Sociopaths, on the other hand, develop their traits due to environmental factors. A child growing up in a rough neighborhood or a criminal family might learn antisocial behaviors as survival mechanisms. Sociopaths might feel some stress when breaking rules but eventually adapt to their environment, reducing their arousal response over time.
Childhood Signs and Diagnoses
For a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder (psychopathy’s diagnostic equivalent), there must be a pattern of antisocial behavior before age 15, including truancy, violence, theft, or cruelty to animals. This long-standing pattern differentiates psychopaths from sociopaths, who exhibit similar behaviors but often develop them later due to their environment.
Can Psychopaths or Sociopaths Change?
Psychopaths and sociopaths rarely seek therapy unless court-ordered. They do not see the benefit, as their primary goal is manipulation and control. Even when forced into therapy, they might not genuinely engage.
Coping with Narcissists, Sociopaths, and Psychopaths
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