Treatment for sociopath

A sociopath is a person suffering from antisocial personality disorder. He/she considers themselves the most significant person in the entire world. Even though these individuals may appear charming and outgoing, they are opposite and have no positive features. Sociopaths are physically aggressive, unable to sustain relationships, and they show a lack of regret for any of the performed actions. The major problem of sociopaths is the violation of the rights of other people. They show no sign of affection and care for other living beings.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a deeply ingrained and rigid dysfunctional thought process that focuses on social irresponsibility with exploitive, delinquent, and criminal behavior with no remorse. Disregard for and the violation of others' rights are common manifestations of this personality disorder, which displays symptoms that include failure to conform to the law, inability to sustain consistent employment, deception, manipulation for personal gain, and incapacity to form stable relationships.

Antisocial personality disorder is the only personality disorder that is not diagnosable in childhood. Before the age of 18, the patient must have been previously diagnosed with conduct disorder (CD) by the age of 15 years old to justify diagnostic criteria for ASPD.
Although the precise etiology is unknown, both genetic and environmental factors have been found to play a role in the development of ASPD. Various studies in the past have shown differing estimations of heritability, ranging from 38% to 69%. Environmental factors that correlate to the development of antisocial personality disorder include adverse childhood experiences (both physical and sexual abuse, as well as neglect) along with childhood psychopathology (CD and ADHD).
The estimated lifetime prevalence of ASPD amongst the general population falls within 1 to 4%. Due to the predicting factor of the initial diagnosis of conduct disorder before the age of 15, this assumption can be quite broad as CD does not always get adequately evaluated. Gender distribution tends to be skewed towards males, with 3 to 5 times more likelihood of being diagnosed with ASPD than females, with 6% men and 2% women within the general population.
Substance abuse has been found to show a significant correlation to the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, while education and intelligence displays a negative correlation, with a higher prevalence of ASPD amongst those with lower IQs and reading levels. Research has shown reductions in the prevalence rate with increasing age in criminal populations, as well as epidemiological samples. Changes in personality traits with age and increased mortality with the behavior of antisocial personality disorder have been hypothesized to justify this age-dependent alteration.
No current diagnostic modalities, such as tests including serology, are currently accepted standards in diagnosing antisocial personality disorder. However, genetic testing and neuroimaging have been used to evaluate potential causes and patterns, respectively, with ASPD. Patients with antisocial personality disorder are at a higher risk of contracting certain viral infections and sexually transmitted diseases associated with high-risk behavior, including hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus, as well as increased mortality rates due to accidents, traumatic injuries, suicides, and homicides.

✓ Fact confirmed: Antisocial Personality Disorder Kristy A. Fisher, Manassa Hany; May 8, 2023.

Causes of Sociopaths

The actual cause of sociopaths has not been identified yet. Some scientists believe there is a genetic predisposition to the disorder. Furthermore, environmental factors can be associated with the occurrence of antisocial personality disorder. In some cases, a traumatic incident during childhood can induce the occurrence of the disorder.

The most important thing is to recognize a sociopath. Even though sociopaths may become dangerous to society, they can be treated with several treatment modalities.

The most significant thing for a patient is to realize that he/she is having a problem. Since there is no chance for a sociopath to feel guilt treatment can be rather challenging. One more issue is related to the relationship between a doctor and a sociopath. Generally, sociopaths are not able to maintain close relationships. This can significantly interfere with therapy since there has to be proper bonding between a therapist and a patient. The doctor must pay careful attention to a sociopath because he/she can be very manipulative.

Only if the patient understands his/ her problem the treatment can be efficient. The actual success of the treatment is individual and not the same in all patients. The treatment is not unique. It depends on several factors, such as the age of the patient, medical background, severity of the disorder, and comorbidities.

The basic concept of the treatment includes specific therapies, medications, or physical treatments. Even a combination of these three is possible. The results can be perfectly achieved with behavioral, cognitive, and psychotherapy. Behavior therapy helps with reconditioning the adopted behavior, and it provides suitable behavior patterns that will help the patient cope in society.

Cognitive therapy explores the thoughts and feelings of a sociopath which are associated with a particular behavior. Patients are then taught how to change unacceptable behavior patterns such as anger, lying, stealing, etc. Psychotherapy investigates deep-rooted problems in one's conscience.

Even though there are no particular medications for this disorder patients suffering from additional illnesses such as alcohol addiction or even depression are prescribed certain drugs. And finally, some sociopaths undergo physical treatments such as shock therapy or neurosurgery. Fortunately, these treatment modalities are not commonly recommended and applied.