How to Identify an Individual with Antisocial Personality Disorder

In the realm of mental health, sociopathy – also known as antisocial personality disorder – refers to a condition where those affected struggle to grasp and adhere to societal ethical and behavioral norms. Individuals with this disorder can be highly dangerous, engaging in criminal behavior, forming harmful groups or cults, and posing risks to themselves and others. Signs indicating someone may be suffering from sociopathy include a lack of empathy, disregard for the law, and a frequent tendency to lie.

Consider the person's personality and behavior. Those with this personality disorder are often extremely charming and articulate. Their personality is typically described as magnetic, allowing them to attract attention and receive praise. They may also possess strong sexual urges, with unusual or excessive sexual preferences.

• At times, they may feel a sense of entitlement to a position, person, or object. They believe their views and beliefs are superior and dismiss the opinions of others.
• They rarely experience feelings of shame, insecurity, or silence. Unable to control emotions such as anger, impatience, or frustration, they often raise their voices and react impulsively in these situations.

Consider the individual's past and present behaviors. A sociopath often exhibits spontaneous, unusual, and dangerous actions. They typically behave in ways that contradict societal norms and may engage in risky, violent, or inappropriate activities without considering the consequences.

• They may have a criminal history. Due to their frequent disregard for the law and social rules, they may have prior convictions. They can be fraudsters, compulsive thieves, or even murderers.
• They are skilled liars. They fabricate stories, make strange or false claims, but their confidence and assertiveness make these lies seem convincing.
• They can't stand boredom. They are easily bored and require constant stimulation.

Examine the person's relationships with others. How they interact with people can also reveal whether they may have antisocial personality disorder. Sociopaths are highly skilled at persuading others to do what they want, either through charm or more aggressive means. As a result, their friends and colleagues often end up doing whatever they desire.

• They don't feel guilt or shame about their actions. Those with this condition lack empathy when they harm others. They may be indifferent or try to justify their behavior.
• Sociopaths often manipulate others. They may try to influence and control those around them to gain power.
• They lack compassion and are incapable of feeling love. Some individuals with this disorder may have one or a few people they care about, but generally, they cannot experience true affection. They may have never had a healthy romantic relationship in the past.
• They struggle with criticism. They often crave recognition and are dependent on others' approval.

Talk to someone about what you're experiencing. If you're in a relationship with someone who is abusive, or if a colleague is treating you poorly, share your story with someone you trust. If the relationship has become violent or you are concerned for your safety, seek help to distance yourself from the person. Don't attempt to handle it on your own. Reach out to friends or family for support.

• If you are a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 in the U.S. In Vietnam, call 1800 1567 (child protection and support services provided by the Department of Child Protection under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, supported by Plan Vietnam), or (84-4) 37.280.936 (Women and Development Center).

Maintain distance from the individual. If the person you're dealing with is not a family member or someone close to you, avoid them. Continuing to spend time with them will negatively affect your life.

• Cut off contact with the individual, if possible, and avoid situations or locations where you might encounter them.
• Inform them that you need space and ask them to stop contacting you.
• If they refuse to cooperate and persist in contacting you, consider changing your phone number and other contact details. If they continue to stalk you, request a restraining order from the court.

Exercise Caution When Dealing with Them. If this is someone you cannot or do not want to avoid, always proceed with caution when questioning their actions. Before doing so, remember that sociopaths are inherently oppositional, unpleasant, and potentially violent. Consider enlisting friends or family to help plan preventive measures against any aggressive behaviors that may arise.

• Avoid accusing or pinpointing specific mistakes of the person. Instead, focus on the broader context of the situation and show them that you care about their well-being. Start by saying something like, 'I'm worried about you and want to help.'
• Avoid discussing the emotions or harm they've caused you. Someone with this disorder will not respond to these kinds of appeals.

Understand that Antisocial Personality Disorder is different from Psychopathy (Psychopath). Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and Psychopathy are not fully understood, but many scholars and scientists believe they are distinct conditions. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)—a guidebook used by mental health professionals—descriptions of Antisocial Personality Disorder closely align with traits of sociopaths and psychopaths. While sociopaths and psychopaths are not as easily diagnosed as ASPD, some studies suggest that these two syndromes are different forms of ASPD with some overlapping features. These common features include:

• Disregard for laws and social norms
• Failure to recognize the rights of others
• Lack of empathy or guilt
• Tendency to use violence

Consider Other Characteristics of Sociopathy. In addition to the antisocial traits mentioned, a person with sociopathy may display additional characteristics, most of which are related to a lack of conscience. While a psychopath is typically described as someone without a conscience, sociopaths show specific features that set them apart. These traits may include:

• Anxiety
• Short temper
• Lack of education
• Isolation
• Difficulty holding a job or staying in one place for long
• Excessive possessiveness or 'love' to mask fear of abandonment
• If they commit a crime, it tends to be impulsive and poorly planned

Always Remember: The cause of Antisocial Personality Disorder is not yet definitively proven. Some studies suggest that it may be genetic, while others point to childhood abuse or neglect as potential factors. One study found that 50% of those with sociopathy may have inherited it through genetic structures. However, environmental factors and other conditions contribute to the remaining 50% of cases. Due to differences in research findings, the exact cause of sociopathy remains unclear.

• Always keep in mind that individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder are not necessarily criminals or inherently bad people.

• Do not attempt to diagnose the condition yourself or share with others that you suspect someone may have it in order to involve a doctor. If you believe a loved one might have this disorder, find ways to cope with them and seek help if you feel threatened.
• If you feel like you're a victim or in danger, or being harmed by someone, contact the police. Do not attempt to resolve it alone if it puts you at risk.