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Sociopath

Could you recognize a sociopath? The following info comes from a site that can give you guidelines to detect such a person - it is not as easy as you think.

A number of mind-manipulating cult leaders may exhibit many of the behavioral characteristics of a sociopath--an outstanding ability to charm and seduce followers. Since they appear apparently normal, they are not easily recognizable as deviant or disturbed. Although only a trained professional can make a diagnosis, it is important to be able to recognize the personality type in order to avoid further abuse. These traits also apply to a one-on-one cultic relationship.
Ref. https://home.datawest.net/esn-recovery/artcls/socio.htm

Sociopath

I have seen a few, probably not as bad as described above, but yes - they certainly were able to fool people into thinking their motives were all good and for the benefit of both them (the predator) and the ones they were fooling.

Sociopath Health & Special Psychology

If I have met such a person, I did not realize that they were sociopathic, because I tend to try to see the good in people and not assume the worst. It would probably take some time to see some or all of the qualities described in the article.

Sociopath

I think great care should be taken in applying labels and in placing too much trust in psychologists.

I suppose everyone could be designated some kind of '-path' or '-aniac' or whatever given enough time and vested interest to do so. The person doing the designating has his own preconceived ideas.



Dubhdara.

Sociopath

I think it depends upon what a sociopath is...

I think it must be difficult to recognize most serial killers for instance. Else, it would be more difficult for them to be successful. However, someone suffering from certain mental disorders (and I believe a serial killer must suffer from some mental disorder) can be easily identified. We have probably all seen the people who roam the streets unkempt and often talking to themselves or to some unseen (by us) person or thing. I think they are easy to identify, but alas, many sociopaths are not so easily identified.

Sociopath

I just came across this thread. Very interesting. I met several sociopaths in my life and I think I can distinguish them quiet easily. The article was very informative.

I think this is the most important part of how to recognize a sociopath. Usually, based on my experience, they change "moods" VERY quickly...just like all of the sudden and you ended up very confused. I am pretty familiar with this because one of my uncles was a sociopath (he committed suicide some years ago).

They can be quiet dangerous to themselves and to others. Most people cannot regognized them because they can be very charming and friendly even as the article states 'When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion, it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive'.

They can also be quiet cruel and cold towards other people, some of them can even become very abusive.

Edited: LDS_forever on 13th Feb, 2005 - 8:20pm

Sociopath

I think due to the many traits that they hold, it would be very difficult to recognize a sociopath, which is something that they rely on.
Because they come across as being normal, social people, this adds to how they manage to manipulate people.
I would hope that even by recognizing one small trait of behavior that doesn't seem quite right, that it would be enough for me to steer clear completely.

Sociopath Psychology Special & Health

Name: Chris

Comments: Please be aware: Sociopaths are quite real and can cause significant devistaion in you life if you are not aware and armed with this information. I have a relative who is a Sociopath and still causing harm. Do not be afraid to judge them! Do not be afraid to label them. However, usually by the time you can identify them it is too late. It is a shame that society does not have a way to effectively deal with them as they do sometimes stay under the radar of Law Enforcement. They are smart enough to evade the laws and only commit personal crimes that damage lives profoundly. Trying to find the good in them will only result in your own personal and financial destruction. These people are not something to take lightly - they should be treated with just the same amount of caution as a violent criminal.