The Definition of a Sociopath

Perhaps you have walked by two women in the middle of a conversation and overheard one of them exclaim, “My ex-boyfriend is a complete psychopath!” Or, how about the psychiatric terms which find their way into every Law and Order script. I cannot count the times that Dr. Wong has interviewed a suspect and then said, “This guy definitely shows signs of sociopath tendencies.” While all of us may be familiar with these words, do we really know what they mean? Before we accuse a former flame of having a serious psychological disorder, a proper definition may be helpful.

A person who is described as being a “psychopath” or a “sociopath” is someone who shows a complete lack of empathy for others and who is incapable of taking responsibility for his own actions. He is often quite narcissistic, both in outside appearance and in his inflated ego. Someone with this label is prone to promiscuous sexual behavior and unapologetic violence towards others. Two of the most infamous sociopaths in modern times are Charles Manson and Ted Bundy, both with extensive rap sheets that show a long history of extreme antisocial behavior. In my new book, Compulsion, I introduce readers to several characters who torture, rape, and murder with little or no regard for the human beings who have become their prey. I have integrated my own educational background and interest in the criminal mind into the development of these characters. I hope you will experience feelings of revulsion but also an unavoidable need to learn more as the details of the criminals’ lives and psychology are revealed. That was certainly my intention!

To purchase Compulsion, please visit the Amazon bookstore.