How to Identify a Sociopath: Telling Signs and Behaviors

Sociopaths live among us. An estimated 2 million sociopaths live in North America alone, and the most infamous sociopaths have become well-known monsters in the media. Most sociopaths, however, rarely get the national attention given to extreme sociopaths such as Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer. Like many other types of dangerous predators, sociopaths do not often look like the monsters of our imaginations. This makes it more difficult to spot a sociopath at first glance. Sociopaths in society range from the estimated 75% of prisoners to the manipulative next-door-neighbor, or the abusive partner. Luckily, there are some ways to identify a sociopath, though no sociopath identification guide is an exact science.

What is a Sociopath?

Antisocial Personality Disorder is the clinical term for the disorder associated with the traits of sociopaths. In popular culture, the term psychopath is also often loosely used to reference a sociopath. The clinical diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder has set criteria, and to be diagnosed, a sociopath would have to have at least 3 characteristics, and meet other clinical guidelines. Many juvenile delinquents, who have been diagnosed with Conduct Disorder in their teens, eventually age into meeting the criteria for a sociopath diagnosis. Treatment for sociopaths has not proven to be very effective. Psychologists and psychiatrists use the DSMR-IV to make clinical diagnoses, though many people who qualify for a sociopath diagnosis are never evaluated.

Common Traits of a Sociopath

The common characteristics and personality traits of sociopaths are based on the criteria used by clinicians who use the DSMR-IV. Sociopaths have a psychological disorder. One of the most common personality characteristics of the sociopath is their grandiose sense of self and entitlement. Sociopaths also often display a lack of remorse and most have a very manipulative personality covered by superficial charm. Sociopaths often use people as a means to getting what they want. Friendships and romantic partners are often frequently disregarded and replaced when the relationship no longer suits their self-centered needs.

The emotions of a sociopath may appear to be sincere on the surface, cleverly disguised by superficial charm and feigned interest. Many sociopaths use manipulative measures to draw others to them. Chronic lying is characteristic of nearly all sociopaths. Recklessness and aggressive behaviors are other characteristics, as well as impulsivity. A lack of remorse, or what is generally termed conscience, is typical for sociopaths.

The combination of at least 3 of the common sociopath characteristics paints a pretty good description of the common sociopath. Many sociopaths have troubles with law enforcement and authority, accounting for the high percentages of sociopaths who fill the prisons. Sociopaths are also likely to be involved in more domestic violence, aggressive crimes, and have a higher rate of substance abuse issues.

Warning Signs

Recognizing a sociopath is not as easy as it may seem, despite the clear criteria provided by the DSMR-IV for diagnosis. Sociopaths can be very convincing and charming at first, especially at the beginning of relationships. A history of poor relationships, problems with the law, and excessive lying are just a few red flags to watch out for at the beginning. A lack of remorse, when noticed in a possible sociopath, is often a warning sign. It is nearly impossible to have a normal relationship with a sociopath, and in some cases, being involved with a sociopath can be dangerous. Their lack of regard for the welfare of others and typical lack of conscience can make sociopaths dangerous.

Sociopaths I Have Known

My own experience with sociopaths has been at a professional level, and as such, I have had the opportunity to observe many of the common characteristics of sociopaths from first hand experience, often while trying to conduct court-ordered counseling or domestic violence groups. Sociopaths can be the most charming people when they want or need something, in my experience this was often a letter to the court to confirm participation in counseling. Sociopaths will often lie with a straight face, and their sophistication with lying often works on their family members and friends. Treatment for sociopaths is not very effective, partly because they have a personality disorder which affects nearly all aspects of their lives and those who they have relationships with.

Sociopaths, as mentioned previously, can also be dangerous, especially when they feel they have been wronged in some way. In all of my encounters with sociopaths, I have had my tires slashed once, and have had one direct threat. Though not all sociopaths will take it to the level of violence, anyone who has a lack of conscience and remorse is more dangerous than the average person. Ann Rule, writer of several true crime novels, offers an interesting peek into the lives and thoughts of modern day sociopaths. For an inside look into the mind and behaviors of sociopaths, I highly suggest reading a few of the Ann Rule series of true crime novels.