The words psychopath and sociopath are overused terms in popular culture but do not actually hold any ground in the field of psychiatry. The broad scientific term for the type of behavior that is usually being descried by people using these terms is a personality disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, personality disorders are, “enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior” that deviate from socially acceptable behavior patterns in one’s culture. These “different” behaviors can be observed in children even when they are babies, so a timely meeting with a psychiatrist may help you and your children lead a harmonious life if early concerns are noted.
The scientific term ‘personality disorder’ does not intend to make anyone seem like they are dysfunctional. It just helps a doctor narrow down a diagnosis based on a set of identifiable symptoms.
If you feel your child is displaying behaviors that differ from the norm and give you concern, then you might want to see a professional to ensure they are not distressed or traumatized by an event in their life so far. Meanwhile, you can take this ‘Is my child a psychopath?’ quiz to get some clarity on your concerns.
1. How does your child feel during their birthday celebrations?
A. Irritated
B. Excited
C. They just go with the flow
D. They seem happy
E. Too anxious
2. How is your child doing in school or college?
A. Consistently performing their best
B. They could do better with more effort
C. Their grades are falling
D. They have started performing poorly
E. They top all exams
3. Does your child suffer from stage fright?
A. It is not too bad
B. Yes, in a very extreme way
C. They feel unwell before a public presentation and try to get out of it
D. They love the stage
E. It is getting worse over the years
4. Have you ever compared your child to other children in front of him/her?
A. Yes, I do it often
B. Sometimes
C. I only do it for their good
D. Not really
E. Maybe, once in a blue moon
5. How often do you scold your child?
A. Sometimes, whenever it is needed
B. I do not get aggressive with kids
C. I do not get aggressive with kids
D. Rarely, whenever I lose control
E. Rarely, whenever I lose control
F. Quite often
. Quite often
. That is how our day starts
. That is how our day starts
6. What’s the first thing that your child says when asked to get dressed for a social gathering?
A. “I don’t want to go.”
B. “Please, don’t ask me to socialize.”
C. “Why do we have to go?”
D. “How long are we going to be there?”
E. “What should I wear?”
7. Does your child get bullied a lot?
A. Yes, they do
B. No, they don’t
C. Not a lot, but I am concerned
D. Yes, it’s maddening
E. Excessively
8. Is your child eating more or less than before?
A. Yes, their appetite is shrinking
B. No, they are eating fine
C. They have started eating a lot
D. I have seen just a slight change in their diet
E. They are eating fine, just exercising more than they should
9. Is your child skipping/cutting his or her classes at school?
A. Yes, the teachers are complaining
B. No, they don’t miss a class
C. It is getting more often than usual
D. Not really
E. I think they are
10. Do you fight in front of your children?
A. Sadly, we do
B. No, but we can get really loud
C. Sometimes
D. We argue, but we don’t yell
E. Rarely
