Sociopaths, or those with antisocial personality disorder, exhibit a persistent pattern of disregard for others and violation of people’s rights. As they age, sociopaths may experience some changes in their behavior and relationships, though core personality traits tend to be stable over time. Here’s an overview of what can happen as a sociopath grows older.
Do sociopathic traits diminish with age?
In general, the defining characteristics of sociopathy do not diminish significantly with age. These include:
- Lack of empathy and remorse
- Impulsiveness and recklessness
- Manipulation and deceit
- Irresponsibility and rule-breaking
- Hostility and aggression
Studies following diagnosed sociopaths over time find that these traits persist from adolescence through older adulthood, though some mellowing may occur. For example, physical aggression may decline with age as sociopaths gain better control over impulses. However, the core tendency to disregard others’ rights and welfare remains.
How do interpersonal relationships change?
As sociopaths age, relationships often become more shallow and distant. Reasons for this include:
- A history of exploiting people leads to distrust and lack of close friendships.
- Manipulative behavior results in broken relationships.
- Lack of empathy makes it hard to form emotional bonds.
- Impulsiveness and irresponsibility cause chaos in relationships.
Sociopaths may marry and have children, but have trouble maintaining intimacy and closeness. Spouses often report feeling betrayed, lied to, and manipulated. Sociopathic parents are more likely to neglect or emotionally abuse children. Still, some sociopaths are able to form close bonds with family members who are exceptionally tolerant and forgiving.
Are there changes in sociopathic behavior?
Some research indicates that antisocial behavior may change as sociopaths age, though personality traits stay quite stable. Possible changes include:
- Criminal activity declines – Less impulsiveness and aggression may lead to fewer violent crimes.
- Short-term relationships – Promiscuity and multiple shallow relationships are common across adulthood.
- Focus on achievement – Some sociopaths succeed professionally by ruthlessness, charm, and deception.
- Reduced boredom seeking – Thrill-seeking behavior may decline as energy levels drop.
However, core sociopathic tendencies like lying, underhandedness, and lack of remorse persist. Without treatment, manipulation and exploitation continue, though may be exhibited in more socially acceptable ways.
What about mental health?
Sociopaths seem to experience relatively good mental health despite their disorder. Some research notes:
- They don’t perceive themselves as having problems.
- They report high self-esteem, well-being, and life satisfaction.
- They seem unaffected by conditions that cause distress in others.
However, substance abuse issues are more common among sociopaths, possibly reflecting impulsiveness and boredom. Seeking treatment for mental health is very rare, though some are forced into treatment by courts or family.
Can sociopaths lead normal, successful lives?
It’s possible, though unusual, for sociopaths to have relatively stable careers and family lives as they age. Reasons include:
- Some learn to mimic normal emotions and behaviors even without feeling them.
- Using charm or intimidation helps manipulate others into compliance.
- Professional success is sought through ruthlessness, deception, and exploitation.
However, relationships are often dysfunctional. Manipulation, lies, and recklessness typically cause problems. Unethical or illegal behavior also complicates life. Overall, living a well-adjusted, fulfilling life is the exception, not the norm for sociopaths.
Conclusion
In summary, sociopathic personality traits generally persist from youth well into older age, leading to ongoing dysfunctional relationships and antisocial behavior. Some mellowing of aggression and impulsiveness may occur, but lack of empathy, remorse, and manipulation continue unabated without treatment interventions. While leading an outwardly normal life is possible, the sociopathic personality causes inner discord and relationship turmoil that becomes increasingly difficult to manage over time.