“I’m a high functioning sociopath” Sherlock (2010–2017)
“I’m not a psychopath Andresen. I’m a high functioning sociopath. Do your research.” Those are the words of one of the most popular Tv character in modern times, Sherlock Homes (BBC). So, who is a sociopath; sociopath is a person who has a antisocial personality disorder or in short, ASPD. This kind of people can’t understand others’ feelings, and they often break rules or make impulsive decisions without feeling guilty for the harm they cause. In the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders which was published in 2013, in “twelve-month prevalence rates” of ASPD, the values “are between 0.2% and 3.3%.”
For this day, we don’t know what causes ASPD for sure. But:
· Genes play a part in this. Sometimes, life incidents may trigger its development.
· Changes of the brain during brain development periods could also contribute to this end.
Now let’s look at the high-risk factors for this ‘famous’ disorder.
· Childhood conduct diseases diagnosed
· Family history of ASPD
· Being subjected to abuse or neglect during childhood
· Unstable, violent or chaotic childhood
The next big question is how to identify a person with ASPD. There are multiple ways to identify a “high functioning” sociopath.
· One way is that they are usually callous, cynical and disrespectful to others
· They are usually having recurrent clashes with the law including criminal behavior
· Also, they have poor or abusive relationships
· They are also arrogant, having a sense of superiority and being extremely opinionated
· Sociopaths also show impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead
- Unnecessary risk-taking or dangerous behavior with no regard for the safety of self or others
- Hostility, significant irritability, agitation, aggression or violence
- Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or personal pleasure
- Being consistently irresponsible and repeatedly failing to fulfill duty or financial obligations
- Failure to consider the negative consequences of behavior or learn from them
These are some of the symptoms or qualities of a typical sociopath, if you need more details please check the link mentioned below.
So, is it possible to prevent a person being a sociopath in the first place? Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent a child becoming a sociopath. But, in the early stages of a child’s environmental conditions, changes in a favorable way can result in the decrease of the severity of the problem.
Ok that’s fine, the next problem is if a person is diagnosed with ASPD, what can we do about it; there are two ways to treat ASPD patients.
· Talk therapy or, the posh name Psychotherapy; Therapy may include, for example, anger, violence management or treatment for alcohol or substance misuses. But there is a problem. The problem is that talk therapy isn’t always going to work. If the patient doesn’t admit that he or she contributes to a serious problem, this method cannot be effective.
· Medications; First of all, there aren’t any medications that are used to treat ASPD directly. But doctors can use medications to treat other conditions that are associated with ASPD. For example, depression, anxiety, etc.
Sociopaths are results of our society, so, let’s not cast them away. We must protect them and we must help them to overcome their condition. Please be more concerned about them and love them with understanding
Disclaimer: This article does not provide medical advice It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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