What is a sociopath?

How completely self absorbed! Considering the real power of the subconscious to make a difference it begs the question of just what is happening at that level. It appears that the physical aspects of  human cognition are flawed. An imbalance in the chemistry of emotion is certainly indicated and the flawed logic applied to ones reactions with others is marked.

Yet most suffering from this form of dysfunction are also skilled at hiding it all.   Yet it is reasonable to consider this as a physical problem.  Several functionalities operate in our physical brains in some form of mediated balance.  The intended result is a sane modestly compassionate person able to interact with others in a both positive and mostly neutral manner.  Obsessiveness can throw this off.

It is plausible that an obsessive modality has run away with things to produce either result.  It is likely a childhood thing that may have a lot to do with nurture.  The result is a ingrained pattern not easily repaired.

Ayahuasca therapy is strongly indicated and that needs to be studied and perfected..

What is a sociopath?

Lynn Sexton

Written Jul 28, 2012

https://www.quora.com/

I lived with a sociopath for awhile who told me herself, that she saw herself as so much more aware and intelligent than most people, that she found it entertaining (the "game" Ian mentions above) to see how simple it is to make others do what you wanted. Then when she accomplished it, she saw it as evidence that she was so much more "evolved", and felt the need to seek out people who were sharper, more of a challenge. 

Many times, I witnessed her do this when someone offended her or if she found them suspect in some way (usually those she felt could see through her). She would manipulate someone to reveal personal info about the 'offender', then get another to do something that hurt the 'offender', their career or their sense of safety. Then would come the public commentary that would distance her from the whole exchange, indicating concern for the injured party, and disdain for those type of actions. She almost never did her own dirty work, and viewed the success of each of these ventures as evidence of her own superiority. No boundaries, no responsibility, no concern for the damage to the lives of others, only the cold concern for her own welfare and reputation. 

It was the sickest, most maniacally self advancing behavior I've ever witnessed. And quite frightening when living there, to realize how much more dangerous she became, each time she was successful, or especially so if she began to sense she might be revealed.

Sociopath vs. Psychopath: What’s the Difference?

By Kara Mayer Robinson
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Joseph Goldberg, MD

 

 http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/sociopath-psychopath-difference

 

You may have heard people call someone else a “psychopath” or a “sociopath.” But what do those words really mean?

You won’t find the definitions in mental health’s official handbook, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Doctors don’t officially diagnose people as psychopaths or sociopaths. They use a different term instead: antisocial personality disorder.

Most experts believe psychopaths and sociopaths share a similar set of traits. People like this have a poor inner sense of right and wrong. They also can’t seem to understand or share another person’s feelings. But there are some differences, too.

Do They Have a Conscience?

A key difference between a psychopath and a sociopath is whether he has a conscience, the little voice inside that lets us know when we’re doing something wrong, says L. Michael Tompkins, EdD. He's a psychologist at the Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center.

A psychopath doesn’t have a conscience. If he lies to you so he can steal your money, he won’t feel any moral qualms, though he may pretend to. He may observe others and then act the way they do so he’s not “found out,” Tompkins says.

A sociopath typically has a conscience, but it’s weak. He may know that taking your money is wrong, and he might feel some guilt or remorse, but that won’t stop his behavior.

Both lack empathy, the ability to stand in someone else’s shoes and understand how they feel. But a psychopath has less regard for others, says Aaron Kipnis, PhD, author of The Midas Complex. 

Someone with this personality type sees others as objects he can use for his own benefit.

They’re Not Always Violent

In movies and TV shows, psychopaths and sociopaths are usually the villains who kill or torture innocent people. In real life, some people with antisocial personality disorder can be violent, but most are not. Instead they use manipulation and reckless behavior to get what they want.

“At worst, they’re cold, calculating killers,” Kipnis says. Others, he says, are skilled at climbing their way up the corporate ladder, even if they have to hurt someone to get there.

If you recognize some of these traits in a family member or coworker, you may be tempted to think you’re living or working with a psychopath or sociopath. But just because a person is mean or selfish, it doesn’t necessarily mean he has a disorder.