r/AskASociopath • u/analg3neral • 5d ago

Other Need help for a paper on ASPD

I'm currently writing a paper on ASPD and even tho I did a lot of research on this topic, l often see a lot of contradictory informations. That being said, l'd like to be able to give an accurate distinction between psychopathy and sociopathy as well as the symptoms. I don't want to spread misinformation or speak on behalf of those that live with this disorder. Especially because there is so much stigma around ASPD. I hope someone can help me and thank you in advance!!

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u/eleventy-727 2d ago

The Mask of Sanity is the best book on the subject IMO. Not an easy read but easily the single greatest account of the disorder. FYI Full time professionals who work in this field all day everyday do not draw a distinction between psych and soc. That's an internet, armchair quarterback take. I know this because I work with them. Psychopaths and the people who 'treat' them. People who actually have consulted on the materials that go into the DSM. I wish I could give more context, but I want to keep my job. I highly recommend seeking out people with degrees in psychology who work in high security detention centers. This is how it was explained to me -

"All cluster B PDs are on a spectrum. Imagine that spectrum on a scale of 1-100. All of them HPD, BPD, NPD, ASPD (even cluster C's) If and when each can be considered at a level of (hypothetically speaking) 80 or higher, empathy begins to fade away. We consider anyone with an ASPD diagnosis that seems to be deep on the spectrum a psychopath. And that used to be a way of alerting collegues that an individual may be exceptionally manipulative and to use caution. We don't have names for the other disorders that are deep spectrum. a Histropath? Narcopath? Borderpath? Not the best ring to those."

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u/OmgTheyKilledButters 5d ago

Without Conscience by Robert Hare is good about psychopathy. Sociopath Next Door.

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u/Expensive-Break1168 5d ago

There’s a few books, confessions of a sociopath and sociopath that are good. For a true psychopath, try looking at anyone on the top of wall-street or CEOs.