Sociopathy: "fashionable" personality disorder

The protagonist of the series "Sherlock" produced by the Air Force proudly described himself as "highly sociopathic". Vivid examples of heroes of serials, which can be called sociopaths - Dr. Gregory House, serial killer Dexter Morgan. It seems that sociopathy is quite normal and even fashionable.

But do not forget that sociopathy ispersonality disorder. Sociopathy is known by such names as dissocial personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder. There is sociopathy in gross inconsistency of human behavior with the accepted social norms.

According to ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases of the tenth edition), sociopathy belongs to class V - Mental and behavioral disorders. Sociopathy is characterized by:

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  indifference to the feelings of others (the sociopath gives the impression of a heartless person);
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  gross and persistent disregard for social rules and duties;
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  inability to maintain a relationship with people (while a sociopath does not have difficulties in establishing relationships);
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  low ability to withstand frustration and the threshold of the discharge of aggression, including violence;
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  inability to experience feelings of guilt: a sociopath does not benefit from his life experience, including (and better, even to say - especially) from punishments;
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  a tendency to find explanations for their behavior or blame others, which often leads to conflict with society.

Additionally, sociopathy can be characterized by constant irritability. Sociopathy is diagnosed if there are three or more of the following symptoms, at the same time, there should also becriteria of personality disorder. In the Manual on Diagnostics and Statistics of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), used in the US, the criteria for sociopathy are formulated slightly differently, but the essence remains the same.

Sociopathy can manifest itself in different ways, more accurately speaking - in varying degrees. Sociopaths are unable (or almost incapable) to become attached to other people, including blood relatives, and often interpreting attachments between people as mutual manipulation.

Sociopath focuses only on their own needs and desires, ignoring others. Sociopaths do not see any benefit in observing social norms, so they usually ignore them. This does not mean that they are unable to absorb social norms and act according to the rules of society: a sociopath is capable of some time producingon the surrounding favorable impression, if it is profitable for him. But he does not feel the need to follow the norms, besides, it is difficult for him to restrain his impulsiveness.

In extreme cases, sociopathy can lead tothe commission of crimes, the abuse of alcohol and drugs. But even if it does not reach such extremes, sociopathy can cause problems with training and work. People who suffer from dissocial personality disorder, it is difficult to plan ahead, so they are incapable of systematic study or work.

In the wake of the popularity of sociopathic heroes, sociopathy can seem an innocuous disorder - especially given that in the series the main characters get away with it. But, alas, in real life everything is much more prosaic: in fact, sociopathy does not go so oftenby the hand with genius. Dr. House is one, and there are many sociopaths in the world. In addition, not every sociopath has his own James Wilson or John Watson, ready to support him and minimize his friction with society.

Sociopathy may seem acceptable in the series, but in fact it is a mental disorder, which is difficult to handle - especially given that sociopaths do not consider their behavior as a problem. So do not be like your favorite heroes.