You’ve probably wondered at some point in your life what you would do if you had to deal with a sociopath or what you shouldn’t do and what could put you in danger. It is important to know a little more about this mental illness so that we can expand our knowledge and likewise, when we have to interact with someone with this type of disorder (if we have to, since it is not a common disorder) we can do so. in the best possible way and not take any type of risk.
This is why in this PsychologyFor article, we are going to show you how to treat a sociopath as well as we will also provide you with more information about this condition so that you can fully understand it.
Surely you have been left with the idea that all people who suffer from a mental disorder such as sociopathy must be extremely dangerous and that if you are near any of them your life may be at great risk. This preconceived idea that we have about sociopathy is due to the number of films and series that exist around this topic, however, a sociopath does not always have to be like this. Below, we explain in detail what a person with that diagnosis is like.
What is sociopathy?
The first and most important thing that we must be clear about before knowing how to deal with a sociopath is to know what sociopathy is exactly, since we may surely be having a misconception about this disease.
Sociopathy, or antisocial personality disorder, is a psychiatric illness which is characterized because people who suffer from it almost totally lack empathy towards others, they do not like to follow orders or obey any type of law that is imposed on them, they tend to be quite manipulative people, among other characteristics that we will see later. The two main causes that cause this type of illness to develop is that when they were children, these people were educated with a rather inefficient parenting style (parenting styles). insecure attachment ) and on the other hand it has been found that it has a genetic origin and hereditary.
Antisocial personality disorder or sociopathy cannot be accurately diagnosed until age 18. This type of condition occurs only between 1% and 3% of the population and is more common to occur in men than in women.
Antisocial personality disorder: symptoms and characteristics
There are some personality characteristics that can help us identify a person who suffers from an antisocial personality disorder or sociopathy. Among the main diagnostic criteria are the following:
They are very impulsive
They have great emotional instability
They lack empathy towards other people, making it almost impossible for them to put themselves in other people’s shoes.
Sometimes, depending on the situation of each individual, They are usually aggressive.
They can become extremely cruel to other people in order to achieve their personal goals.
They are extremely manipulators
They do not plan everything they do, most of the time they act without thinking due to their impulsiveness.
Sometimes they can completely isolate themselves from other people.
They are considered “strange” in society so they do not easily go unnoticed.
They are extremely irresponsible
They do not like to follow rules or orders of any kind.
How to deal with a sociopath: 5 tips
Below we will give you 5 tips that can help you know how to treat a sociopath and also avoid any type of conflict or major problem with them.
Learn about sociopathy. If you want to know how to deal with a sociopath, the first thing you have to do is get to know them thoroughly. Keep in mind that despite the disease, each person is different, however also because of it it is necessary to always be well informed about what it is, its causes, characteristics, the way in which you should act with them, etc.
Get away from that person. Whether because our suspicions are high or because we are even certain that this person suffers from an antisocial personality disorder and you think it is dangerous to be with them, the best thing we can do is stay away from them.
Don’t be influenced. If you are forced to live with that person, prevent it from becoming a closer relationship and above all, do not let yourself be influenced by them. Keep in mind that sociopaths are extremely manipulative, so you must learn to identify whether they are trying to deceive or manipulate you to get what they want and once you have done so, do not fall into their game.
Ask for help. If you believe that your emotional and/or physical integrity is at stake, ask for help immediately and stay away from that person.
Avoid confronting him/her. If this person has tried in some way to provoke you into conflict, the worst thing you can do is start fighting or arguing with them. Better choose to evade the situation and avoid conflict.
This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to treat a sociopath we recommend that you enter our Clinical Psychology category.
