A question about sociopaths.....???

Question

You can't make yourself a sociopath, can you???

Isn't it something that you have no control over??

I'm worried I'm a sociopath.

But I used to consider myself a good person who cared about others and who was loving. So does that mean that I'm not a sociopath???

Answer 1

no, you  can not make yourself a sociopath.

it is most common with males, and if they are adopted then they have more of a chance of being a sociopath.

do you  not have any remorse? are you a pathilogical liar? do you hurt people on purpose just to see a reaction? physically or mentally?

if you do then you might have a problem.

i hope your not one of them.

Answer 2

I think you're born with it, so I wouldn't be too worried. I know my half sister's a sociopath (for real), and they're the type who don't care about others, never did, and sometimes don't even care what happens to them. They often think whatever happens to them is someone else's fault, and never say sorry. When they do, they don't mean it. Don't worry, you're no sociopath. You don't even seem selfish, but I guess everyone thinks somethings wrong with them every once in a while.

Answer 3

Well, if you think enough about it, you could technically make yourself a sociopath by obsessing that you are one.  A sociopath is simply a person who does not follow the norm of society.  In all honesty, as long as you don't hurt anyone, there is nothing wrong with being different.

Answer 4

If you are worried about being a sociopath, then you probably are not one.

Sociopathy is a loosely-defined term that may be used to refer to many different disorders.

If you think you have a mental illness, you should talk to your doctor... it sounds to me like you may have an anxiety disorder!

Answer 5

A traumatic experience can make someone become a Sociopath, if you're worried you're a Scoiopath you probably aren't.

I however am indifferent to the fact that I am a Sociopath.

And no, I don't have control over it - it's just who I am.

Answer 6

This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.

    * Glibness and Superficial Charm

    * Manipulative and Conning

      They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.

    * Grandiose Sense of Self

      Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."

    * Pathological Lying

      Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.

    * Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt

      A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

    * Shallow Emotions

      When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

    * Incapacity for Love

    * Need for Stimulation

      Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.

    * Callousness/Lack of Empathy

      Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.

    * Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature

      Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.

    * Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency

      Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

    * Irresponsibility/Unreliability

      Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.

    * Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity

      Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.

    * Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle

      Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.

    * Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility

      Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

Other Related Qualities:

   1. Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them

   2. Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them

   3. Authoritarian

   4. Secretive

   5. Paranoid

   6. Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired

   7. Conventional appearance

   8. Goal of enslavement of their victim(s)

   9. Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life

  10. Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation (respect, gratitude and love)

  11. Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim

  12. Incapable of real human attachment to another

  13. Unable to feel remorse or guilt

  14. Extreme narcissism and grandiose

  15. May state readily that their goal is to rule the world

so are you?

Answer 7

"But I used to consider myself a good person who cared about others and who was loving."  So do you still think of yourself that way, or do you think you've changed?  You need to tell us what you're like now if you want a real answer.  And although you can't "make" yourself a sociopath, nobody is born that way.  

† is right, a traumatic experience can cause someone to be a sociopath...and also right that if you are "worried" you are one, then you probably aren't.