Detect a Sociopath

Sociopath is a person with a psychopathic personality whose behavior is antisocial, often criminal, and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience. Strong willed individualistic people can often display sociopathic behavior. In the United States there is a high number of sociopaths as opposed to cultures where individualism in not as important. A relationship with a sociopath causes distress as their personalities are conflictive and dominant: especially in a position of power. Detecting a sociopath involves paying attention to certain personality characteristics.

Steps

 * 1) Observe amount of remorse. Most sociopaths can commit vile actions and not feel the least bit remorse. Such actions may include physical abuse or public humiliation.
 * 2) Observe sense of morality. Most human beings live by some moral code of ethics. The sociopath, on the other hand, often skirts morality for personal benefit.
 * 3) Observe level of emotion. A sociopath can experience a highly emotional event without displaying the least bit of emotion, at least on the surface. They often respond to "good news" with cold blank stares.
 * 4) Observe level of social interaction. Although many sociopaths can be extremely charming they harbor strong antisocial inclinations and can exist in isolation for weeks at a time.
 * 5) Observe intellectual performance. Sociopaths usually possess a strong mental acumen and can perform well in academics without cracking a book. If they apply themselves they obtain perfect grades.
 * 6) Observe manipulative behavior. Sociopaths understand human weakness and exploit it maximally. Once determined, they can manipulate individuals to do just about anything.
 * 7) Observe violent behavior. As children some sociopaths torture defenseless animals such as frogs, kittens, puppies etc. This behavior can surface in adulthood, but the damage is delivered via mental and emotional abuse.

Tips

 * Most sociopaths are well aware of their condition.
 * Some scientists believe that sociopaths suffer from damage to the prefrontal cortex which regulates emotions and morality etc.
 * Some experts say that a great number of sociopaths were also child abuse sufferers.
 * Remember the Macdonald Triad. If a child bedwets every night (beyond the age of 5), is overly cruel to animals, AND likes to start fires, he/she is likely a sociopath.

Warnings

 * Although not all sociopaths are violent it is best to distance yourself from these people on any deep emotional level.
 * Sociopaths are less prone to emotion and so can use it against others, it is most effective to deal with people in term they understand, if you must deal with a sociopath leave your emotions at the door or they will control you.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Deal With a Sociopathic Friend
 * How to Understand and Help Sociopaths
 * How to Meet New People Without Being Creepy
 * How to Understand Why People Choose to Steal

Sources and Citations

 * http://www.linguistland.net/~matt/index_nar.html