Who can resist reading a book with the title Sociopath? Not me, and I”m glad because author, Doctor of Psychology, wife, mother and sociopath Patric Gagne- taught me a lot about a subject most people know little about. In fact, she complains that the term is not even in dictionaries anymore, having been replaced by “Anti-social Personality Disorder” (ASPD). Lack of information contributes to stigma, misunderstanding and often elicits fear.
The Stigma
The media sensationalizes the sociopath as a murderer with no remorse. Sometimes this is true but just like with a person on the autism spectrum- each is unique and it takes digging deeper to understand their challenges, hopes, dreams for a normal life and the stigma that further burdens reaching that goal. Sociopaths are also on a spectrum- some become successful doctors, lawyers, teachers and may even grow up to be president of the United States.
On the ASPD spectrum, “psychopathy” is generally seen as a more severe form of ASPD than sociopathy.
According to the website: HealthyPlace.com
The definition of sociopath is someone without a conscience who manipulates the world and those in it to benefit himself. Thankfully, there are distinct symptoms of a sociopath to help people recognize one (What is a Sociopathic Person Like?). The symptoms of being a sociopath in men, women, and children are actually a cluster of behaviors and personality traits. These symptoms, these sociopathic traits and behaviors, are seen in how the sociopath interacts with other people.
Dr. Gagne is an entertaining and engaging writer. She is funny, smart and knows how to pour on the charm. She is daring, high energy and I can tell that I would probably not like her if we met.
Dr. Gagne describes herself as a :
- a liar
- a thief
- impulsive
- highly manipulative
- has no fear of consequences, is violent at times
- lacking social emotions such as guilt, empathy, remorse, and even love
As a child, her lack of empathy caused compulsive acts of violence and destructive behavior. This would have described some of the clients I have worked with who had the diagnosis: Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (IDD). Yet, obviously many individuals with IDD (like the ones I worked with shown below) are kind, loving and sensitive.
Dr. Gagne describes “sociopath” as something of a paradox-
…a word that that evokes far more emotion than it does analysis. The condition requires (for the safety and happiness of the individual and society) research into the symptoms, causes and treatments. So Patric Gagne decided to study this condition in graduate school and focus on treating people (including herself) with the condition.
Pressure Builds and may result in violence unless relief is found…
Dr. Gagne’s description of finding relief is fascinating. One strategy that released tension was breaking into a house and hanging out, enjoying the peace and quiet for a few hours and then leaving without anyone knowing that she was there.
Another strategy was to steal car keys from a drunk at a party, taking a long drive and returning them before anyone knew they were missing. You and I (assuming that you are not a sociopath) would cringe with fear of being discovered. However, for Patric, the actions brought calm. Pretty fascinating when I think about how occupational therapists strive to reduce anxiety, sensory overload and maladaptive behaviors!!!
Dr. Gagne experienced many communication blunders such as:
- When her mom asked her to borrow a cup of sugar from a neighbor, she ended up helping herself to it when nobody answered the door.
- Although her mom told her that she could come home if she were uncomfortable spending the night at a friend’s sleepover party- Patric didn’t understand that she needed to tell an adult or call her mom rather than disappear in the middle of the night…
Patric read a lot of psychology books in attempts to understand her differences and fit in better…
She read about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and realized she, too was theoretically unable to stop doing “bad things”. So she decided that she could reduce her tension by replacing harmful behaviors with safer ones- such as stealing things for a while -to return later. She also found a supportive understanding boyfriend, who she would ultimately marry after couple’s counselling. Dr. Gagne wanted her husband to accept the diagnosis that made her who she was rather than trying to change her. Her husband, on the other hand needed to accept her differences and survival strategies such as mimicking so-called normal emotional reactions, secretly stalking with no interactions or consequences and avoiding down-time where boredom led to trouble.
A final word…
I enjoyed reading this book although, the author at times was long-winded. Fortunately, I have no problem skimming. I never learned about this diagnosis or possible treatments in occupational therapy school- well that was over 40 years ago…. Like any person with a disability- patients seek confirmation that they are worthy and deserving of support, respect and success. Fortunately, helping clients work toward such goals is something occupational therapists excel in! May this book help you in the journey….
Brilliant analysis. Thank you.
Thanks so much. I appreciate feedback….