Seven main traits that suggest someone in your life is a sociopath

Sociopaths have long inspired filmmakers and thriller authors, but behind the many myths lies a real condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

A sociopath is a colloquial term, often attributed to those who have been diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).

Recognised as a real mental health condition, it’s believed that only four to 11 percent of the UK population is affected by ASPD, according to Bournemouth University.

A person with antisocial personality traits are likely to be physically aggressive, show hostility, or be violent towards others, the Cleveland Clinic writes. You may see these so-called sociopaths exhibiting impulsive behaviour, not being sensitive or respectful to others, and/or feeling superior to other members of the public.

If you’re concerned that your new romantic partner or your sibling is a sociopath, then here are the seven main traits to suggest that you’re right.

Rebelling against authority

People with ASPD are more likely than others to flaunt authority (Getty Stock Image)

We all like to stick it to the man sometimes, right? But sometimes rules and authority figures are in place for our own safety.

People with ASPD are likely to rather face the consequences than bend to someone’s will, according to The Telegraph. This rebellion against authority can include, petty crimes, such as shoplifting, and more serious actions.

Frequently flaunting rules

According to behavioural professionals, a lack of empathy may cause people with sociopathic tendencies to break the rules. This is because they ‘often underestimate risk and experience a delayed response to fear’, as per previous studies.

So not only will they rebel against authority, but they will go against anything in their way, too.

Sudden ‘charming’ or ‘relatable’ behaviour

Sumeet Grover, a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy-registered psychotherapist, told the publication that sociopaths get ‘power and a sense of grandiosity’ when they ‘pull you into their world’.

“It deflects what is really going on for them internally,” the expert reasoned.

“Their sense of self – who I am as a person – is fragmented and so they don’t feel in the same way as most people."

He added that this behaviour, while lacking in a ‘felt sense of empathy or remorse’ can often by charming, believable, and relatable.

Refusing to apologise

Sociopaths can often refuse to apologise, according to experts (Getty Stock Image)

It may sometimes be hard to acknowledge, but it is okay to admit you were wrong. After realising, your first port of call should be to apologise for your actions.

However, people diagnosed with ASPD have a tough time taking this step, according to mental health professionals.

Even though they may not feel real remorse, they should know right from wrong and be able to understand their actions, said Dr Lisa Orban, a clinical psychologist.

Difficulty keeping relationships

They're everyone’s best friend in the pub but when they’re one-on-one? Well, that’s a completely different story.

According to Dr Tharaka Gunarathne, a clinical psychiatrist, sociopaths are likely to form ‘shallow’ attachments and may not be able to show ‘love’.

“While they might mimic the behaviours of love, the emotional depth behind those behaviours is usually limited,” he explained to the outlet.

Drive for control

Experts categorise a controlling partner as one who dissects your choices, uses threats to dominate your life, and as someone who often employs the silent treatment to get their own way.

Sociopaths are more likely to grapple with control, with Dr Gunarathne warning anyone to stay clear of someone who needs ‘fixed’.

“Charm and confidence can be persuasive, but if the emotional cost to you is high, it’s a sign to step back and reflect,” he confessed.

Manipulating the truth

Controlling behaviour and lying are both traits of ASPD (Getty Stock Image)

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that makes another person doubt their own memories, sanity, or perception of past events.

Sometimes people with ASPD will manipulate the truth to get you on side, or change how conversations went down as a major power grab.

According to Dr Ute Liersch, a counselling psychologist at The Soke, a private mental health care centre in London, data shows that when we live with a controlling partner, our brain function ‘changes in the same way as if we were taking drugs’.

“We can become addicted to that person, which makes it extremely hard to leave them. I see women managing excruciating symptoms of withdrawal. It can be a painful and debilitating separation,” she added.