Sociopathy

I've recently encountered in both my professional and personal life a few individuals, one might term true "sociopaths", modernly called Antisocial Personality Disorder. This disorder is usually defined as a constellation of affective, interpersonal, and behavioral characteristics including egocentricity; impulsivity; irresponsibility; shallow emotions; lack of empathy, guilt, or remorse; pathological lying; manipulativeness; and the persistent violation of social norms and expectations (Cleckley 1976; Hare 1993).

Needless to say, it has been a challenge encountering these individuals both professionally and personally. And these encounters have brought out the worst/and sometimes best in me.


The DSM-IV criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder begins with the statement, "There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others." Thereafter, follows a list of seven characteristics, of which three must be present. Here are several that are especially relevant:

(1) Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure

(2) Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations

(3) Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another

(4) Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest.


According to many experts, the cause of this disorder appears to be a combination of genetic predisposition and failure to bond with other human beings, resulting in a failure to empathize and behave with what we would call a "conscience".

Very strong bonding produces people like Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gandhi, who demonstrate the highest development of human conscience and attachment.

Weaker bonding creates the tricky salesman or the unprincipled politician. These people have impaired conscience and may be somewhat afflicted with APD, but are not criminal and are still able to function in society. They are nevertheless troublesome. This might be the man/woman who doesn't hold down a job due to authority issues, and manipulates others to support him/her. This could also be someone who cheats or defrauds. And the list goes on.

More severe bonding issues could be the cause of the criminally predisposed...drug pushers, wife-beaters, and thieves. The most severely unbonded, unattached become the serial killers and rapists.

In my professional experience, I've seen how nontraditional psychological care, such as drug treatment using principles from TCs (Therapeutic Communities) which emphasize accountability and responsibility works for these individuals to rebuild the character structure. It seems that "spiritual conversion" is also an important part of the "treatment" for many.

Again, it has been challenging and I do not have all the answers, but I've learned quite a bit from these experiences and hope to continue learning.