| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 3/22/2008 6:21:19 PM | There is a book i highly recommend called The Psychopath's Bible. it was written by Dr. Christopher Hyatt.
it has a different take on what society deems as psychotic. i tend to believe his take more. that society has built and formed a nice human that we should all become because of our society being unable to deal with anything else.
but what are humans really wired to be like? i could argue what the altruistic qualities of a human actually are to what people think they should be. | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 3/25/2008 4:42:02 PM | OP, i think you are copying verbatim out of a book,
also be aware that some people will apply your criteria to others.
And a little knowledge is a dangerous thing,
if used in the wrong context. | |
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heyyup
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Joined: 3/4/2008
Msg: 303 | |
| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 3/27/2008 6:44:49 AM | whats the question here im confused, to quote 'does this sound familir?'
in my opinion yes it does to nearly eveyone i'd say as we all have some traits of the above mentioned by op and if you say you dont well then i think maybe you mite need a little help... | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 4/6/2008 9:44:29 AM | What's the question OP? I'm not sure about your references but the DSM-IV (diagnostic and statistical manual 4th revision) is the necessary source to go if you're looking for a clinical diagnosis.
Lauren Slater - an author proposes that up to 25% of the population fit the DSM-IV definition of a sociopath.......things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmm......:) | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 9/12/2008 11:12:21 AM | I just read all 13 pages of this thread. I once knew a sociopath - but thankfully was tipped off by his ex-friend (although had suspicions about things he'd done). I didn't really know what a sociopath was so searched online and he did share all the traits - constant lying, using people, borrowing money, appearing charming at first, then showing his irate side when things didn't go well, throwing in stuff to get your pity (which is probably mostly lies), his ex-friend told me he'd stolen money, suffered from addictions and other stuff, etc etc.
I really think it's a shame nothing can be done for them and that they get away with what they're doing - moving from one person to the next. I hate the fact that they will stay like this their whole life - although some have said it calms down a little as they get older. You'd think with them being intelligent some sort of counseling or something might actually get through to them - but I guess not. Did those of you who knew them / had relationships with them actually try and talk to them about their problems? I guess so, but... How does a sociopath act when you bring it up and try and talk it through with them? Go nuts? | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 9/12/2008 11:38:40 AM | | Guys, this topic seems to be eluding to the assumption that prevelance of this dissorder is male .This simply in( my opinion) is not the case! I have recently fell victim to at the very least an egotistical self gratifying lunatic who, despite her high intelligence and credible professional background see's fit to line up potential suitors despite displaying all the signs of being in love and showing respect in the decent partnership way. Sour grapes on my part you may think! I'm a loving caring guy who was prepared to give benefit to doubt even after finding a stock pile of genital wart cream, anti biotics and some other prescription medicines I'm sure now were for std's under her bed! Being hurt emotionaly is one thing, but this person is on here now bouncing around off people without any care for physical health either. I thank god I practise safe sex, she never felt that concerned. | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 9/12/2008 9:44:25 PM | I don't know if this has been mentioned but if anyone wants to really understand sociopathy and who prevalent it is in our society they need to read:
THE SOCIOPATH NEXT DOOR.
I can't remember the author but just google it. | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 9/13/2008 5:37:36 PM | | I've got a question that I was just thinking about. Do sociopaths use absolutely everyone? ie. all of their friends and people they think they can use? Or do they just target specific people and actually be 'nice' to certain close friends? I'm just curious because the one I knew had a couple of friends that he'd been friends with for quite a hile (longer than I'd known him) - and it made me wonder why they hadn't figured him out and stopped being his friend like others had. Do sociopaths decide who they want as their 'victim' while showing no sociopathic signs to friends that they don't want to use? | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 9/13/2008 11:42:29 PM |
I just read all 13 pages of this thread. I once knew a sociopath - but thankfully was tipped off by his ex-friend (although had suspicions about things he'd done). I didn't really know what a sociopath was so searched online and he did share all the traits - constant lying, using people, borrowing money, appearing charming at first, then showing his irate side when things didn't go well, throwing in stuff to get your pity (which is probably mostly lies), his ex-friend told me he'd stolen money, suffered from addictions and other stuff, etc etc. I don't think you can diagnose a sociopath just by researching the traits and then comparing them to him. He could just as well be someone who suffers from low self esteem. Which in different sitautions, could just about be everyone alive. (except sociopaths). By the traits you've listed, it appears all children are sociopaths. It's a lot more involved that possessing traits. Even well trained professionals have a hard time diagnosing someone as a true sociopath--someone who possesses no conscience, no remorse, no empathy for his/her victims.
Do sociopaths use absolutely everyone? ie. all of their friends and people they think they can use? Or do they just target specific people and actually be 'nice' to certain close friends? I'm just curious because the one I knew had a couple of friends that he'd been friends with for quite awhile (longer than I'd known him) - and it made me wonder why they hadn't figured him out and stopped being his friend like others had. This might indicate he does possess what it takes to form lasting relationships. Overall he is a bad dude, but probably not a true sociopath. He acts like a child. More than likely he hasn't emotionally grown up past a certain chronological age. This happens to people. Not everyone comes from a proper nurturing background. Kids learn what they live and carry it into adulthood. Through cognitive therapy it is possible to unlearn life lessons and learn proper behaviour, but the subject really has to acknowledge they are a problem and want to change.
