--- In [email protected], "sparaig" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In [email protected], "authfriend" <jstein@> wrote: > > > > --- In [email protected], "sparaig" <sparaig@> wrote: <snip> > > > Yet he still maintained some degree of family ties. > > > He was no doubt pathological in many > > > ways, but was NOT non-functional in Society. > > > > Sociopaths are not typically dysfunctional in > > society; they can be very high-functioning > > people. > > > Depends on your definition. The definition of > *sociopath* as opposed to *psychopath* includes > the inability to hold a job for any length of time.
That's one possible manifestation, but if you're a dictator (or a CEO), there's nobody to fire you, so it doesn't apply. All the other criteria do, though (and you don't have to have all of them, only three). Saddam was a classic sociopath: Diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV-TR) The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV, a widely used manual for diagnosing mental and behavioral disorders, defines antisocial personality disorder [sociopathy--JS] as a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15, as indicated by three (or more) of the following: --failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest --deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure --impulsivity or failure to plan ahead --irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated fights or assaults (both physically or mentally) --reckless disregard for safety of self or others --consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain steady work or honor financial obligations --lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another The manual lists the following additional necessary criteria: The individual is at least 18 years of age. There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years. The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of Schizophrenia or a Manic Episode. And, with reference to Saddam's behavior at his execution: Research has shown that individuals with antisocial personality disorder are indifferent to the possibility of physical pain or many punishments, and show no indications that they experience fear when so threatened. This may explain their apparent disregard for the consequences of their actions, and their aforementioned lack of empathy. >From Wikipedia.
