Do I Have Antisocial Personality Disorder?
Do you often feel like you don’t respond to situations the same way your friends do? Maybe you don’t feel a ton of empathy for other people, or you find it easy to lie. If so, you may be dealing with sociopathic tendencies.
Often referred to as “sociopathy” in pop culture, antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition that can affect the way you think and interact with the world. Think of it as a spectrum. Anyone can have ASPD thoughts and behaviors, but how often you have them can determine whether or not you’re a sociopath. Answer these questions honestly to find out where you fall on the spectrum.
While this quiz is based on official psychological data, your results do not serve as a clinical diagnosis. Please consult a licensed psychologist, counselor, or therapist if you believe you have a mental illness.
Questions Overview
- Yeah, if I’m being honest. It just comes naturally to me.
- I guess? I tell white lies here and there, but only to protect myself.
- No, not really. I try to tell the truth whenever possible.
- I don’t know; I’m indifferent to this question.
- Superior. I’m the best at everything I do, no matter the competition.
- Usually better. I’m confident in myself, but I’m not the best at everything.
- About the same as other people, or sometimes I’m a little worse than other people.
- I’m not sure; I’m indifferent to this question.
- Convince someone to shift things in my favor with a smile or a good lie. I don’t mind manipulating people if it gets me what I want.
- Argue with whoever’s in charge. It’s their fault, not mine.
- Shake it off or walk away. It is what it is. You can’t win every battle.
- I’m not sure; I’m indifferent to this question.
- All of the time! I never think before I act—I just do what I want.
- It depends. Sometimes I can be really impulsive, and other times, I try to think before I act.
- No. I like to think through my actions.
- I’m not sure; I’m indifferent to this question.
- Stir the pot. What’s a friend group without a little bit of drama?
- Tell made-up stories for fun. If I have to lie to get their attention, so be it.
- Keep the peace. I help my friends make amends.
- I don’t know; I’m indifferent to this question.
- Yes. I know I have an aggressive personality.
- Sometimes. I can be hostile, but only when I’m really upset.
- Not at all! I’m a calm person.
- I’m not sure; I’m indifferent to this question.
- Nope. If they’re bothered by what I say or do, that’s their problem.
- Maybe. If they’re being petty, that’s on them. But if I made a mistake, I guess that’s on me.
- Yes. The last thing I’d ever want to do is hurt them (even if it’s by accident).
- I’m not sure; I’m indifferent to this question.
- Irritating. I hate listening to authority figures.
- Silly. Does anyone really listen to the rules these days?
- Order. I respect authority. Rules are in place for a reason.
- I don’t know; I’m indifferent to this question.
- Chaotic. I never seem to have a peaceful moment. I’m always scheming or fighting with someone.
- A little dramatic. Looking back, drama tends to follow me everywhere
- Calm. I usually stick to a routine and prioritize relaxation.
- I’m not sure; I’m indifferent to this question.
- Myself, duh. I’m what’s most important. Everything else can burn.
- My work. I can’t achieve my goals without my laptop or creative project.
- My family members. I have to make sure they're safe.
- I’m not sure; I’m indifferent to this question.
- Pull up the answers on my phone. What? The way I see it, cheating is resourceful.
- Peek at a classmate’s answers, but only when I get stumped.
- Do my best to answer the questions on my own. The last thing I’d do is cheat.
- I don’t know; I’m indifferent to this question.
- I can do whatever I want, as long as I come out on top.
- If someone is foolish enough to be tricked, they probably had it coming.
- Anything is possible if you’re fair and kind.
- I’m not sure; I’m indifferent to this question.
More Quizzes
To be clear, these behaviors are very normal, so if you relate to this result\u2019s description, you\u2019re not alone. Most people exhibit some of these tendencies\u2014it\u2019s only considered an issue in extreme cases (and based on your results, that\u2019s definitely not the case for you!). Still, you might be curious to learn more about why you behave the way you do.
