Sociopath?

I put this under depression because I didn't think it fit anywhere else. I am looking for any input or thoughts, obviously it won't be professional advice, but that's okay.

I am 99% sure I am a sociopath. I have no empathy for other human beings. I never have. Looking back on every situation where I was told to apologize, I never actually felt sorry. I was upset that I got caught, but I never felt bad for the other person. I also lied a lot. Not pathologically, but often to get myself out of trouble or exaggerate my achievements to make people more interested in me.

I have felt sympathy for animals, because they are so innocent, but not for people. When people are sad or upset, I feel nothing in return.

I often think about ... , but I refuse to, because I don't want to go to jail. I also refuse to physically hurt people for the same reason. I know the difference between right and wrong in the sense that "wrong" means I will get in trouble, which I avoid like the plague, and "right" means people will not get mad at me.

I constantly struggle to act, react, and abide by social norms. I am pretty successful, and although social situations make me very uncomfortable, people find me very funny and charming and frequently tell me how great I am. Acting this way all the time is usually easy for me, but lately I have felt very drained and just don't have the energy to pretend. I feel like I am losing control, and every time I am provoked (usually by my mother who has absolutely no idea that I am this way) I am going to snap.

My question is, based on what I have told you, would you consider me a sociopath, even though I do not fit every diagnostic quality?

{sorry to interfere, but see forum rule #1 -- serafena}

Post Edited By Moderator (serafena) : 1/25/2010 12:12:53 PM (GMT-7)

I kind of agree with Jamie, If you were a sociopath, you wouldn't even be coming here to ask, because you wouldn't even care.  So  I think that you are just depressed and maybe a little sinacle (sp).  I have been in the situation before where I did not care about humans, but have always cared about animals.  Like you say, they are innocent.  But in time you will care about humans too.  I can watch people get killed on tv all day and it doesn't bother me, but when I see an animal get hurt, I cry.  I guess it is because people can defend them selves, animals can't.  Well they can, but to an extent.  So I think you are normal for somebody who is depressed.

Yes wearing a mask gets weary.  It takes a lot out of us.  Pretending is what you are doing.  Pretending not to care.  When deep down I think that you do, though I could be very wrong.

Either way we are here for you.   I would recommend counseling at this time.  Get your feelings sorted out.  Learn to love life.  We only go around once.

Best wishes to you.

Hugs, Karen

Sounds more like Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Do you want to get better? If so, talk to your DR. Get a diagnosis, and then go from there. Could be that you need to go on meds to help you with your thought process.

some good input slyiowaguy. hoping you both find your niche!! and remember happiness comes from within us, by us. the journey is in the finding of it. keep well and focused, with compassion, jamie.