The Sociopath Next Door

PbHash

Active Member
Ok so I stole the title from a book I finished reading again.

So it has come to light that about 4 percent of our population is a sociopath. This means they have no conscious , feel no guilt, no empathy, extremely manipulative. Its hard to believe that so many people out there are like this, it is more prevalent than anorexia nervosa, colon cancer, and a list of many other well documented physical and psyc problems. After reading the book I found it interesting how I was able to identify two very likely candidates that I know. How about you? It would actually be unlikely that you don't know one.

DSM IV criteria are
A) There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three or more of the following:
failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest;
deception, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure;
impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead;
irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults;
reckless disregard for safety of self or others;
consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations;
lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another;
B) The individual is at least age 18 years.
C) There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years.
D) The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or a manic episode.
 
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