Beware the Sociopath

Unfortunately, all of us are likely to encounter a sociopath at least once in our lives.  They are all too common.  Most sociopaths are not violent criminals, but all lack a fundamental prerequisite for being fully human: a conscience. Like narcissists, they also lack a capacity for empathy, the ability to put themselves in another’s shoes.  No real consensus exists in the literature as to whether a sociopath and a psychopath are one and the same; which possibly reflects our lack of knowledge concerning this disorder.  Some say that psychopaths are born and sociopaths are made, for example as a result of serious childhood abuse.  Others say the terms are interchangeable.  While a callous disregard for the well-being of others is the hallmark of a sociopath, he or she is generally very good at hiding this.  As a matter of fact, sociopaths present themselves as exceptionally charming, agreeable, and likable.  If we meet someone who seems too good to be true, they probably are.  They confuse us; we find it hard to figure them out.  Also, a sociopath is a master at playing the victim.  They excel at always making it seem like someone else is a fault.  A sociopath is a consummate liar, and will lie for any reason, or for no particular reason.  He or she will mistreat children or animals for sport.  And what most people find most difficult to comprehend – the sociopath does not experience remorse or emotional pain in response to their callous and heartless behavior.  It is the people exposed to the sociopath who feel pain, and the closer one is, the more intense the suffering.  The only effective solution is to get away.  The mental health field should spend more time studying sociopathy, for all our sakes.