Sociopathic Personality Disturbance: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Sociopathic personality disturbance, also known as antisocial personality disorder (APD), is a mental health disorder characterized by a pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, and a lack of empathy and remorse. This disorder is chronic and pervasive, and it can cause significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, and other areas of functioning. This article will discuss the definition, history, and characteristics of sociopathic personality disturbance, as well as provide references for further reading.
Definition
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines sociopathic personality disturbance as “a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three (or more) of the following:
1. Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest (e.g., stealing, vandalism, assault, sexual exploitation).
2. Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.
3. Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead.
4. Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults.
5. Reckless disregard for safety of self or others.
6. Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations.
7. Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.”
History
The concept of sociopathic personality disturbance has been around since the early 19th century, when it was first documented in medical literature as “moral insanity.” Later, in the 1940s, it was classified as “psychopathic personality” in the first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). In subsequent editions of the DSM, the disorder was referred to as “antisocial personality disorder” until its most current name, “sociopathic personality disturbance,” was adopted in the DSM-5.
Characteristics
People with sociopathic personality disturbance usually display a pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, lack of empathy and remorse, and impulsive and aggressive behavior. They may also show a disregard for the law, tendency to lie or use aliases, lack of responsibility and reliability, and a tendency to rationalize mistreating or stealing from others. Additionally, those affected by the disorder may have difficulty forming and maintaining interpersonal relationships, engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior, and may exhibit a lack of planning or forethought.
Conclusion
Sociopathic personality disturbance is a mental health disorder characterized by a pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, and a lack of empathy and remorse. This disorder has been around since the early 19th century and has been referred to by various names in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders over the years. Those affected by the disorder may display a range of characteristics, such as disregarding or violating the rights of others, lying or using aliases, lack of responsibility and reliability, and a tendency to rationalize mistreating or stealing from others.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Babiak, P. (2006). The clinical and forensic assessment of psychopathy: A practitioners guide. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
Hare, R. D. (2003). Manual for the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (2nd ed.). Toronto, Canada: Multi-Health Systems.
Hare, R. D., & Neumann, C. S. (2006). The PCL-R assessment of psychopathy: Development, structural properties, and new directions. In C. Patrick (Ed.), Handbook of psychopathy (pp. 58-88). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Hare, R. D., & Neumann, C. S. (2008). Psychopathy as a clinical and empirical construct. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 4, 217-246. doi:10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.3.022806.091451