The Sociopath Next Door

[Griffin NoName]

Have a look at the review headed Opinionated and misleading. 

Also What is the Difference Between a Psychopath and a Sociopath?.

Also, giving you the benefit of some of my studies..... for a diagnosis of "Psychopath" there is a minimum 10 point scale (sometimes a 14 point scale is used) and a further 10 point scale which can differentiate the type of "Psychopath".  It is not simply having no conscience. Neither is it a diagnostic within 3 points as I remember reading is claimed in the book somewhere. Oh hang on, I have the diagnostic link somewhere........... er um....... yep it's Robert Hare PCL-R and Hare is THE recommended expert on Psychopathology.....  (as the reviewer mentioned above remarks).  Also, (lots of alsos) each of the points on the PCL-R would not be lightly diagnosed... and assigning these traits to anyone on the basis of social acquaintance is foolhardy. Even psychiatrists/psychologists need specialist training to diagnose. Somewhere I have a link to how to use the 10 point scale - it's not just a straigtforward tick box and the score needs to be much higher than three- but I can't find it at present.

edit.... forgot to mention, no fairy tale ending here, my "psychopath" ended up with everything - always suspect happy endings is my motto

edit edit : Dr Hare is at the Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia !

also, through his webiste I have found Aftermath: surviving-psychopathy discussion forum which looks like it might be helpfull.

Edit Edit Edit:  after a good deal of further reading, I am beginning to think the book which set off this topic is actually quite irresponsible.

[Aggie]

Requested Dr. Hare's book, as re-recommended in many of the poor reviews.

Heh - as per Michael Moore, the fact that the book got a dialogue going may be an indicator of it's worth, whether it's 100% accurate or not.

[anthrobabe]

Zono brought up a good thought/had a good thought.
higher percentage seems to be in males, many are in 'upper management'-- is it an evolutionary biological thing that is not useful in 'modern society'? Or if 'properly controlled' and can there be such a thing is it still useful in certain situations?

seems I read something about this once upon a time-- I must remember to ask the anth listserv if they know more or can recommend reading on it.

[Sibling Zono (anon1mat0)]

Interesting, from Griffin's link:

Of the more distinguishing traits, some argue the sociopath to be less organized in his or her demeanor, nervous and easily agitated – someone likely living on the fringes of society, without solid or consistent economic support. A sociopath is more likely to spontaneously act out in inappropriate ways without thinking through the consequences.

Conversely, the psychopath tends to be extremely organized, secretive and manipulative. The outer personality is often charismatic and charming, hiding the real person beneath. Though psychopaths do not feel for others, they can mimic behaviors that make them appear normal. Upon meeting, one would have more of a tendency to trust a psychopath than a sociopath.

So the difference lies in intelligence and mental structure, hence the CEOs aren't sociopaths but psychopaths.

[Edited for grammar.]

[anthrobabe]

and it seems that these subtle differences well make all the difference

serial killer
CEO

so there is apparently a difference

[pieces o nine]

Interesting, from Griffin's link:

Of the more distinguishing traits, some argue the sociopath to be less organized in his or her demeanor, nervous and easily agitated – someone likely living on the fringes of society, without solid or consistent economic support. A sociopath is more likely to spontaneously act out in inappropriate ways without thinking through the consequences.

Conversely, the psychopath tends to be extremely organized, secretive and manipulative. The outer personality is often charismatic and charming, hiding the real person beneath. Though psychopaths do not feel for others, they can mimic behaviors that make them appear normal. Upon meeting, one would have more of a tendency to trust a psychopath than a sociopath.

So the difference lies in intelligence and mental structure, hence the CEOs aren't sociopaths but psychopaths.

[Edited for grammar.]

Another conclusion that seems too true to be good...

(Consider the most recent news bit on smirkin' CEOs who *still* make obscenely high salaries, bonuses, stocks, pensions even after losing money hand-over-fist for the investors, bankrupting employee benefits, driving their companies into the ground, or seriously impacting the national economy.)

[Griffin NoName]

.........so CEO gets added to the DSM code list

[anthrobabe]

.........so CEO gets added to the DSM code list

well we could with sharpies-- just go at everyone we see
(DSM's --not CEO's)
adding it to the DSM

[pieces o nine]

.........so CEO gets added to the DSM code list

Yes!
But what is the indicated treatment?

[anthrobabe]

.........so CEO gets added to the DSM code list

Yes!
But what is the indicated treatment?

well for starters force them to actually live like one of their employees--- like a factory employee and not the exectutives--for an entire year, force it, don't allow them cheats (like access to their accounts,family accounts, extended family goodies they've received, health coverage, stocks, etc). same housing, same pay, same benefits, make them work the job----- make their families live like this as well.
that's a good starting treatment

[Sibling Zono (anon1mat0)]

Correct me if I'm wrong but AFAIK there is no cure for psychopathy. That people is dangerous no matter where they are and should be locked in a maximum security prison.

[Griffin NoName]

No cure although some say ten years of "talking" therapy. However, most psychopaths can out-talk the therapist IMO.

Can only lock them up if proved in court they have committed crime in the UK. Since they are clever and forward plan this is difficult.

[beagle]

No cure although some say ten years of "talking" therapy. However, most psychopaths can out-talk the therapist IMO.

If you've ever seen the film "The Young Poisoner's Handbook" (based on the St. Albans Poisoner), there's a lovely bit where the psychiatrist sees on TV news just how well he cured the patient.

[anthrobabe]

in reality I think no cure, and 10 years talk therapy-- what fun, let's see if I can play the game for 10 years
it's a game to them
be fooled and you will loose

[Griffin NoName]

If you've ever seen the film "The Young Poisoner's Handbook" (based on the St. Albans Poisoner), there's a lovely bit where the psychiatrist sees on TV news just how well he cured the patient.

Not seen. Another one for my list?  (I still have The History Boys unopened awaiting the end of Diploma treat time).

Meanwhile, I had a look at Aftermath Surviving Psychopathy Forum. It's unmoderated and quite devoid of information about who or what is behind it. Ultimately it left me wondering if it has been set up by a psychopath. S C A R E Y !!!!