Sociopath Community

Psychopathy is not a one-size-fits-all label, and neither is sociopathy. Higher-functioning psychopaths usually have a lot more self-control than lower-functioning ones.

There are successful business people who are psychopaths or sociopaths - business managers and corporate CEO's. They wouldn't be as successful as they are if they didn't have a lot of self-control.

DSM-IV-TR

The APA's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV-TR), defines antisocial personality disorder (in Axis II Cluster B) as:

A) There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three or more of the following:

o failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest;
o deception, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure;
o impulsivity or failure to plan ahead;
o irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults;
o reckless disregard for safety of self or others;
o consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations;
o lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another;

B) The individual is at least age 18 years.

C) There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years.

D) The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or a manic episode. In the DSM-5, the diagnosis antisocial personality disorder is kept, but it is no longer on another axis as the other mental disorders.

 Up to you how much you do or don't follow the DSMs, but it is easy enough to reference.

You only need three traits of AsPD to be diagnosed with it. That's why it's impossible to put every person diagnosed with it into one neat little box.

Some people with AsPD are more impulsive than others. It really depends on how much that particular trait is affecting their personality and what other over-lapping disorders may be affecting them as well.

Three traits that don't correlate with other disorders at that. Multiple disorders makes labels even harder to place.

And then the wonderful term many seem to overlook in the field: Context.

Is there perhaps a reason they behave that way? So many are so quick to look for disorders that they forget to see if their behaviors might have cause.

Thanks Turncoat this is very helpful.

I still believe a person may naturally have these traits, as how their brains/personalities are shaped to begin with.

Yet still be able to master full control, direct these "traits" in ways that are socially beneficial and not harmful or illegal in any way. And still be considered Sociopathic because they have this programming by nature.

EX: some military troops are ordered to barge in and kill everyone on site, innocents included, by command. They cannot think about due process or collateral damage or the other troops could die. So what if someone who is SP and knows they can kill without remorse, decides to use this only within the rules of engagement. Can't that person still be a full blown SP with all the impulses and traits; but simply choose to direct that "way of being" in specific ways that are not rejected by society.

MMP was saying that if people had full control they would be considered "normal" people.

But even people who are considered "normal" as opposed to "sociopathic" don't have full control of objective logic. And with people who might choose to use their SP mindsets legally, such as to serve as soldiers for defense, can't they still be SP even though this is considered "normal" to serve in the military and kill people legally in war completely justified? 

If MMP logs in, I would like to discuss this in full as stated in TK's other thread. Thanks, Turncoat. 

What do you mean "three traits that don't correlate with other disorders"?

AsPD can co-exist with many different disorders.

Like every other personality disorder, AsPD is a defense mechanism. So, of course there's a cause to the behavior.

You can have full control over your impulses and still break the law. Many psychopaths and sociopaths are risk-takers. You don't have to be impulsive to take dangerous and/or illegal risks.

"If it's not causing disorder in their lives, is it really a disorder?"

Old psych professor I had used to go on and on about this. Addiction could cause disorder in someone's life even if they don't recognize it for example if he's constantly withdrawn at work and with the family, or constantly using when at work and with the family, while someone who has gained control of their life isn't even worth addressing.

There's a reason therapy sessions are supposed to be kept secret until the subject becomes a threat to themselves or others.

sosiopathy or psychopathy is normally regarded as personality disorder

so lets here what is taras definition of the term then