A sociopath is someone who displays manipulative behavior, a lack of empathy, and impulsiveness—key traits associated with a severe form of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Sociopaths do not have a fully functional conscience and tend to be manipulative, exploitative, or even abusive toward other people. Recognizing sociopathic tendencies, such as superficial charm, emotional detachment, and a disregard for social norms, can help identify individuals with this personality type.1,2,3
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What Is a Sociopath?
Sociopaths are psychologically disturbed people with a severe form of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Sociopaths tend to have a history of behavior problems, criminal involvement, aggression or abuse towards others, and difficult relationships. Some may also display narcissistic traits, and narcissistic sociopaths can be especially dangerous and manipulative. A sociopath may struggle with drug or alcohol problems, and exhibit a pattern of irresponsible or impulsive decision-making that has caused problems in their life.1
Psychopath Vs. Sociopath
While the terms psychopath and sociopath are sometimes used interchangeably, many experts argue that there are differences between the two. Both sociopathic and psychopathic people have antisocial personality disorder, but psychopaths are believed to have an even more severe form of ASPD than sociopaths.
Main differences between sociopaths and psychopaths include:(FN1,FN4)
Psychopathic Traits & Characteristics | Sociopathic Traits & Characteristics |
---|---|
Inability to empathize with others | Limited ability to empathize with others |
Lack of conscience or remorse for actions | Limited conscience or remorse for actions |
No close bonds or relationships | Few close bonds and relationships |
Callousness and emotional detachment | Emotionally reactive and easily angered |
Strategic decision making | Reckless or impulsive decision making |
Sadistic behavior and enjoying harming others | Willingness to harm/use others for personal gain |
More prone to violence | More prone to exploitation |
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15 Signs & Traits of a Sociopath
The signs of a sociopath are not always obvious, especially since some sociopaths have become very skilled at deceiving, charming, and manipulating others to get what they want.5 This can make it very difficult to spot a sociopath in your life, especially if they are someone you don’t know very well or interact with on a regular basis. Sociopathy often manifests differently in women, with behaviors that may be subtler but equally harmful to those around them.
Here are 15 sociopath signs and traits to watch out for:
1. A Hunger for Power & Dominance
Both sociopaths and psychopaths are commonly found at the head of corporations, governments, and in positions of great power. This may be no coincidence. Sociopaths have a tendency to be power-hungry and may spend a lot of time and effort attaining positions where they can control, dominate, and have authority over others.2 Once they obtain power, they commonly misuse and abuse it in ways that are irresponsible, destructive, and harmful to others.
2. Devious or Deceptive Tendencies
Another common characteristic of a sociopath is the tendency to be devious, dishonest, or deceptive. Sociopaths are often caught telling lies, exaggerating or distorting the facts, or misrepresenting the truth in order to get what they want.5 When caught in a lie or confronted about their dishonesty, they will use denial, projection, or redirection to squirm out of accountability.4
3. Ruthlessness in the Pursuit of Their Goals
Sociopathic people are ruthless in their efforts to get what they want. Because they aren’t held back by normal reservations, moral and ethical principles, or concern for others, there aren’t many lines they won’t cross to reach a goal. They may lie, cheat, steal, and use other people in order to get more money, power, or something they’ve decided they want.1,2
4. Hostile or Aggressive Towards Others
Hostility, anger, and aggression are other common traits found in sociopaths. Sociopaths are more likely to hold racist, sexist, or misogynistic ideals or have hostile feelings towards both individuals and societal groups. They are more likely to be violent or abusive towards people, although some sociopaths will use more covert forms of violence (like teasing, bullying, guilting, etc.) to obtain what they want.1,2,4
5. Easily Angered or Irritated
Unlike other people who experience a wide range of emotions such as happiness, sadness, fear, guilt, and anger, a sociopath may only have access to a few. Anger is one of the most easily accessible emotions for the sociopath, and one that shows up frequently in their relationships, work, and daily life. They can be easily angered, irritated, and prone to yelling, aggression, or outbursts when upset.4
6. Irresponsible Decision Making
One of the main signs of a sociopath is a pattern of reckless, irresponsible, and impulsive decision-making throughout their life. While everyone occasionally makes irresponsible or rash choices, a sociopath consistently makes poor choices, including ones that endanger themselves or others.1,3 Unlike other people, they do not seem to ‘learn’ from these mistakes, and will instead continue making them over and over again.
