When you hear the word sociopath, you might picture a deranged, crazy-eyed killer from a horror movie—and while you could be right, you could also be living with one and not even know it.
New research suggests that sociopaths exist on a spectrum, which means the disorder is not an all-or-nothing thing; some people may not throw up unmistakable red flags. However, being married to a sociopath can still be a special kind of torture, and it’s common for people married to someone with the disorder to end up in front of a Durham divorce lawyer.
What Does a Sociopath Look Like?
While you can’t generally identify a sociopath by looking at him or her, there are a few common traits that most sociopaths exhibit. A sociopath is someone who’s suffering from antisocial personality disorder and may:
- have a flagrant disregard for right and wrong
- lie to exploit others
- feel very superior to others
- use wit and charm to manipulate people into doing what they want
- violate other peoples’ rights
- abuse or neglect children
- have a habit of breaking the law
- be irritated, agitated or aggressive
- lack empathy for others
- lack remorse over bad deeds
- be the abuser in a relationship
- behave irresponsibly when it comes to school, work or family
This isn’t a complete list, and exhibiting these traits doesn’t necessarily make someone a sociopath. Generally, antisocial personality disorder peaks during a person’s 20s or 30s, and only a professional can diagnose it.
When You’re Married to a Sociopath
If you believe you’re married to a sociopath and you’re unhappy, talking to a Durham divorce lawyer can give you some fresh insight into your situation and help you identify your options.
Since antisocial personality disorder is generally untreatable, and most sociopaths don’t make the emotional connections necessary to facilitate changes in behavior, you may find that divorce is a good option for you. Your spouse’s disorder may have an impact on child custody and other aspects of your divorce, and your Durham divorce lawyer can help you deal with each new issue as it arises.
