Sociopathic Disorders
The medical definition of a sociopath is "one who lacks compassion and morals." Modern mental health professionals rely more on the expanded explanation provided by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which defines a sociopath as one who "feels no emotion regarding the needs of others, is unable to express love and is need of constant simulation in order to 'feel alive.'" Certain criteria must be met in order for an official sociopathic diagnosis to be made.-
Significance
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Modern medicine has progressed by leaps and bounds concerning mental health issues, reaching milestones that enhance not only the medical community's understanding of mental health but the general public's as well. One important contribution was the development of the five Axis Models of the DSM, numbered templates describing the needed criteria inherent to each illness. Health professionals grade patients according to visible behaviors (or lack thereof) that coincide with known facts about the disease. This allows for a more precise diagnosis, resulting in a more specific treatment program.
Features
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According to the fourth edition of the DSM, people who suffer from antisocial personality disorder are sometimes unfavorably termed "sociopath" or the more popular "psychopath." Sociopaths exhibit recklessness towards themselves and others, although they hold themselves in a higher regard of importance. Poor impulse control, intentional and almost uncontrollable lying, disregard for the well being of others, remorselessness, irresponsibility and overt aggression are all hallmarks of the disease. It should be noted that doctors are unsure why 3% of males and fewer than 1% of females are sociopaths.
Misconceptions
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Many sociopaths possess excellent social skills, as they are often manipulative and use others for their own ends. Because of this, sociopathic behaviors should not be confused with other related disorders that fall under the antisocial category, such as avoidant personality disorder. Avoidant personality disorder, although similar to antisocial personality disorder, is characterized by patients that have a dislike of others and lack basic and acceptable social skills. Substance abuse, listed on the DSM, is the only other disorder known that is co-morbid with antisocial personality disorder.
Prevention/Solution
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Sociopathic characteristics more often than not surface in afflicted patients prior to their 15th birthday. The cause of the disease is not known, although many experts believe in the "stress-diathesis model," or a patient's genetic predisposition to the disease. A family history of alcoholism is related to antisocial personality disorder, as well as certain negative environmental factors present in family or school life. Researchers have found evidence of parental neglect in several patients, especially in those whose mothers refused to discipline.
Potential
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The mental health profession continues to make headway in dealing with antisocial personality disorder. Extensive research has discovered three emergent traits that "red flag" a child as potentially developing the disease: pyromania, cruelty to animals and excessive bed-wetting. Once these factors are present, affected children can be tested and appropriately treated. Those in social medicine believe that with early intervention, outcomes related to antisocial personality disorder, such as the fact that nearly 80% of male prisoners exhibit the disease, would decrease the socially negative impact of the disorder. Once the disorder is established, however, sociopaths do not respond to treatment.
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