Medical Thinking that one might be a sociopath

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the complexities of sociopathy, emphasizing that it is often misunderstood and stigmatized. Sociopathy is characterized by a lack of conscience, where individuals can distinguish right from wrong but feel no emotional connection to these concepts. The conversation highlights that not all sociopaths are violent; rather, the more concerning trait is the manipulation of others for personal gain without empathy. It is noted that sociopaths typically do not seek treatment, as they do not perceive their behavior as problematic. Individuals questioning their own sociopathy are likely not sociopaths, as true sociopaths lack the self-awareness to consider their condition. The thread also critiques the tendency of some individuals to claim sociopathy for attention, suggesting that genuine sociopaths would not engage in such discussions.
Antiphon
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This is a topic of great personal importance to some but is something of a taboo today. People are afraid to discuss it.

There are clinical tests for sociopathy. And there are many different kinds of this disorder. By no means does it mean that someone is violent or poses imminent physical harm to those around them. What it really means is that a person has no functioning conscience. They know right from wrong but it means as little to them as the Bud-Miller controversy.

Having a lack of inner empathy for others is a necessary but not sufficient indication that one might be a sociopath. A greater danger signal is whether you actively manipulate those around you for amusement and gain without any concern whatever for their well-being.

Here are some more specific questions to ask yourself if you suspect you might have this personality disorder.

http://www.vodahost.com/web-hosting-sociopath-test-sociopath-definition.html/
 
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Sociopaths have no problem with being sociopaths. They would never seek treatment or therapy for it.

Sociopaths are a problem for other people, not for themselves. There is no known cure or treatment anyway.

If the thought you might be a sociopath bothers you, then it's very unlikely you are one.

Sociopaths generally don't understand the concept. They assume everyone else is just like them and is faking remorse or guilt when they hurt someone else. One of the original terms for the condition was "Moral Imbecility". They don't have a conscience so they can't get any traction on the concept at all. It's meaningless to them.
 
I think that when you see a person posting something like "am I a sociopath" or "I am a sociopath" then you kind of know that they are definitely not a sociopath

that's why those kinds of threads are tossed out in most forums I know, because it's just a person seeking attention by making himself/herself "dark and edgy"

of course, this is all just based on personal experiences with people claiming to be sociopaths on the internet.
 
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