Edward R. Pressman Productions/Muse ProductionsWhile you’re probably not Patrick Bateman, you might’ve wondered about mental stability and capacity for inhuman deeds before – particularly if you ventured onto the high street during the Boxing Day sales.
While there are no hard and fast signifiers of sociopathy – otherwise known medically as anti-social personality disorder or ASPD – there are some traits which are more common in those with sociopathic tendencies.
According to The i100, there are four traits often linked with sociopathy.
GIPHYYou are charming
Sociopaths tend to be utterly charming and equally manipulative ‘Masters of disguise’.
Psychotherapist Ross Rosenberg, author of the Human Magnet Syndrome, explained that sociopaths ‘are expert con artists and always have a secret agenda’.
He added, ‘People are so amazed when they find that someone is a sociopath because they’re so effective at blending in. Their main tool to keep them from being discovered is a creation of an outer personality.’
GIPHYYou have a huge ego
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), sociopaths have inflated egos as a consequence of their very high opinion of themselves.
The manual explains these narcissistic tendencies, saying, ‘Exaggerated self-appraisal may be inflated or deflated, or vacillate between extremes; emotional regulation mirrors fluctuations in self-esteem.’
GIPHYYou lack empathy
The DSM states sociopaths tend to have personality impairments such as a lack of empathy, which makes it incredibly difficult for an individual to create interpersonal bonds.
GIPHYYou have run-ins with the law
According to The Mayo Clinic, people with antisocial personality disorder are generally more irresponsible than others, which can sometimes manifest in conflict with the law.
GIPHYThere is no doubt that we are fascinated with the darker side of the human psyche. But all the same, ASPD is a serious mental disorder and these four signifiers are by no means a diagnosis.
If any of the issues discussed have affected you, you can contact MIND on 0300 123 3393 or [email protected]. Likewise, you can talk to your doctor in confidentiality.
A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.