How to spot a Sociopath

by larc 49 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  larc

  First,

  Why is it important to be able to spot a Sociopath? The basic reason is that they can do enormous damage to you. They can ruin your life.

  What is the overiding characteristic of a sociopath? They have absolutely no conscience. They can spout what is right and wrong, but none of this makes a difference to them. Sociopaths manifest themselves in different ways, and each has his own hobby. Some become serial killers. Some cheat the elderly out of their life savings. Some go from woman to woman, enjoying their sex and taking all their money before moving on. What ever their hobby, they have no guilt or remorse for what they do.

  Since they are so dangerous, what are the behaviors that can identify them? First of all, they can be very charming. Ted Bundy, serial killer is a good example of this trait. He was a bright, handsome, and charming young man. With their charm they will either flatter you to get close to you or portray some supposed weakness they have to get your sympathy. So when someone strokes you with compliments more than is usual, beware. When someone asks for your help and is still a stranger to you, beware.

  They make grandiose claims of success. They are very wealthy. Unfortunately, their wealth is in another state and they need your financial aid to get access to it. Or, they used to be wealthy, but they lost it all due to a vindictive wife. They have these and other stories to tell you, all fabricated, all with the intention of getting over on you.

  So, be as innocent as lambs, but as wise as serpents, as Jesus said. Whenever someone comes on too quickly and then wants something of you, be very careful.

  I knew these concepts for many years, and I have watched several sociopaths in action, but I just found a web site that cooborates what I am saying, so go to:
  http://www.geocities.com/lycium7
  for further detail.

  I post this, because I think this is critical information to know.
• 

  mpatrick

  larc,

  It is interesting that you brought up this topic. A very good friend of mine got involved with a girl that is truly a sociopath at their best! I actually did some research for him since he became involved in a terrible custody battle over the child they share together. He has been through a year of hell with this girl. She has lied and accused him of being an alcoholic, drug abuser and partier, in which he is none of the above, and has gone as far as convincing another man that he was the father of her son. She deceived this other man and his very wealthy family out of money and led them all to believe that she was staying with family while she was pregnant, all the while living with my friend in another state. After leaving him and moving back in with this other man, she continued to fabricate all kinds stories that eventually came out in court. My friend finally
  insisted on an psychic evaluation, where the psychiatrist recommended that the child be taken out her care and given to the father. Because of ridiculous rulings previously by the judge, he compromised on shared custody. To this day, she still makes life hell for him! I wish he would have went for full custody, a child should never have to be raised by a sociopath mother.

  The irony of this story...her disfunctional family were once JWs.
• 

  picosito

  Perhaps the WTS could be considered as a spiritually sociopathic organization.
• 

  rhett

  Gee, I usually just look in the mirror to spot one.........

  Back down the bullies to the back of the bus
  Its time for them to be scared of us
• 

  RedhorseWoman

  Interesting topic. Also interesting is that when you are involved with a sociopath, you tend to attempt to fit their behavior into some sort of "normal" mold, and when it doesn't work out, you tend to blame yourself....or at least I did....until I finally realized beyond the shadow of a doubt that my sister was a sociopath who got some of her greatest pleasure by manipulating family members like puppets.
• 

  gravedancer

  I am a sociopath.
• 

  hillary_step

  Larc,

  A long, long time ago, too far back to remember the details, I do recall reading that there is some sort of psychological evaluation test that the suspected sociopath is given.

  It involved the use of certain questions, numbers and phrases that many such types found it difficult or impossible to articulate in sequence. It seems that some sort of physical aberration is present in their thinking processes that precludes from birth the development of the conscience.

  I would be very interested to hear more about this if you have crossed these paths on your studies.

  Best regards - HS
• 

  larc

  RedHorseWoman,

  I am very sorry to hear about what you went through. You are right in that people try to reconcile the situation by thinking they are at fault. The reason being that we can not comprehend someone who is so devoid of fellow feeling. It is truely a tragic situation to be caught in the web that the sociopath creates, a web not much different than the web of a spider about to claim its next victim.
• 

  larc

  Hillery,

  I am not sure of the particular measurement you are referring to. There are diagnostic signs or responses on the Rorschach Inkblot Test that are indicative of sociopathy. Also, there is a particular scale on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) called the Psychopathic Deviate Scale that is used to diagnose the Sociopath, Psychopath, or AntiSocial Personality Disorder.
• 

  plmkrzy

  How to spot a Sociopath?
  I sh** you not My ex husband IS one in every sense of the word. No bashing goin on here. Serious stuff! I had to hide from him for several years. Changed my address 7 times in two years. When my restraining orders expired I went to court and asked for permenant restraining orders because i was still afraid. The courts told me they wouldn't grant me permenant restraing orders, Get This, UNTIL HE ASSAuLTS ME AGAIN!!!!!
  He didn't JUST batter me either. Because I filed for divorce and was trying to make him leave he told me "NO BODY LEAVES MEEE!"
  He sat fire to our house with me and the kid's asleep in it. Tried to burn us alive.

  The Judge felt that unless I have evidence that he still posses a threat to me and my family there is nothing they can do. BUT! if he hurts me again then simply come bact to court and they will grant me permenant retraining orders.

  How long do you think it took me to recover from that? My kids and I are still in theraphy.