Sociopathic Behavior in Children

With the number of juvenile crimes on the rise, parents are now increasingly concerned about the sociopathic behavior exhibited in children. Most of them have a vague idea about the concept, typically ascribing them to defiance and aggressiveness in children. So is sociopathic behavior in children just related to these defiant, aggressive tendencies or is it something more than that? Well, for understanding this difficult psychiatric condition and their symptoms, it is essential that we understand the concept of sociopathic behavior.

Sociopathic behavior are a result of personality disorders. They are characterized by the complete disregard and the violation of rules and the societal norms. Most sociopaths display personality traits which conflict with authority and include an excessive appraisal of his or her self worth. So you would find sociopaths who are extremely self-confidant, intelligent, charismatic and persuasive of others as well as themselves. Although this condition is usually diagnosed in adults, children can also demonstrate certain sociopathic tendencies.

Signs of Sociopathic Behavior in Children

Although the sociopathic tendencies in children might be similar to the ones observed in adults, there are certain behaviors which are increasingly observed in children. For example you might observe sociopath traits like stealing from another person or cruelty towards other children and animals in children. While some of the symptoms might just be a normal part of the growing up process, certain behaviors however, do indicate an antisocial personality disorder or sociopathy. In fact, psychiatrists believe that many people who are diagnosed with this psychiatric disorder may exhibit the signs during childhood itself. The sociopathic symptoms in children include:

• Consistent bedwetting after the age of five
• Pyromania
• Cruelty to animals
• Compulsive lying
• Stealing
• Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them
• Hyperactivity
• Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults
• Reckless disregard for safety of self or others
• Lack of remorse and indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another
• Learning disorder
• Problems with retaining peer relationships
• Speech problems
• Manipulation
• Vandalism
• Dislike and anger towards authority

Causes of Sociopathic Behavior in Children

The causes of antisocial behavior in children may range from abnormal development of the nervous system to certain genetic factors. Here are a list of causes for the development of sociopathic tendencies in children.

Hereditary Basis: Sometimes children may inherit the sociopathic behavioral symptoms from the parents. Research has shown that children who have are adopted and have sociopathic biological parents can display the characteristics of this psychological illness.

Physiological Basis: Researchers believe that abnormalities in the development of the nervous system may result in learning disorders, hyperactivity and persistent bedwetting. In addition to this research, certain brain imaging studies have found that abnormal brain functioning may result in sociopathic behavior in children. While the serotonin (neurotransmitter) has been linked with impulsive and aggressive behavior, the prefrontal cortex and the temporal lobes in the brain help regulate mood and behavior. A dis-functional or abnormality in serotonin levels in these brain regions may result in antisocial behavior in children.

Environmental Basis: The home environment or alcoholic parents may also contribute to the child developing these tendencies. Inappropriate disciplinary techniques or inadequate emotional bonding with the parents can also result in children displaying sociopathic behavior. At times the death of a parent, accident or other traumatic events can trigger of the sociopathic tendencies.

Treatment for Sociopathic Behavior

A commonly asked question is can sociopathy in children be cured? Although it can be quite difficult and may need a lot of time and patience, research shows there are a number of effective treatments for this disorder. It is often observed that parents of sociopathic children tend to avoid or dislike them. However, parental support and constant adult supervision is extremely important for building a bond of trust and companionship with the child. Along with this the most effective interventions tend to be the impulse control counseling sessions along with other psychotherapy measures that teaches sociopathic children the skills that can be used to live within the rules and limits of society. In certain cases medications may be needed. Read more on treatment for sociopath.

Know more about:

• Sociopath Characteristics
• How to Deal with a Sociopath

It is important that sociopathic behavior in children be remedied with the help of parenting and professional help. So in case you observe any such behavioral characteristics in your 10 year old, do seek psychiatric help as soon as possible.