What is the true definition of a sociopath?

Antisocial Personality Disorder is also known as psychopathy or


sociopathy. Individuals with this disorder have little regard for the


feeling and welfare of others. As a clinical diagnosis it is usually


limited to those over age 18. It can be diagnosed in younger people


if the they commit isolated antisocial acts and do not show signs of


another mental disorder.





Antisocial Personality Disorder is chronic, beginning in adolescence


and continuing throughout adulthood. There are ten general


symptoms:





not learning from experience


no sense of responsibility


inability to form meaningful relationships


inability to control impulses


lack of moral sense


chronically antisocial behavior


no change in behavior after punishment


emotional immaturity


lack of guilt


self-centeredness





People with this disorder may exhibit criminal behavior. They may


not work. If they do work, they are frequently absent or may quit


suddenly. They do not consider other people's wishes, welfare or


rights. They can be manipulative and may lie to gain personal


pleasure or profit. They may default on loans, fail to provide child


support, or fail to care for their dependents adequately. High risk


sexual behavior and substance abuse are common. Impulsiveness,


failure to plan ahead, aggressiveness, irritability, irresponsibility,


and a reckless disregard for their own safety and the safety of


others are traits of the antisocial personality.





Socioeconomic status, gender, and genetic factors play a role.


Males are more likely to be antisocial than females. Those from


lower socioeconomic groups are more susceptible. A family history


of the disorder puts one at higher risk.





There are many theories about the cause of Antisocial Personality


Disorder including experiencing neglectful parenting as a child, low


levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and belief that


antisocial behavior is justified because of difficult circumstances.


Psychotherapy, group therapy, and family therapy are common


treatments. The effects of medical treatment are inconclusive.


Unfortunately, most people with Antisocial Personality Disorder


reject treatment. Therefore, recovery rates are low.





I think I know some people who fit this description, scary. Hope this helps.What is the true definition of a sociopath?
Read some Dean Koontz books . . . that dude knows sociopaths . . .What is the true definition of a sociopath?
Medical definition--An individual with antisocial personality disorder.





Antisocial personality--characterized by disregard of the rights of others. usually prior to age 15--lying, stealing, fighting, truancy and disregard of authority (in childhood). In adolescence--aggression, sexual behavior and excess use of drugs/alcohol. In adulthood--these same behaviors continue along with poor work performance, poor parenting and inability to accept restrictions imposed by law.