Sociopathy is currently listed as a subcategory in the DSM, under the umbrella diagnosis of ASPD. However, a person cannot actually be diagnosed as a sociopath or a psychopath. But because of the way the term "sociopath" has been used in movies and TV shows, its true meaning has been taken away. Our current associations with the word "sociopath" are serial murderers and criminals. Keeping the term "sociopath" in the DSM could perpetuate harmful stereotypes about anybody with ASPD, and lead to the idea that anyone with ASPD symptoms is a monster. 

Why sociopathy should not be in the DSM

A condition of failing to understand the feelings of others and empathize. Associated traits include manipulative behavior and aggression, with a particular emphasis on aggression and lack of ability to lead a normal life due to impulsive behaviors. Researchers tend to believe this condition is mostly environmentally triggered, and the affected individual is capable of forming social connections with similar individuals. 

University of Rochester

Marked by the consistent lack of regard for the rights of others and social norms. Often, people with this disorder can be deceitful and lacking remorse. Modern diagnoses consider this disorder to be related to psychopathy and sociopathy. To be diagnosed with ASPD, someone must be older than 18. 
- Sociopathy
- Psychopathy

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Casarella, J. (2020, March 9). Antisocial Personality Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/antisocial-personality-disorder-overview. 

ASPD citation

Haley, L. D. (n.d.). Psychopathy vs Sociopathy. Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri. https://www.mha-em.org/im-looking-for/mental-health-knowledge-base/conditions/127-psychopathy-vs-sociopathy. 

Sociopathy vs Psychopathy citation

Sociopathy

Similar to sociopathy, this condition is a lack of empathy and understanding of others. Emotions may not be experienced much at all in these individuals. However, the emphasis relies more on manipulative behavior. True social connections may not be possible, only feigned. Though manipulative and unempathetic, these individuals can be seen as charming to others and capable of maintaining a relatively normal life. Unlike the sociopath, they tend to be more risk-averse and caring about themselves. 

Additional definition of psychopathy

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5), ASPD is classified as a cluster B-disorder alongside with borderline, narcissistic, and histrionic disorders. People with these conditions struggle with interpersonal skills, having unpredictable and emotional interactions with others.

ASPD in the DSM 5

In order for a person to fit the diagnostic criteria for ASPD they must have been previously diagnosed with conduct disorder (CD) by the age of  fifteen. Hence, ASPD is the only personality disorder that cannot be diagnosed before 18 and during childhood.

Age of diagnosis for ASPD

Studies found that substance abuse is positively correlated with ASPD. Meanwhile, lower IQs and reading levels have a negative correlation with ASPD.

Substance abuse and IQ correlations in ASPD

As of currently, there aren't any successful treatment methods to treat ASPD directly. However, some strategies can be helpful. For example, treating conduct disorder during childhood is considered the most effective in minimizing ASPD behaviors. Additionally, medications and hospitalization can be used to treat symptoms associated with co-occurring conditions. Meanwhile, hospitalization is not worthwhile to treat ASPD directly because it is very expensive, can disrupt other patients, and is just not effective. It is also important to note that most people with ASPD are noncompliant with therapy, making managing it hard.

Treating ASPD

Crime is common amongst people with ASPD, with a peak in the late teens. Additionally, the younger ASPD populace tends to commit more serious crimes. It was also found that longer periods of imprisonment contribute to higher remission rates.

Crime and ASPD

As people with ASPD age, they become less troublesome which can be a positive factor for their families and friends, for example. However, it is common for them to face other mental health challenges and disorders which can make it difficult for those around them as well. Additionally, after improving later on in life, it can be challenging to find jobs, continue their education, and reclaim their prior prospects.

Additional challenges faced by those with ASPD and their families

Even though ASPD has been studied for a long time, a treatment has not been established yet. With that, it can be useful to prevent harm due to it in the first place. However, ways to do that have also not been determined. Many of those with ASPD do not get evaluations or treatment for it because they probably don't know they have it or do not see their symptoms as an issue. Most only get help for co-occurring mental disorders or due to a court order after inflicting harm. Hence, it can be hard to prevent issues that arise due to one's ASPD because a diagnosis often comes later in life.

Lack of preventative measures for ASPD

Psychopathy and sociopathy are considered to be more extreme forms of ASPD. Despite ASPD, psychopathy, and sociopathy being frequently mixed up and used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between them that are often not clearly defined.  One distinction between the three conditions is that an ASPD diagnosis focuses a lot on  behavior. Sociopathy and psychopathy diagnoses also focus on these behaviors but also consider an individual's level of callousness, unemotional mindset, and lack of remorse. Furthermore, psychopaths and sociopaths exhibit more extreme interpersonal and behavioral characteristics. Additionally, psychopaths and sociopaths are more likely to demonstrate more severe criminal behavior, tend to cause more severe harm to others, and to not respond to any form of treatment.

Differences Between ASPD, Psychopathy, and Sociopathy:

Antisocial personality disorder is estimated to affect about 3.6% of the general population. The disorder exhibits a significant gender disparity, being three times more common in men than in women. This ratio corresponds to prevalence rates of approximately 6% among men and 2% among women.

Prevalence and Gender Differences in ASPD

Research from family, twin, and adoption studies indicates that both genetic predispositions and environmental circumstances contribute to the development of antisocial personality disorder and related behaviors. Adoption studies, in particular, highlight a crucial interaction between these factors, demonstrating that genetic vulnerability combined with an adverse environment significantly increases the likelihood of developing antisocial behaviors.

Genetic and Environmental Influences on ASPD

References for ASPD

Within the field of psychology, several researchers have investigated the supposed relationship between male and female individuals with ASPD

Learn Before

Related

Learn After