Huh, I didn't actually know that sociopathy was excluded by the DSM. You learn something new every day! Regardless, my apologies for using it in the generic 'this character is so bad' summary I see so often. ... And now I'm going to be reading psychology papers for the rest of the day again.
It was replaced with a more clearly-defined Anti-Social/Dissocial Personality Disorder in the fourth-edition DSM and tenth-edition ICD, defined as “pervasive pattern of disregard for, or violation of, the rights of others. There may be an impoverished moral sense or conscience and a history of crime, legal problems, and impulsive and aggressive behavior.”
Individuals must fit the following attributes to be considered for a diagnosis of ASPD:
A) A pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, occurring since age 15 years, 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;
deception, as indicated by repeatedly 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 physical fights or assaults;
reckless disregard for safety of self or others;
consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations;
lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.
B) The individual is at least age 18 years.
C) There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years.
D) The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or a manic episode.
