Sociopathic Personality Essay - 1870 Words

Ed Gein, Elizabeth Bathory, Jeffery Dahmer, and Jack the Ripper are all famous serial killers that unmercifully killed their victims and by no coincidence were all victims themselves of antisocial personality disorder. The essential feature of the antisocial personality disorder is a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and the violation of, the rights of others. This pattern begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood (Dual Diagnosis and the Antisocial Personality Disorder). One heart-wrenching characteristic people with this disorder have is the lack of remorse for their victims or anyone involved. The exact causes of antisocial personality disorder are still unknown, but are believed to be hereditary or from†¦show more content†¦Just as the diverse manifestations of ASP may divert attention from the underlying disorder, focusing on a single cause risks overlooking the possibility that ASP results from combinations of factors. The sociologist b lames poor living conditions found in deteriorating inner cities or rural backwaters. The psychologist regards ASP as a learned behavior that impressionable children pick up from bad parents. The psychiatrist views the disorder as hereditary and biologically mediated. The psychoanalyst sees inconsistent parenting in early childhood as having lifelong effects. This list is something of a caricature, but it underlines the fact that ASP probably has multiple causes (102). Although we lack the knowledge to name the exact causes of this disorder, we know enough to suggest factors that may contribute to the development. The hereditary-environment debate is hardly new, especially in psychiatry, but revolutionary progress in genetics today weighs one side of the equation more heavily than ever before. Genes tied to traits like novelty-seeking, aggression, and sexual orientations have been proposed, sometimes raising furious controversy. Even characteristics with obvious genetic links are often more complex than many tend to think. Genetics may set the potential, but environmental factors like diet and family upbringing may determine whether that potential is ultimately reached (103). Some scientists have speculatedShow MoreRelatedThe Development Of A Sociopathic Personality Disorder Essay1879 Words   |  8 PagesThe development of a sociopathic personality disorder is influenced by several elements. These factors largely are attributed to a person’s genetics and the environment. At large, there is not a significant amount known about what exactly makes a person a sociopath; however, there are several factors linked in our genes that can help identify what may contribute to the mental disorder. By no means is there a strict formula that we can follow that with one hundred percent certainty determines whetherRead MoreYoung People Can Develop Sociopathic Traits1690 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract Review of literature indicates that there have been, and still are sociopathic children who kill, and commit sadistic crimes in this world. Is it possible that such young people can develop sociopathic traits? This paper intends to prove so. Sociopathic children display certain archetypes that can either be taken as a warning, or something to go off of when getting the child help. Children who develop sociopathic traits at a young age can most likely be treated with the help of psychologistsRead MoreThe Role Of Psychopathy And The On Entertainment Industries And Its Effects On The Way Of An Individual Processes Information1299 Words   |  6 Pagesor strep throat would, instead its causes are mainly genetic. On the other hand, sociopaths develop psychopathic patterns later on in life. In the article â€Å"Sociopathic Behavior and Its Relationship to Psychohistory,† Allan S. Mohl explains that sociopathic behavior is often due to abusive patterns in early childhood, he remarks that sociopathic people â€Å"usually come from home environments characterized by emotional deprivation, inconsistency, and parental role models in which anti-social behaviorsRead MoreAn Investigation Of The Psychopath1417 Words   |  6 Pagesand the Psychopath in American Literature and Film Chances are you’re acquainted with a sociopathic character; you’ve probably read a book, watched a film or watched a television show that displays a character with sociopathic personality traits and have grown to enjoy following them through their story. It’s not uncommon; they’re charismatic, manipulative, powerful, and have an extremely different personality than most people. They’re charming and entertaining to watch, so it’s no wonder authorsRead MoreEveryone Is Living With Sociopaths, And Is Surrounded By Them1283 Words   |  6 Pagessurrounded by them. Sociopathy is a personality disorder affecting one s thoughts and actions towards others (Personality Disorder), but many sociopaths are hidden from the average citizen (Thomas, 52). Sociopathic behavior originates from social causes, has a large impact on society, and has no cure. People commonly use the term sociopath while knowing little about the social roots and environmental causes of this disorder. Many people struggle defining sociopathic and psychopathic behavior. AccordingRead MoreAlex Cross : A Psychological Thriller Essay1553 Words   |  7 Pagesof the crime scene and this is how he received his name Picasso. He then went after the police officers partner, Monica, and tortured her to death. Picasso became angry at the phone conversation with Cross when Cross confronted Picasso about his sociopathic behavior’s. At the end Picasso got really personal and killed Alex Cross’s wife, Maria. Picasso had originally planned to kill Alex Cross, but changed his mind at the last minute because he wanted Alex to experience a pain far worse than death,Read MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1262 Words   |  6 Pagessociopath. The first step in diagnosing someone as a sociopath is to create a standard of sociopathic behavior. Formally, sociopathy is referred to as Antisocial Personality Disorder or ASPD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines ASPD as â€Å"A mental health condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others(Sociopathic Traits 1) and lists seven identifying traits. It is important to understand that ASPD is aRead MoreThe Movie Girl, Interrupted Essay939 Words   |  4 Pagesborderline personality disorder. Our text defines borderline personality disorder as a dramatic-emotional personality disorder characterized by out-of-control emotions, fears of being abandoned by others, and vacillation between idealizing and despising people who are close to the person with the disorder. (Feist Rosenberg, 2015) Based on this definition I think Wynonna Ryder, the actress who played Susanna Kaysen, did a grea t job in her portrayal. Susanna exhibits all of personality disordersRead MoreArnold Friend Character Analysis853 Words   |  4 Pagesabout his every breath, step, and word. In the short story Where are you going, Where have you been? by Joyce Carol Oates, the depiction of a sociopath is apparent. Arnold’s mannerism, thoughts and tactics create the perfect portrayal of a truly sociopathic character. Arnold Friend follows Connie from the beginning of the story. When Connie finally notices his presence, he [stares] at her and then his lips widen†¦and there he [is] still watching her, revealing his true desires and aspirationsRead MoreThe Use Of Sociopathic Behavior And Its Effects On Society882 Words   |  4 Pagesunknown to you, 3% of the people you pass suffer from some sort of sociopathy. According to Webster’s Dictionary, a sociopath can be defined as a person with a psychopathic personality whose behavior is antisocial, often criminal, and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience. The majority of sociopathic behavior begins in adolescence, normally due to a traumatic event and manifests itself into adulthood. Someone punches you and a friend, you don’t shed a tear but your friend