Sounds like your past friend suffers nothing more than stunted emotional growth. | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 9/13/2008 11:52:11 PM |
Do sociopaths use absolutely everyone? ie. all of their friends and people they think they can use? Or do they just target specific people and actually be 'nice' to certain close friends? I'm just curious because the one I knew had a couple of friends that he'd been friends with for quite a hile (longer than I'd known him) - and it made me wonder why they hadn't figured him out and stopped being his friend like others had. Do sociopaths decide who they want as their 'victim' while showing no sociopathic signs to friends that they don't want to use?
Sociopaths view EVERYONE as objects to be used but whether they are successful is up to the person whom they are relating to. Usually, if a sociopath cannot use you he/she will move on. The friends you are speaking of may allow the sociopath to use them and that is the nature of their relationship. Some people live to "help" others because it gives them a sense of purpose. | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 9/14/2008 11:04:23 AM | | I think a real sociopath is in part delusional. And may not necessarily be delibrate in their actions. I dated a sociopath that was more negligent in her behavior than what some might typically label as sociopathic behavior. And example would be independency and dependency. She was very independent. And could not understand how her partner could be emotionally dependent on her in the closest sense. Despite what may be assumed she was not delibrate in her actions that may have caused emotional distress. Now I'm not talking about anything criminal here. More so a simple not following through with things that were discussed. For instance. It could be something as little as going out to dinner. But shortly before going she says that she has to get other thing done and we'll go another time. So I would have to say that there are different levels of sociopathy. And some may misinterpret sociopathy with someone who is greedy, calculating, and dishonest. | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 9/15/2009 5:14:21 PM | | sidheanwwyn is correct ! Psychopath is a Sociopath , just with further, more severe characteristics. I just read up on both of them for my own research. | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 9/16/2009 4:43:08 PM | | OP...You certainly got them spot on!!! The sad thing is because they are so good at what they do, they even start believing their own lies...these are the ones who always pass lie detector tests | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 9/17/2009 6:32:09 AM | I agree with lotacus (Msg: 280).
The criteria is too vague and most people check most of those tick boxes at one time or another in their adult lives. For example most people have cheated on someone at some point, most people have hurt another’s feelings and not cared about them at some point. The only valid factor I find is complete lack of empathy.
I'm surprised no one has tackled this from a Darwinian view point (not read all posts so my bad if I skipped over any). A lot of those traits may increase fitness especially the charming “fits in with society” types. Empathy can be both a friend and a foe. I guess if everyone was a sociopath society wouldn't work, however I think a minority of sociopaths can be sustained by the rest of us. At the end of the day if it helps to pass their genes on then it is an advantage from a Darwinian perspective.
As for happiness, I’m not sure, are sociopaths happier/sadder than the rest of us? | |
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| characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath
Posted: 10/22/2009 12:31:55 PM | I am the victim of a male sociopath/psychopath but there is much more.
eg early onset of criminal behaviour age 14
grandiose ideas beleiveing he has a furniture manufacturing plant and a horse stud in Ireland
Grand dressing 3 piece suit gentlemans hat when they had already fallen out of fashion
early onset of gambling addiction
Spoof stories he owns stud farms passing on racing tips mixing with genuine horse racing owners
Charming behaviour
Early onset of alcohol addiction crashed salesmans car into traffic island paralytic drunk
Poker addiction
Exteme physical violence to first wife (she also folie a deux)
violence to children (possible paedophilia) (there is a link)
lying
deceit pursued by insurance company for stealing monthly subscriptions
familial theft
criminal history of embezzlement 6 months in prison
history of deliberate bankruptcy c £55000 in 1984
theft from mother inlaw of all her life savings
theft from childrens bank account before he absconded abandoning his two daughters
deliberate targetting of beautiful kind generous divorcee with three children one with spina bifida to live rent free in her house for 4 years
failure to inform her he was divorced, that he had children, that he was a bankrupt, that he had criminal record before he married her.
Attempt to remain married to her while she died of cancer so he could get her life savings
Hiding long term in roofspace to hide from solicitors anting to serve divorce papers
Various aliases
Complete lack of remorse for embezzling £22000 from company on ROI causing factory to lay off workers
Obviously i have witheld information
What I need to know.
Is it hereditary.
Could his daughter suffer from same condition.?
Based on this information do you think he fits profile of man who could abduct a child and murder her for some reason while he was an alcoholic and in throes of impending bankruptcy knowing that he had a criminal record already.
He is also a man who passed the childs house and because he was self employed had no timesheets , manager or anyone to know his whereabouts.
I would genuinely appreciate any criminolgy advice because i have already reported to police what i know and nothing has been done | |
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