7. Superficial Charm & Powers of Persuasion
Sociopaths can be charming, cunning, and highly persuasive people who easily get people to like, agree with, and help them. These traits are superficial in nature and tend to wear off the more often a person has to interact with them. For example, you start dating a sociopath and they drop the charm now that they “have you.”4,5
Over time, it will become clear that the sociopath is not an honest or trustworthy person, and most people will distance themselves from them. Still, they can be very good at making a first impression, captivating others, and persuading people to do things for them.5
8. Broken Moral Compass or Limited Conscience
Sociopathic individuals do not have a working moral compass and show limited regret when they’ve made a bad choice or harmed someone else. This limited ability to empathize or feel remorse shows up in a number of ways. Sociopaths may knowingly act in ways that harm other people by lying, stealing, or taking advantage of them. While some sociopaths do feel a twinge of regret afterward, it is usually not enough to stop them from doing the same thing in the future.4,5
9. Few Close Bonds or Relationships
Because one of the hallmark sociopath signs is the inability to empathize or a disregard for the feelings and needs of others, it is very difficult for a sociopath to form close bonds with another person.1,2,4 They may have a few close relationships (often with family members or a significant other) but are generally unable to form healthy, lasting relationships. This is why many sociopaths have a long list of exes, “frenemies,” and people they’ve betrayed, wronged, or abandoned who now distrust or dislike them.5
10. Manipulative Tendencies
Manipulative tactics are another classic sign of sociopathy and may include a pattern of lying, guilting, or coercing people into doing things for them. Sociopaths use their charm, powers of persuasion, and emotional manipulation to control the actions and choices of others, often for their own self-serving interests.4 Some sociopaths manipulate individuals because they find it entertaining.
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11. Entitlement & Impunity
Feeling entitled or above the law is another common characteristic of a sociopath. Sociopaths feel as though they should be exempt from following rules. They may demand that other people make exceptions or bend the regulations for them, and also make exceptions in holding them accountable or punishing them when they break the rules.5
12. Social Devianance
Sociopaths have little or no regard for social norms or moral codes. They frequently act in ways that violate the unspoken rules of society most people follow. These include small infractions like waiting in lines, taking turns, or telling half-truths, as well as larger violations that harm others or break laws. This same tendency can also show up as sexual promiscuity, even when the person is committed to a monogamous relationship.1,2,5
13. Cheap Thrill-Seeking Tendencies
Many people who have sociopath symptoms seek out cheap thrills, even when doing so puts them or others at risk. These may include overindulging in drugs or alcohol, sex, food, or expensive shopping or casino outings. Seeking out cheap thrills is commonly driven by impulses and urges that arise at the moment. This behavior may also be related to their tendency to become easily bored. 1,2,4
14. Opportunistic in all the Wrong Ways
Opportunists are people who find ways to turn situations (including hardships) into advantages, but sociopaths seek out or create hardships for people for their own advantage. This makes them antisocial opportunists who attempt to profit or gain from misfortune and view the struggles of others in a positive light.
15. Emotional Detachment
A final sign of a sociopath is emotional detachment, which may show up as being cool, callous, or emotionally absent. When other people are freaking out, the sociopath may be unusually calm. On the other hand, when someone would feel guilty or sad, the sociopath may seem perfectly content and happy. These abnormal emotional reactions are often a sign that there is some ‘missing’ emotional wiring in a person, which is one of the telltale traits of a sociopath.2
Sociopathic Characteristics in Kids & Teens
A person cannot be formally diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder until the age of 18. However, the diagnosis of conduct disorder is sometimes used to describe antisocial (or sociopathic) traits and tendencies in kids and teens. Studies have found that 25-40% of those with conduct disorder will receive a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder in adulthood. Still, not every child or teen who is diagnosed with conduct disorder will experience ASPD symptoms as an adult.
