Understanding The Meaning Of “Sociopathy”: A Guide To Antisocial Personality Disorder

You may have heard the term “sociopath” used in the past to describe someone with a mental illness. Although an outdated term, it was sometimes used in the past to describe traits of personality disorders like antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). To understand this condition in more detail, it can be helpful to research its symptoms and available treatments. 

What is antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)?

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is one of ten personality disorders identified by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). While some people use the word “sociopathy” to describe this condition, ASPD is the clinically accepted term, and sociopathy is no longer used clinically within the DSM. 

Personality disorders are complex and often stigmatized, leading to limited understanding of conditions like ASPD and misuse of terms like “sociopath.” Improving your knowledge of this condition and other personality disorders can reduce stigma and may encourage more people affected by these conditions to seek help. 

Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health condition in which an individual may frequently disregard the rights of other people and may behave irresponsibly with no remorse. They may frequently lie, manipulate others, and break the law. 

While the terms “sociopathy” and “sociopathic” are often used to describe specific mental health symptoms, these terms can be stigmatizing when used to describe an individual. To reduce stigma and promote proper treatment, ASPD is the accepted diagnostic term for this condition. 

According to the American Psychiatric Association, people living with ASPD show a continuing pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. To receive an official diagnosis of ASPD, a person must be at least 18 years old and exhibit three or more of the following symptoms: 

• Repeatedly breaking laws and social norms
• Deceitfulness
• Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
• Irritability and aggressiveness, which may lead to repeated physical fights or assaults
• Reckless disregard for the safety of oneself or others
• Consistent irresponsibility at work, with personal finances, or other critical life areas
• Lack of remorse

The American Psychiatric Association also notes that ASPD is estimated to affect between 0.6% and 3.6% of adults, and the condition is three times more common among men than women. That said, ASPD is infrequently diagnosed and often untreated, and there may be more people living with ASPD than these numbers reflect.  

What causes ASPD? 

Currently, the exact cause of ASPD is not known. However, research suggests that genetic factors, life circumstances, and changes in how the brain functions during brain development may play a role. In addition, there may be certain factors that increase the likelihood of developing ASPD, such as experiencing abuse in childhood, a family history of personality disorders, and a diagnosis of childhood conduct disorder. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.

What is the difference between sociopathy and psychopathy?

In some cases, you may hear the terms “sociopathic” and “psychopathic” being used interchangeably. While both psychopathic and sociopathic traits may fall under the diagnosis of ASPD, the two terms are not the same. 

For instance, some of the differences between sociopathy and psychopathy include the following:  

• Someone with sociopathic traits tends to be more impulsive and erratic compared to someone with psychopathic traits.
• People with psychopathic traits may be able to maintain a job better than those with sociopathic traits.
• Psychopathy is associated with a lack of remorse and challenges with forming genuine attachments. In contrast, someone with sociopathic traits may experience more guilt and bond with like-minded individuals.

Like sociopathy, psychopathy is not a diagnostic category in the DSM-5. Currently, the closest diagnosis to psychopathy in the DSM-5 is a youth diagnosis of conduct disorder with the addition of “callous-unemotional” traits. In conclusion, both sociopathy and psychopathy may fall under the umbrella diagnosis of ASPD, but sociopathic behavior tends to be more impulsive and unpredictable. 

Treatments for ASPD

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ASPD, there are resources and treatment options available for support. There is no set treatment for ASPD, and treatment can depend on each person and their situation, but the most common treatment options include medication and intensive psychotherapy. For some individuals, medication may be recommended to help with specific symptoms or conditions that occur alongside ASPD, such as aggression or depression. 

Individuals with ASPD may find engaging in individual, family, or group therapy useful. One form of treatment that may be used is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which centers around adjusting an individual’s thoughts and behaviors. Many researchers emphasize the importance of identifying and supporting children with early signs of ASPD, as well. For instance, it may help to offer early intervention if a child shows signs of conduct disorder. 

With proactive treatment, individuals and loved ones may be able to better manage the challenges associated with ASPD. A licensed therapist with expertise in ASPD can offer strategies to help individuals cope, navigate daily life, and connect meaningfully with others.

Online support for ASPD

For individuals affected by ASPD and their loved ones, therapy can be helpful, but the stigma associated with personality disorders may present a barrier to seeking help. In these situations, some people may find online therapy to be a less intimidating option. With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you can meet with a therapist from the comfort of your home, so you don’t have to worry about waiting in a busy office or running into other people in public.

Several studies suggest that online therapy can be as effective as in-person treatment options, including a 2022 research study on the effectiveness of an online intervention for family members of people with personality disorders. The researchers compared the online delivery of the “Family Connections” program—an empirically supported intervention for family members of people with borderline personality disorder—to a face-to-face version of the program. 

The study found that the online version of the program was as effective as the in-person program, yielding significant improvements in family members’ levels of depression, anxiety, sense of “family empowerment,” and quality of life. While the online program focused on BPD, this study marks a promising step toward effective, accessible treatments for family members of those with other personality disorders in the future. Other studies have found that internet interventions for personality disorders “show promise” as well.