable family ties from early childhood… In addition, the cultural environment strongly influences antisocial behavior. For example, Japan and China would have fewer antisocial people than in other countries.
Antisocial personality disorder: how is the diagnosis established?
The diagnosis of antisocial personality is established by a psychiatrist on the basis of the DSM V criteria. Another psychotherapist aware of the issue can also make this diagnosis.
Signs sometimes detectable in early childhood
Note that according to the DSM V, sociopathy cannot be diagnosed before the age of 15, but it has been recognized in children three warning signs of the disorder, referred to as “ to triads by MacDonald » :
- an unusually long period of enuresis (urinating unconsciously or involuntarily);
- cruelty towards animals;
- pyromania (fascination with fire).
In addition, there is a precursor to antisocial personality disorder in children called conduct disorder. Children affected by this disorder are selfish and insensitive to the feelings of others. It is possible to act early when a child shows these types of signs.
Finally, it has been noted that the more sociable a child is, the less likely he or she is to have antisocial personality disorder as an adult.
Antisocial personality disorder: what is the treatment?
There is no medication to treat this disorder. Support goes through psychotherapy. The favorable course of the disease depends on the early treatment and the patient’s receptivity to therapeutic work. Note that antisocials are difficult to treat patients because they are little concerned about their mental and physical state. In addition, the alliance with the therapist is generally difficult.
Samuel Mergui: Antisocial people can stabilize around their forties, especially if they have managed to find a balance and/or start a family. However, a good number of them (especially if they are very impulsive) end up either in prison or homeless and it is very complicated to treat them.
The treatment of antisocial personalities is therefore very supervised: teamwork, well-defined framework, frequent supervision of the team, etc.
Several approaches can be considered: psychoanalysis, motivational techniques or even cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT). Treatment of related addictions (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc.) is also necessary. These means can provide hope for improvement and social reintegration.
Let us add that the chances of remission are greater among antisocials who have served a prison sentence of less than one year than among others (i.e. those who have never been in prison and those who had to stay behind bars longer ).
If you are a spouse or family member of an antisocial person, you may be recommended to seek self-help or enter into couples or family therapy involving the person suffering from antisocial personality disorder.
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