Children who are naturally more impulsive, inattentive, and hyperactive are believed to be at higher risk for developing antisocial behaviors and traits, as are children of neglectful or overly permissive parents.1,6
Common characteristics of early antisocial or sociopathic traits in children include:3
- A consistent, repetitive pattern of behavior that violates rules, norms, or the rights of other people
- Aggression against people or animals
- Bullying, threatening, or intimidating others
- Initiating physical fights
- Use of a weapon to seriously harm others
- Physical cruelty to people and/or animals
- Theft (i.e. mugging, purse snatching, shoplifting, etc.)
- Deceitfulness
- Breaking into other people’s property
- Lying to obtain favors, goods, or to avoid obligations
- Staying out past curfew
- Running away from home overnight
- School absences or skipping classes
- Symptoms are severe enough to interfere with social, academic, or occupational functioning
Can Sociopathy Be Treated?
Antisocial personality disorder is widely considered one of the most difficult disorders to treat. While all personality disorders are difficult to treat, sociopaths are also much less likely to seek treatment.7 Their lack of empathy for others and remorse for their actions means that they are unlikely to change their behavior, even when it’s become problematic. However, a sociopath who has a true desire to change should not feel like it’s pointless or hopeless to seek out help from a therapist or other professional. There is evidence that some people are able to improve their symptoms with treatment for ASPD including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or group therapy programs.7
How to Deal With Someone With ASPD
Maintaining a relationship with someone who has antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) can be extremely challenging. Individuals with ASPD often lack self-awareness and empathy, making their interactions with others emotionally taxing and, at times, harmful. Prioritizing your own emotional and physical safety is crucial when dealing with someone exhibiting these traits.
Some ways to deal with someone who has ASPD include:
- Maintain your boundaries: Sociopathic individuals often test limits to achieve their goals. Clearly define and enforce your boundaries to protect your time, energy, and well-being.
- Avoid confrontation: Confronting someone with ASPD may provoke aggressive or manipulative responses. Focus on neutral, non-confrontational communication to avoid escalating the situation.
- Use non-threatening communication strategies: Sociopathic individuals are quick to find reasons to be antagonistic towards others, so don’t challenge or argue with them. Be tentative and don’t make assumptions about what they feel or want.
- Don’t personalize their behaviors: Remind yourself that what you are seeing are the symptoms of sociopathic tendencies – their actions are a reflection of their disorder and cannot be taken personally.
- Have a safety plan in place in the event their behavior becomes threatening: When in the company of an individual who exhibits sociopathy, make sure that you have a way to make an easy exit if you feel uncomfortable with them or if their words or behavior becomes threatening. Trust your intuition and leave if you fear a risk of escalating behavior.
- If the relationship is harmful or abusive, break it off: Personality disorders, such as ASPD, do not easily resolve due to the sufferers’ lack of interest in changing their behavior. Don’t stay in an abusive relationship hoping it will get better as it is much more likely it will only get worse.
- Build a healthy support network: (include a professional counselor, if needed): Having a strong social support network that you can call on when you need them is invaluable. They can provide both emotional and instrumental support when you need it. Speaking with a professional counselor or using online therapy platforms can be especially helpful in increasing self-awareness and developing the tools need to help you manage the current relationship and avoid similar ones in the future.
- Encourage the person to seek mental health care: While it is unlikely that a person with sociopathic traits will easily believe that they need any type of mental health care, it is worth bringing it up as a possibility and as a means to improve their relationships.
Additional Resources
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Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Johnson, S. A. (2019). Understanding the violent personality: Antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy, & sociopathy explored. Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal, 7(2), 76-88.
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Perry, C. (2015). The’dark traits’ of sociopathic leaders: Could they be a threat to universities?. The Australian Universities’ Review, 57(1), 17-25.
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
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Pemment, J. (2013). Psychopathy versus sociopathy: Why the Distinction has become crucial. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 18(5), 458-461
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Stout, M. (2006). The sociopath next door: The ruthless versus the rest of us. Harmony.
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Holmes, S. E., Slaughter, J. R., & Kashani, J. (2001). Risk factors in childhood that lead to the development of conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder. Child psychiatry and human development, 31(3), 183-193.
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NHS. (2018). Antisocial Personality Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
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Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Added “How to Deal With Someone With ASPD”. New material written by Suzanne Degges-White, PhD, LCPC, LPC, LMHC, NCC and medically reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD
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Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources.
Author: Hailey Shafir, LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS
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