9 signs that indicate you're friends with a sociopath

While some just lie or get into trouble with their spouses, others are thieves and murderers

A sociopath doesn't always resemble Anthony Hopkins from Silence of the Lambs. Sociopathy is a real condition and like most mental health issues, Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASP) occurs on a spectrum. So, not all sociopaths are serial killers.

One study estimated that as many as 3.8% of Americans meet the diagnostic criteria for ASP. So it’s very likely that you are acquainted to someone who has this condition.

“It’s a syndrome characterised by lifelong misbehaviour,” says Dr Donald W Black, professor of psychiatry at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. He added, “People with an antisocial personality disorder tend to be deceitful and impulsive. They ignore responsibilities and, in the worst cases, they have no conscience.”

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It’s very important to note that ‘sociopaths’ and ‘psychopaths’ describe different people thus, both terms shouldn’t be used interchangeably. Most sociopaths are susceptible to impulsive behaviour – usually disturbed or deranged. A psychopath, on the other hand, can be cold, devious and sometimes even charming.

Compiled from Motto, here is a list of nine signs that indicate sociopathy, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

1) Difficult relationships

People with ASP find it hard to formulate emotional bonds, so their relationships are often unsteady and frenzied. Instead of forming a fake network with the people in their lives, they would rather exploit them for their own advantage.

2) Lack of empathy

Lacking empathy is one of the most eminent signs of those suffering from ASP. They are particularly incapable of feeling any remorse for their actions. “Many people with ASP do seem to lack a conscience, but not all of them,” Black explains. “When you don’t experience remorse, you’re kind of freed up to do anything—anything bad that comes to mind.”

3) Manipulativeness

Although they may not all be the most charismatic, sociopaths still try to seduce and suck up to people around them for their own benefit.

4) Hostility

Sociopaths are not only hostile themselves but will probably interpret others’ behaviour as hostile too. This, in turn, drives them to seek revenge.

5) Insensitivity

While some may break people verbally, others will be openly violent. In any case, those with ASP are inclined to show a harsh indifference for others’ feelings.

6) Impulsivity

Everyone makes decisions on the spur of the moment at times – but impromptu decisions for sociopaths are an everyday thing. They find it exceptionally tough to make a plan and stick to it.

7) Deceitfulness

People with ASP have a reputation of being deceiving and dishonest. They often feel comfortable being untruthful to get themselves out of trouble and get their own way. They also tend to exaggerate the things when it suits them.

8) Irresponsibility

Sociopaths usually have a general disregard for social and financial responsibilities. Ignoring important obligations is really common for them – such as, allowing bills to pile up or regularly taking time off work.

9) Risky behaviour

The combination of irresponsibility, impulsivity, and a need for immediate fulfillment is a recipe for disaster.  No wonder sociopaths involve themselves in risky behaviour - they tend to have little concern for the safety of others or for themselves. This means that excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, compulsive gambling, and other dangerous habits are pretty common.

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“This disorder can be relatively mild. Maybe they lie or get into trouble with their spouses, and that’s about it. But on the other end of the spectrum are thieves and murderers.” Black describes. “Most people are in the middle,” he concludes.

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