How To Define “Sociopath”

While the word “sociopath” may mean different things to different people, it usually refers to antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). This personality disorder is usually characterized by an inability to form meaningful connections with others and a lack of empathy or remorse. Sociopaths often engage in manipulative, deceitful, criminal, or violent behavior without feeling guilt or shame. While no single cause may lead to this disorder, it may be caused by biological factors, such as genetics, or environmental influences, including trauma. There may also be an overlap in symptoms of ASPD and other mental health diagnoses, such as psychopathy and bipolar disorder. If you know someone who displays signs of ASPD or experience symptoms of ASPD yourself, seeking professional help from an online or in-person therapist can be beneficial.

What is a sociopath?

It can be seen as an umbrella term for many different behaviors and characteristics and is not a clinical term endorsed by the American Psychological Association or used by mental health professionals. 

The clinical terminology for sociopathy is usually antisocial personality disorder or ASPD. In certain cases, the term “psychopathy” may be used. ASPD is a diagnosable mental health condition defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It’s generally considered to be one of four personality disorders; others usually include narcissistic, borderline, and histrionic personality disorders. All these conditions are generally known to cause “dramatic, emotional, and unpredictable” interactions with others.

ASPD can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms may overlap with similar disorders and occur alongside other co-occurring mental health conditions. Studies have shown that approximately 50% to 60% of sociopaths also live with other mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder. This can make it difficult to accurately diagnose a person with ASPD because they may display signs of underlying mental health concerns.

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While ASPD can encompass many different behaviors, its core components normally include a disregard for right and wrong and a consistent pattern of disregarding other people's rights without remorse or guilt. People with ASPD often display aggression, impulsiveness, risk-taking, lying, manipulation, chronic irritability, lack of responsibility, and difficulty forming meaningful relationships with others. 

While many sociopaths tend to show a lack of remorse or empathy and often engage in impulsive behavior, no single trait may define a sociopath. Scientists have been split on properly diagnosing sociopaths, psychopaths, and those with ASPD for decades. 

According to recent studies, researchers tend to agree that there is significant overlap between these other mental health conditions, and that psychopathy and sociopathy are usually on the spectrum of those who may be clinically diagnosed with ASPD.

Although these terms are often used interchangeably in conversation, they tend to have distinct differences based on their definitions within psychology and psychiatry. Sociopathy is usually considered an outdated term that is no longer recognized by professionals, while psychopathy can refer more accurately to someone who can feel empathy but chooses not to due to narcissistic traits or sociopathic tendencies.

Development of ASPD and psychopathy

The debate on how these conditions develop remains controversial. Some researchers and practitioners suggest that psychological damage from childhood traumas or lack of appropriate parental guidance may be responsible for their development. Others claim that such disorders may be more genetically inclined and inherited from parents or other family members who display similar traits. Still others view sociopaths and psychopaths as evolutionary adaptations with social benefits for some people within societies that may lack certain moral sensibilities. 

In a comprehensive review, researchers looked into the genetic and environmental factors that may play a role in how a person’s feelings develop and the potential causes of the development of antisocial behaviors. The study discovered that a particularly traumatic upbringing or emotional abuse could lead to maladaptive social behaviors and an increased risk of falling on the spectrum of ASPD. However, they also identified many other potential causes, such as genetics and social influences, which makes it difficult to pinpoint any single cause of the development of sociopathic tendencies.

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Although there can be much disagreement on the causes of this behavior, most experts agree that sociopathy is a mental health condition worthy of treatment and management strategies to mitigate its impact on the individual with the disorder and those around them. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in understanding ASPD and related personality disorders to provide better therapeutic interventions to the individuals experiencing them. 

Treatment for antisocial personality disorder

Treatment options for ASPD can vary depending on the individual. Some people may find relief from medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, while others may require cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

It may be beneficial to employ a multi-faceted treatment for ASPD and focus on co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and sociopathic behaviors. By addressing all aspects of a person's mental health, clinicians may be able to provide more effective treatment for individuals experiencing ASPD. This holistic approach to treating these complex mental health disorders may be key to ensuring successful, long-term recovery outcomes.

Some treatment options for antisocial personality disorder may include the following:

Cognitive behavioral therapy

CBT can be defined as an evidence-based psychological approach that usually focuses on helping individuals recognize, challenge, and change maladaptive thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. Studies have found that CBT may help individuals with ASPD by teaching them new coping skills, such as self-soothing techniques. Cognitive restructuring techniques may help individuals challenge maladaptive thoughts contributing to their antisocial behaviors. Other components of CBT often include assertiveness training and problem-solving interventions, which can encourage individuals to take a proactive role in addressing their challenges. 

Though research is still needed to assess the effectiveness of CBT for treating ASPD, preliminary studies suggest that it may be a promising treatment option for people who experience this disorder.

Mentalization-based treatment

Recent research has found novel methods of treatment for ASPD that may have promising results in treating symptoms and addressing the developmental roots of antisocial behaviors. In a study from the American Journal of Psychotherapy, researchers investigated the effectiveness of mentalization therapy techniques used in the group therapy setting. Mentalization-based treatment for ASPD (MBT-ASPD) usually focuses on the mental and relational processes core to personality and conduct disorders rather than the traditional focus on anger management. 

In the study, researchers found that this approach frequently reduced symptoms of ASPD and sociopathy by focusing on developing healthy attachment patterns and “we-ness” in the group setting. This study may highlight the potential for enabling individuals to work with a group to develop a sense of who they are and what they stand for, which may help improve social consciousness and empathy. 

In combination with medication management, CBT and MBT may be effective tools for treating symptoms of ASPD. Still, treating these conditions can be challenging due to the difficulties associated with identifying their underlying causes. Therefore, seeking support from experienced professionals who can properly assess each case to create a comprehensive treatment plan can be essential.

Benefits of online therapy

Online therapy may provide individuals who experience symptoms of ASPD and potentially co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and depression, with a safe space to talk about their emotions freely without fear of being judged. This may be especially helpful for those diagnosed with ASPD since many individuals may not feel comfortable discussing these topics in traditional settings due to the stigma associated with these conditions. Online therapy may also be a convenient option as it can allow you to access therapy from anywhere you want at a time that works for you.

Effectiveness of online therapy

In one study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy delivered in an online setting. In the study, their team discovered that online CBT could be as effective as in-person therapy for addressing conditions like depression and anxiety, which may co-occur with ASPD. They also found that online therapy typically improved the willingness to participate in therapy for those who may lack access due to cost, location, and symptoms of mental health disorders.