Psychopath or sociopath are overused terms in popular culture but do not hold any ground in the field of psychiatry. The broad scientific term for this type of behavior 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. rnThese “different” behaviors can be observed in children even when they are babies. And a timely meeting with a psychiatrist will help you and your children lead a harmonious life. The scientific term ‘personality disorder’ does not intend to make anyone seem like they are dysfunctional. It just helps a doctor narrow down the diagnosis. So, if you feel your child is displaying any different behaviors than are optimal, then you could see a professional make sure that 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 figure out your next step.
1. 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
2. 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 think there is just a slight harmless change in their diet
E. They are eating fine, just exercising more than they should
3. Is your child bunking classes?
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
4. 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
5. 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
6. How is your child doing in school or college?
A. Consistently well
B. They top all exams
C. They always do their best
D. Their grades are falling
E. They have started performing poorly
7. How bad is your child’s stage fear?
A. It is optimum
B. Too bad
C. They feel unwell before a public presentation
D. They love the stage
E. It is getting worse
8. Have you ever compared your child to other children?
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
9. How often do you scold them?
A. Sometimes, whenever it is needed
B. I do not get aggressive with kids
C. Rarely, whenever I lose control
D. Quite often
E. That is how our day starts
10. 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?”
