I dont think he is. Would love to know from an expert, in regards to how they would Diagnose Don.
share[deleted]
Well, I'm no expert on sociopathy, but have read a bit about it. There's a book called "The Sociopath Next Door" that's quite informative and entertaining, too. I think that the fact that Don shows remorse at times would show that he is not. He felt guilty about how his commanding officer died and, in fact, that he had taken his identity. He also showed remorse over the suicide of his brother, Adam.
maggimae83
I agree he is capable of having empathy- I am not an expert but I do deal with a lot of very high level criminal/bad people around the world and he fits the behavior of someone with low integrity and who is very quickly willing to give over to using others to his own end and easily rationalizes/minimizes his actions to suit his needs.
Leaves a path of destruction behind him and is easily distracted from the empathy. In other words he'll feel bad until something comes along and shifts focus. He actually kind of bugs me for multiple reasons big one is as I said in another post he looks like my dad to the point it is hard to avoid seeing it as my dad doing that stuff.
anyhow- interesting to see how many folks like him-
Is your dad by any chance single?
shareNo expert but I've read up on sociopathy... Since he does seem to feel both empathy at times as well as regret, but otherwise fits the profile, my guess is he would probably be closer to a narcissist.
shareDefinitely fits the description of every good-looking guy I've ever met: self-absorbed, laid back, everything he says sounds scripted, no personality, a player, runs away from problems.
shareI agree with the other posters who said Don was not a sociopath because he demonstrated empathy for others at times and he had a conscience because a lot of stuff bothered him (his adultery, taking the dog tags, his brother's suicide, etc). He learned to cope with his conflicts by saying to himself and others: "move forward" or "this never happened" but deep down he knew about everything and suffered a lot of guilt and pain.
sharePeople can have Sociopathic Tendencies without being actually diagnosable as a legitimate Sociopath. I am infatuated with one of these types of people. They tend to be extremely charismatic, in addition to physically handsome or pretty. They seem to always know how to charm and use their wit to get their way. One may stop me there and say- wait- you're just describing a cunning person, possibly a bit manipulative, Risey. But no, this is far different.
They are the above mentioned, to an extreme. And usually these people tend to have a darkness to them; a mysteriousness that makes them all the more attractive. These people can still appear to feel remorse at times, but rarely. They don't outwardly project their guilt or darkness. Only with those they feel are someone they can let it out with- or on. They can at times be abusive, either verbally and/or physically to people they are romantically tied to. They usually keep their darkness hidden very well behind a good sense of dress, grooming, being well spoken.
I've read so much regarding this because I had a feeling the man I was infatuated with had Sociopathic Tendencies. Essentially Don, to a T.
And the subject of my infatuation as well. Very odd.
I find this topic extremely interesting particularly because what separates Don and the man I know from being actual Sociopaths, is their ability to still feel that twinge of guilt every once in a while. Or a grain of sympathy/empathy.
I also find it deeply fascinating because of how "normal" or even upstanding these people come off to their family, friends. To reiterate, it is usually saved for people they have sexual relationships with, because they also do tend to be hypersexual people in addition to everything else I mentioned.
So no, in my personal opinion, Don is not an actual Sociopath. But he did definitely seem to have Sociopathic Tendencies.
And no, I'm sure OP didn't expect any experts or doctors on here. But there are intelligent, well-read people such as myself happy to throw in their opinion. Go figure.
I'm still in school so I'm definitely no expert. I have considered a career in clinical and research work in sociopathy. (I'm moving away from it though because I'm not sure I want to invite that kind of thing into my life on a daily basis. It can get pretty heavy.)
I don't think Don is a sociopath. His actions that have been illegal, immoral, or reckless seem to be governed by reasons other than those with sociopathy. It's important to keep that in mind when reading the diagnostic criteria. At first glance, Don may seem to meet them, but he really doesn't:
A. There is 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:share
(1) failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest
(2) deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
(3) impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
(4) irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults
(5) reckless disregard for safety of self or others
(6) consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations
(7) 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.