Tendencies like this can be a result of genetics, trauma, or difficult circumstances\u2014so in other words, it\u2019s likely that they aren\u2019t your fault. Your manipulative nature and lack of remorse may be your mind\u2019s way of protecting itself from perceived danger. Plus, with a little hard work and intentionality, you can 100% become a more empathetic, caring person if that\u2019s your goal. Check out these guides below to get started.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Show-Empathy"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-an-Empathetic-Friend"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Show Empathy","id":698460,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Show-Empathy","image":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Avoid-Conversation-on-Public-Transportation-Step-20.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Avoid-Conversation-on-Public-Transportation-Step-20.jpg","alt":"How to Show Empathy"},{"title":"How to Be an Empathetic Friend","id":1124245,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-an-Empathetic-Friend","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Be-an-Empathetic-Friend-Step-12.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Be-an-Empathetic-Friend-Step-12.jpg","alt":"How to Be an Empathetic Friend"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""},{"number":3,"text":"You may be struggling with antisocial personality disorder.","meaning":"Before we dive in, we want to remind you: this result is not an official diagnosis. If the description below feels like it fits you and you\u2019re worried that you might have antisocial personality disorder, you should absolutely speak to a doctor to get answers. And if the results don\u2019t sound like you, then you should definitely feel free to ignore them.
Based on your answers, it seems very likely that you have sociopathic tendencies. You likely struggle to be sensitive and have a hard time respecting others (especially those in roles of authority). It\u2019s probably very easy for you to lie and cheat, even if it means putting others down for your own gain. Consequences likely have little meaning to you, even if it means putting yourself or others in harm's way. In your mind, the only responsibilities that matter are the ones that help you achieve your goals. People might call you selfish, controlling, or manipulative because of this. You may not know why you act this way\u2014it\u2019s just always come naturally to you.
If this result resonates with you, then you should know that this behavior may not actually be your fault. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) can be a result of genetics, trauma, or difficult circumstances. ASPD might be your mind\u2019s way of protecting itself from danger. You\u2019re also not alone in this\u2014studies suggest that ~6% of adults might have ASPD, and treating sociopathic tendencies is possible with ongoing therapy and\/or medications. Reach out to a doctor or therapist for help. They\u2019ll be able to give you the proper care and treatment so you can be the best version of yourself possible.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Spot-a-Sociopath"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Lack-of-Empathy-Signs"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Spot a Sociopath: Identifying Traits & Signs of Antisocial Personality Disorder","id":661719,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Spot-a-Sociopath","image":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Spot-a-Sociopath-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Spot-a-Sociopath-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Spot a Sociopath: Identifying Traits & Signs of Antisocial Personality Disorder"},{"title":"Lack of Empathy: What It Looks Like and How to Improve It","id":13897352,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Lack-of-Empathy-Signs","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Lack-of-Empathy-Signs-Step-30.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Lack-of-Empathy-Signs-Step-30.jpg","alt":"Lack of Empathy: What It Looks Like and How to Improve It"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""}]" class="quiz_results_data"/>
What Is a Sociopath?
Sociopath is a non-clinical term used to describe those with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health condition that can cause manipulative, deceitful, and exploitative behavior. Those with this condition or sociopathic tendencies are more prone to break the law, lie, and cheat. For these individuals, it’s easy to ignore consequences and disrespect authority because they feel no remorse or guilt.
Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder:
- Ignoring right and wrong
- Reckless and impulsive behavior
- Using wit and flattery to manipulate for personal gain
- Telling lies to take advantage of others
- Hostility, aggression, and violence
- Disrespect and lack of empathy and remorse
- Being irresponsible and failing to fulfill responsibilities
- Having a sense of superiority
Causes: The specific cause of ASPD is unknown; however, psychologists believe that sociopathic tendencies are the result or combination of genetics, childhood trauma, or traumatic life situations. For instance, if a child is neglected or abused, ASPD may develop as a protective mechanism.
Treatment: ASPD was once thought to be a lifelong disorder, but today’s modern clinical practices have made it possible to overcome sociopathic tendencies. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that has been proven to help manage and treat ASPD and antisocial behavior. Medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, can also help manage ASPD symptoms and treat aggression.
Want to learn more?
For more information about antisocial personality disorder, check out these resources:
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Any medically related content, whether User Content or otherwise found on the Service, is not intended to be medical advice or instructions for medical diagnosis or treatment, and no physician-patient or psychotherapist-patient relationship is, or is intended to be, created.