What is the definition of "sociopath"?

[johnaries]

People with Antisocial Personality Disorder (sociopath, psychopath) try to get their way without being considerate of others. They show spontaneous behaviour, which humiliates or harms other people. They lack any feeling for or understanding of norms, nor have they any feeling of guilt. They do not seem to be able to plan actions or to act with foresight.

http://web4health.info/en/answers/border-antisocial.htm

Sound familiar?

[baldguy]

1. .

[elleng]

2. Disagree w a bunch of this 'definition.'

Married one. Plans MANY things. x( :thumbsdown:

Better:

http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html

[laundry_queen]

7. Great link!

I married one too. That list of traits at your link is pretty much a point-by-point description of my ex.

[elleng]

8. Yeah.

:fistbump:

'Separated,' issues persist. In court.

:hi:

[donco]

3. What is the definition of "sociopath"?

Hhmm...Conservitive?

[elocs]

4. Do we really need more broad-brush, one size fits all labels?

I am willing to bet there are more than a few sociopathic Democrats as well, but that doesn't fit well with how "sociopath" is being used in this thread.

Simply using labels to define groups of people is intellectually lazy.

[ashling]

5. Psychopaths are extremely manipulative

this can entail extensive very detailed planning

read Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

[area51]

9. Good book. n/t

[BiggJawn]

6. Donald Rumsfeld. n/t

[loyalsister]

10. DSM definition

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM IV-TR), defines antisocial personality disorder (in Axis II Cluster B) as:<1>

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:

failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest;

deception, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure;

impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead;

irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults;

reckless disregard for safety of self or others;
consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations;

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.

New evidence points to the possibility that children often develop antisocial personality disorder as a result of environmental as well as genetic influence. The individual must be at least 18 years of age to be diagnosed with this disorder (Criterion B), but those commonly diagnosed with ASPD as adults were diagnosed with conduct disorder as children. The prevalence of this disorder is 3% in males and 1% from females, as stated in the DSM IV-TR.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisocial_personality_disorder

The broad symptoms listed are very specific and shouldn't be applied loosely there a a significant difference between unethical behavior that is permitted or justified by a person in a position in authority and unethical or criminal behavior conducted with no question of ethics or legality.

True criminal sociopathic behavior violates the most basic social contract without guilt or shame.

Keep in mind, that behavior is nothing like the behaviors conducted under conditions where laws and social conditions permit it.

Milgrm's study highlights that difference. Ordinary people made an unfortunate discovery during studies where they were permitted and encouraged to do harm.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment

[GeorgeGist]

11. Sounds like ...

anti-Socialism.

[begin_within]

12. Some sociopaths are able to plan actions carefully.

[Bucky]

13. A sociopath is a psychopath with better grooming habits.

[quaker bill]

14. When properly undersood

there aren't enough of them to be a political force, and it is unlikely most true sociopaths actually bother to vote. There are however similar states below the diagnostic threshold. "People of the Lie" is recommended reading.

[RegieRocker]

15. Sorry but definition is lame.

Most of society could care less about the environment and they show that not by their words but with their choices and decisions. The whole world is mostly sociopathic and are very social with each other to get their agenda done. Their agenda is me, me, me.