Sociopathy, commonly classified as an antisocial personality disorder, is characterized by behavior patterns that include manipulation, deceit, aggression, and lack of empathy. Despite the media’s glamourization and widely inaccurate portrayal of sociopaths, most of them are not serial killers. They can be CEOS, lawyers, business owners, politicians, Wall Street traders, housewives, doctors, or anyone. So, how do you know if you might be dealing with a sociopath? Watch this video to find out.
Disclaimer: This video is purely for educational purposes only and is not designed to diagnose anybody with sociopathy or antisocial personality disorder. If you suspect that you might be a victim of a sociopath's behavior, talk to a professional such as a GP or somebody you trust in order to try and access support.
Source: Psych2Go
Disclaimer: This video is purely for educational purposes only and is not designed to diagnose anybody with sociopathy or antisocial personality disorder. If you suspect that you might be a victim of a sociopath's behavior, talk to a professional such as a GP or somebody you trust in order to try and access support.
Source: Psych2Go
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00:00 (upbeat music)
00:02 Hey, Psych2Goers, welcome back to our channel.
00:08 We wanted to let you know that your ongoing support
00:10 helps us make psychology and mental health
00:12 more accessible to everyone.
00:14 So thank you for all the love that you've given us.
00:17 As a disclaimer, we want to remind you
00:19 that this video is made for informative purposes only.
00:22 Please seek professional help if you think you
00:24 or someone you know is struggling
00:26 with a sociopathic personality.
00:28 This video is not meant to provide a diagnosis
00:31 for antisocial personality disorder.
00:33 With that said, let's begin.
00:35 Sociopathy, commonly classified
00:38 as antisocial personality disorder,
00:40 is characterized by behavior patterns that include
00:42 manipulation, deceit, aggression, and lack of empathy.
00:47 Sociopaths tend to engage in risky behavior
00:50 and violate laws at the expense of themselves or others.
00:53 These individuals may have a compromised moral compass
00:56 and are usually perceived as unethical,
00:59 immoral, and irresponsible.
01:01 Despite the media's glamorization
01:03 and inaccurate portrayal of sociopaths,
01:06 most of them are not serial killers.
01:08 They can be CEOs, lawyers, business owners,
01:11 politicians, Wall Street traders, housewives, doctors.
01:15 They could be anyone.
01:16 So here are seven signs that someone you know
01:20 may be a sociopath.
01:22 Number one, sociopaths lack empathy.
01:26 Antisocial personality disorder is categorized
01:28 along with other personality disorders,
01:30 such as borderline personality disorder
01:32 and narcissistic personality disorder.
01:35 One defining trait is a lack of empathy.
01:38 Typically, they do not feel any remorse or guilt
01:41 as they have trouble understanding other people's emotions.
01:45 As a result, they may emotionally hurt those around them
01:48 and have difficulty maintaining relationships.
01:51 They can come across as cold, harsh, callous, and unfeeling.
01:56 With training and therapy,
01:58 it is possible for some people with ASPD
02:00 to feel love and empathy.
02:02 They usually develop empathy towards a select few,
02:05 namely their children, parents, or partners.
02:09 Number two, they're manipulative.
02:11 Sociopaths have a talent for manipulating others.
02:15 They're opportunistic and highly ambitious individuals.
02:19 As such, they rely on emotional or physical manipulation
02:22 to get what they want.
02:24 Some techniques that they use to manipulate others
02:26 are gaslighting, lying, flattery, blame, and threats.
02:31 Number three, they are dangerously charming.
02:36 Charm is part of the game.
02:39 Sociopaths use their charisma and charm to attract others,
02:43 specifically those who are more vulnerable than themselves.
02:46 They will feign concern or kindness
02:49 to get people to believe them
02:50 and establish a sense of trust.
02:53 That way, it becomes easier to manipulate them.
02:55 Number four, sociopaths are ill-tempered and impulsive.
03:01 Though those with ASPD usually resort to manipulation,
03:05 they are also more impulsive and ill-tempered.
03:09 They're prone to engaging in risky and illegal behavior
03:11 at the expense of themselves or others.
03:14 Different factors affect the development of this trait,
03:17 but being around people who encourage and condone violence
03:20 make it more likely for someone with ASPD
03:22 to be violent themselves.
03:24 Exposure to domestic abuse and animal cruelty
03:27 are some early manifestations of violent behavior
03:30 in a person who has ASPD.
03:33 Number five, they have strained relationships.
03:36 If a sociopath manages to establish a relationship,
03:39 they will most likely be very possessive
03:41 over the other person,
03:43 especially if it's a romantic relationship.
03:46 Sociopaths see people as a means to an end,
03:49 whether it's to glean information from
03:51 or for emotional fulfillment or for money.
03:54 They use people to obtain something and feel threatened
03:57 when someone tries to insert themselves.
04:00 Number six, they're narcissistic.
04:03 ASPD can occur with other personality disorders,
04:06 namely narcissism.
04:08 It's important to note
04:09 that not all narcissists are sociopaths,
04:12 but most sociopaths can be narcissists.
04:15 Sociopaths develop a superiority complex
04:18 and use this complex to justify the way they treat others.
04:22 Because sociopaths do not feel remorse,
04:24 they do not normally apologize.
04:26 And number seven, they find enjoyment in others' suffering.
04:30 Though individuals with antisocial personality disorder
04:34 do not show empathy, there are some rare exceptions.
04:38 Sadistic antisocials use empathy
04:40 to experience their target's suffering
04:42 and to derive pleasure from it.
04:45 Do any of these signs describe someone you know?
04:47 Let us know down in the comments below.
04:50 If this video helped you
04:51 and you think it could help someone else too,
04:53 give it a like and share it.
04:55 The studies and references used
04:56 are listed in the description below.
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05:02 Thanks for watching, and we'll see you next time.