Sociopath Test

What does it mean to be a sociopath? Is there a sociopath test? If someone has the condition, is there any type of treatment that can help them?

Contact Time Wellness today to learn more about mental health treatment in Georgia.

What Is a Sociopath?

Sociopath and sociopathic are informal terms that refer to a person who exhibits the symptoms of a mental health condition that’s now called antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). 

German psychiatrist Karl Birnbaum is widely credited for coining the term sociopath in the early 1900s, with American psychologist George E. Partridge responsible for expanding its use in the 1930s. Birnbaum was also the first person to use the term psychopath.

Even though sociopath and psychopath continue to be used today, many people consider them to be inappropriate, stigmatizing terms. Our use of these terms in today’s post are not meant to promote further stigma. Instead, we are using them solely to help people better understand antisocial personality disorder.

Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) categorizes ASPD as a Cluster B personality disorder, along with borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders. The DSM-5 describes people with Cluster B disorders as likely to appear “dramatic, emotional, or erratic.”

Focusing specifically on antisocial personality disorder, the DSM-5 calls the condition “a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others,” as demonstrated by at least three of the following:

• Failing to conform to social norms by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for being arrested
• Repeatedly lying, using aliases, or otherwise deceiving others for the purpose of pleasure or profit
• Impulsivity and the inability to plan ahead
• Repeated involvement in assaults or physical fights
• Exhibiting a reckless disregard for the safety of themselves and others
• Consistent irresponsibility, such as failing to fulfill responsibilities at work or repaying debts
• Feeling no remorse after hurting, stealing from, or otherwise mistreating others

To be accurately diagnosed with ASPD, a person must be at least 18 years old, though symptoms must have begun before the individual reached age 15.

Is There a Sociopath Test?

In a November 2022 Psychiatric News article, Dr. Donald W. Black described ASPD as “psychiatry’s forgotten disorder,” in part because it is so difficult to diagnose and treat.

To be accurately diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, a person must be evaluated by a qualified mental health professional. The diagnostic process for this condition can involve several steps, including observation of the individual, review of their history, discussion with loved ones, and various assessment tests.

No online test can replicate the thoroughness of a professional evaluation, but a sociopath test could help a person decide that it’s time to talk to their doctor or schedule an assessment at a mental health treatment center in their area.

With that thought in mind, here’s a brief test that can help you determine if you need to see a professional. Rate your agreement with each of the 10 statements below on a scale of 0 to 4, with 0 representing “I completely disagree” and 4 representing “I fully agree.”

1. The most important thing in my life is getting what I want.
2. I never feel bad when someone else fails.
3. If someone’s feelings get hurt because of something I say or to, that’s their problem, not mine.
4. Sympathy and empathy are weaknesses.
5. It can be fun to toy with other people’s emotions, just to see how they react.
6. I think most other people are boring, unintelligent, and easily manipulated.
7. Helping other people is a waste of my time.
8. If I’m flattering or being kind to someone, it’s probably because I want something from them.
9. There’s nothing wrong with committing a crime, just as long as you don’t get caught.
10. Life is a battle, and I’m prepared to do whatever I have to do in order to win.

If your total score on this sociopath test is close to 0, you probably don’t have much to worry about. But higher scores could indicate a problem. If you have any doubt, schedule an assessment. 

Most reputable treatment centers, such as Time Wellness Georgia, offer free assessments with no obligation. If it turns out that you do have ASPD or another mental health concern, the professional who conducts your evaluation can help you understand the scope of the challenge and review appropriate treatment options with you.

Is ASPD a Treatable Condition?

As alluded to in Dr. Black’s statement in the previous section, antisocial personality disorder can be quite difficult to treat. However, it’s important to note that difficult is not the same as impossible.

No medications have yet been developed specifically to treat ASPD, but people who have this condition may benefit from antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics.

Treatment for ASPD typically involves psychotherapy (talk therapy). Approaches that can be helpful include:

• Individual psychotherapy
• Group therapy sessions
• Family therapy and education
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Schema focused therapy (SFT)

Find Personality Disorder Treatment in Georgia

Time Wellness Georgia is a trusted source of age-appropriate outpatient care for people who have been living with antisocial personality disorder and other mental health conditions. 

Treatment options at our center in Atlanta, GA, include a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an evening IOP for adolescents, and a virtual (online) program. Each of these programs is staffed by a team of experienced professionals who are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive atmosphere for all. 

Working together, we can help you learn to better manage your symptoms so that you can live a healthier and more hopeful life.

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.