Am I A Sociopath? How To Recognize And Address Sociopathic Tendencies

While the word “sociopath” is frequently used in casual conversation, it may not always be used accurately. Sociopathy generally refers to the symptoms of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), such as deceitful behavior, manipulation, frequent lying, impulsivity, and a lack of regard for safety and others’ feelings. In addition, individuals with ASPD may not experience remorse as readily as people without the disorder, which may strain interpersonal relationships. If you’re wondering whether you could be a sociopath, it may be helpful to reach out to a licensed mental health professional for further insight.

Do you have traits associated with ASPD?

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What is antisocial personality disorder?

ASPD is a mental health condition that impacts an estimated 0.6% to 3.6% of adults and three times as many men as women worldwide.

Individuals with ASPD may experience a variety of symptoms as detailed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V), including the following: 

• Lack of empathy: A person with ASPD may have a hard time understanding others’ needs and emotions. This can make it challenging to maintain friendships and other interpersonal relationships. 
• Manipulative behavior: Using deception, engaging in dishonesty, and lying to achieve personal goals may be common behaviors in those with ASPD. 
• Disregard for social norms or laws: Those with ASPD may frequently engage in illegal activities or behavior that violates social norms. This may include disrespect for ethical boundaries as well.
• Impulsivity: It can be challenging for a person with ASPD to make plans or think through their actions. Instead, they may act on the spur of the moment without considering the consequences. 
• Consistent irresponsibility: Tied in with other signs on this list, a person with ASPD may not act responsibly. They may not display a consistent work ethic or honor their financial obligations, which can impact their personal and professional relationships.
• Aggression or irritability: Individuals with ASPD may experience anger more frequently or have a lower tolerance for frustration, which can lead to physical or verbal fights or acts of aggression. 
• Lack of remorse: The indifference toward or rationalization of hurting, mistreating, or stealing from another person, whether a close friend, family member, acquaintance, or stranger, can be a sign of ASPD. 
• Reckless disregard for safety: People with ASPD may take unnecessary risks that endanger themselves or other people. 

Experiencing one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you are experiencing ASPD. However, if you are concerned about the way you interact with others, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. A therapist can answer your questions and make a formal diagnosis if necessary.

Why do I think I could be a sociopath?

If you believe you might have ASPD, there may be a few reasons why. These reasons may stem from self-reflection or feedback received from others. One reason you may believe that you are living with ASPD could be that you have experienced frequent or intense conflicts with friends, family, or colleagues. These interpersonal relationship challenges may lead you to wonder if your behavior could be contributing to an unhealthy dynamic. 

You may also believe that you could have ASPD if others have commented on your lack of empathy or manipulative behavior. Others may have communicated that they do not trust you or that you are not a trustworthy person. This could prompt you to reflect on your thoughts and behavior, which may lead you to believe that you could have ASPD.

Other signs that may lead you to think you might be living with ASPD include a sense of detachment from society, frequent run-ins with the law, or challenges with accepting and following social norms. While it can be tempting to self-assess ASPD, there is no single “sociopath test” or way to diagnose the disorder on your own. Only a licensed mental health professional can provide an official diagnosis.

It can be important to note that most individuals with antisocial personality disorder tend not to question their behavior and may not care whether they could be living with ASPD. Many of those diagnosed with ASPD only seek professional help at the request of loved ones or because they’re experiencing co-occurring conditions impacting their mental health.

If you have concerns about your thoughts or behavior or believe you may have ASPD, it can be beneficial to connect with a mental health professional who can provide a formal evaluation and potential treatment plan.  

Diagnosing ASPD

Diagnosing antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) usually involves a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist. A diagnosis can be complex and may begin with the clinician gathering information about your personal history, including childhood behavior, family relationships, education, work history, and social interactions. They may also ask about specific behaviors, such as law-breaking, aggression, or deceitfulness. 

It may be vital to understand that a diagnosis can mean different things for different people, and that antisocial personality disorder can exist on a spectrum, with some individuals experiencing more severe symptoms than others.

Living with ASPD

Living with ASPD can present various challenges related to maintaining relationships and a career. There are currently no medication options available to specifically treat ASPD. However, in cases of severe aggression, medication may be prescribed to manage anger. A doctor may also prescribe other medications to manage comorbid disorders. If you are prescribed medication, it can be crucial to communicate with your provider to manage side effects and assess the long-term impact of the medication.

If you are diagnosed with ASPD, there may be recovery options to improve symptoms over time, even if the underlying disorder and emotions still exist. Therapy options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you identify negative thought patterns and restructure them to better understand how your actions impact others. CBT usually focuses on developing healthier thought patterns and improving interpersonal skills. 

In addition to CBT, a therapist may use exercises from dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which is primarily designed to help individuals manage strong emotions. 

A therapist may also help you make lifestyle adjustments that can reduce ASPD symptoms. This may include avoiding substance use, which may exacerbate symptoms, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep. In addition, your therapist may recommend mindfulness and daily reflection to monitor your emotions and to improve decision-making skills. 

Do you have traits associated with ASPD?

Get insight from an online therapist

Seeking help and building support

While seeing a therapist in-person may be an option for some people, others may not be comfortable speaking to a licensed mental health professional face-to-face. Online therapy can reduce the potential stress and anxiety associated with working with a therapist in a brick-and-mortar office. With online therapy, individuals can attend sessions from any location with an internet connection. This can lower the barrier to support for people who may be living with ASPD. 

While the efficacy of online therapy specifically for treating ASPD may require further research, existing studies suggest that online therapy can be an effective way for individuals to receive professional mental health support. An online therapist can implement a variety of strategies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to help you manage ASPD symptoms and any comorbid mental health conditions.